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County debt to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) amounts to about 2.3 billion shillings.
Nairobi County has the highest debt at Sh235 million, followed by Narok with Sh 104 million. The amount due is for drugs and other medical supplies.
Kemsa's chief executive, Jonah Mwangi, said that they had had discussions with the counties, who showed a willingness to pay. The agency has developed a payment plan for each county.
Dr. Mwangi said Nairobi County paid 52 million shillings last week and pledged to pay 30 million shillings a month. "Some counties have committed to paying the amounts once they receive money from the treasury," he said.
Nairobi County Health Minister Hitan Majevdia said he would ensure repayment of the debt. "The balance has been planned in the next budget and we are not ready.
We are waiting for the approval of the National Treasury.We will pay in small pieces because we have other areas to take care of. "said Majevdia.
However, Dr. Mwangi warned that if counties do not settle debts on time, it will affect operations and cause a shortage of drugs. "We are also procuring once they pay, but if they do not pay where will we get money to buy more drugs? I encourage counties to to limit their product budgets to ensure timely payments to Kemsa. "
Kemsa has an agreement with the counties that requires decentralized governments to make payments within 45 days of delivery. He said that they normally suspend the accounts of those who are not in good books with the agency.
Kitui, Mandera, Makueni, Nyandarua, Embu and Laikipia were listed as the highest paying counties.
"We have seen a positive trend in these counties, they are buying more products than any other county, and we are going to maintain the relationship with the counties for the success of the universal health coverage plan," said Dr. Mwangi. Nation Tuesday.
Chairman of the Health Committee of the Board of Governors Mohammed Kuti attributed the delay of the suppliers
"The Treasury money is supposed to arrive every month, so that we can take care of our suppliers, our salaries and other costs. But in the first six months of the fiscal year, very few came from the Treasury, "said Dr. Kuti.
