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PSA Joins Kenyan Integrated Pharmaceutical and Supply Chain Assistance Activity

23rd October 2024

PSA is excited to announce its involvement in the Integrated Pharmaceutical and Supply Chain Technical Assistance (KIPS) Activity, a task order under the NextGen Comprehensive TA (CompTA) IDIQ, led by DAI.

The KIPS Activity ensures sustainable access to and appropriate use of quality-assured, affordable health commodities and supplies in Kenya. This initiative focuses on developing a resilient and advanced supply chain system, complemented by robust pharmaceutical regulatory systems and services, to support both U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-procured and nationally sourced health commodities.

Despite significant advancements, the Government of Kenya and its institutions continue to grapple with persistent technical challenges that impede the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain and pharmaceutical systems. These challenges include a shortage of skilled personnel, weak accountability and governance mechanisms, inadequate technology, poor commodity storage conditions, low forecasting capacity and accuracy, and outdated processes at sub-county and facility levels. Additionally, systemic limitations in communication and coordination among various actors further exacerbate these issues, resulting in negative outcomes for Kenyan citizens and healthcare providers who rely on essential commodities, supplies, and care.

The consortium aims to introduce innovative approaches and methodologies in collaboration with government counterparts, partners, and other stakeholders at both national and county levels. The goal is to collectively identify, refine, and scale sustainable solutions developed by local supply chain and pharmaceutical professionals across Kenya.

Adopting a patient-centred systems approach, KIPS fosters a problem-solving culture that encourages continuous performance improvement among key public and private stakeholders and across all supply chain functions.

Pam Steele, PSA’s founder and CEO, stated: “We are honored to partner with DAI and CompTA on the KIPS Activity, which perfectly aligns with PSA’s mission to build resilient health systems. By combining our expertise in supply chain optimization, data management, and service delivery with DAI’s extensive development experience, we can greatly enhance Kenyans’ access to essential medicines. As a Kenyan, I’m proud to contribute to strengthening our health system and ensuring more responsive healthcare for my fellow citizens.”

The Government of Kenya has made noteworthy progress in enhancing the country’s supply chain and pharmaceutical systems, including improvements in logistics, financing, and institutional capacities with support from past and ongoing donor programs. However, the aforementioned technical challenges and systemic limitations continue to hinder progress. The KIPS Activity is specifically designed to address these ongoing challenges, ensuring developing a more effective and cohesive supply chain system that benefits all Kenyans.

About PSA

PSA is an African woman-owned niche management consultancy organization dedicated to transforming health supply chain systems and ensuring equitable access to essential health services. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, PSA works to build resilient supply chains and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare across diverse communities.