KEMSA awarded for innovative health systems

In a competition with two other finalists from Ethiopia and Nigeria, KEMSA’s dual entries were recognized for advancements in health supply chain solutions.

i-LMIS was lauded for its transformative impact on improving commodity security, enhancing the accuracy of forecasting and optimizing demand planning while the Smart Net Distribution project was celebrated for improving access to life-saving malaria prevention through Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs).

Through the smart distribution system – Digital LEAP, KEMSA successfully distributed 15.3 million treated mosquito nets across 22 counties, reaching over 5 million households in malaria-endemic regions. 

Developed by a team of KEMSA ICT experts, led by a Senior Programs Officers Mr. Dennis Ndwiga and Mr. Martin Mwenda, the i-LMIS system comprises three key components: The Commodity Early Warning and Alert System (CEWAS), the Allocation System, and the electronic Proof of Delivery (e-POD) application.

CEWAS is a predictive analytics tool uses early warning indicators, dashboards, and alerts to prevent wastage and stockouts. 

The i-LMIS system ensures that commodity stocks are monitored in real-time, helping to forecast optimal stock levels and reducing the likelihood of shortages.

The system also enhances visibility across the supply chain, ensuring that stakeholders can track commodity distribution and funding flows, which promotes greater accountability.

Its allocation Ssystem ensures health commodities are distributed efficiently based on actual consumption patterns.

Dr. Waqo Ejersa, CEO of KEMSA, emphasized the unique contribution of i-LMIS to global health supply chain management. 

“KEMSA has invested heavily in developing systems that ensure optimal forecasting and demand planning for health commodities. This enhances transparency, visibility, and accountability at every level of the supply chain,” Dr. Ejersa said.

Originally piloted in the Family Planning Program with support from UNFPA, the system has since expanded to cover a wide range of health programs, including HIV, TB, Malaria, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Oncology, Nutrition, Tracer, and Ophthalmology. With support from key global partners such as UNFPA, the Global Fund, FCDO, USAID-PMI, Path International, the Fred Hollows Foundation, UNICEF, CHAI and African Institute for Health and Development (AIHD). 

i-LMIS is now operational across all 47 counties in Kenya, making a significant impact on the country's health commodity security.

Dr. Ejersa also highlighted that the i-LMIS system plays a critical role in tracking donor and government funding commitments, issuing alerts to prevent stockouts. 

He said the systems have proved effective in managing the distribution of malaria prevention tools and family planning products, setting a model that can be replicated in other countries.