Strengthening County Health Supply Chains Through Technology and Collaboration

Strengthening County Health Supply Chains Through Technology and Collaboration

Building resilient health supply chains at the county level requires more than just systems—it calls for strong collaboration, continuous learning, and the effective use of technology to enhance efficiency and accountability. A recent engagement with Isiolo and Nakuru Counties highlights how these elements can come together to drive meaningful change in public procurement and healthcare delivery.

Advancing Procurement Through e-GP Training

In May, procurement teams from Isiolo and Nakuru Counties participated in a comprehensive training on the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP). The sessions provided a practical, end-to-end understanding of the procurement cycle, covering key stages such as annual procurement planning, requisition, tendering, award, and contract signing.

Beyond technical training, the engagement created a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and peer learning. Participants shared experiences, discussed ongoing system challenges, and explored best practices aimed at improving procurement processes. This collaborative approach not only strengthened individual capacity but also contributed to building a more cohesive and efficient county procurement system.

The Role of Technology in Strengthening Health Systems

A key highlight of the training was the emphasis on technology as a critical enabler of efficient procurement. Maurine Shivachi, Procurement Expert at HPA, underscored the importance of the e-GP system in streamlining procurement processes—particularly during planning, sourcing, and contract management stages.

The adoption of digital procurement systems such as e-GP plays a vital role in ensuring that essential health commodities are sourced and delivered in a timely and efficient manner. This directly impacts the availability of medical supplies at healthcare facilities, reducing stockouts and supporting uninterrupted service delivery. Ultimately, such improvements contribute to better quality of care and improved patient outcomes.

Leadership and the Shift Toward Digital Transformation

The importance of embracing technology was further reinforced by the Nakuru Supply Chain Director, who opened the session with a call to action. She emphasized that technology is no longer optional but a necessity for growth, transparency, and progress. By adopting systems like e-GP, counties can significantly enhance accountability, efficiency, and transparency in public spending—critical factors in strengthening public trust and governance.

A Shared Commitment to Resilient Health Supply Chains

Insights from both Isiolo and Nakuru Counties reaffirm a shared commitment to building resilient, efficient, and equitable health supply chains. Through continued collaboration and investment in technology, counties are better positioned to ensure that health systems effectively serve their communities.

As counties continue to embrace digital transformation and strengthen procurement practices, the ultimate beneficiaries will be the people—gaining reliable access to essential medical supplies and improved healthcare services.