The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority supplied Marsabit County’s public health system with medical commodities valued at about Ksh 16.2 million, and the county referral hospital recorded an 89 percent order‑fill rate.

The shipment contains essential medicines, non‑pharmaceutical items and specialised products such as renal‑care supplies, intended to broaden access to health services across the county.

County executive Committee Member for Health Services Malicha Boru said the 89 percent fill rate is the highest ever recorded by the referral hospital, overtaking a previous peak of 79 percent noted in March for county facilities.

Boru noted that the consignment also includes sufficient anti‑snake venom, addressing earlier concerns about its availability.

The county is working with KEMSA to ensure that other health facilities – the Level Four hospitals in Moyale, Sololo, Kalacha and Laisamis, together with health centres and dispensaries – receive their allocated supplies.

Ahead of the expected El Nino rains, officials are pre‑positioning supplies in remote locations where poor road conditions could impede distribution.

Public health teams have been deployed to raise community awareness on disease prevention and hygiene, and mosquito nets have been handed out in malaria‑prone areas such as Laisamis, Moyale, Golbo and North Horr.

Boru highlighted increased pressure on Moyale health services after more than 40,000 Ethiopian refugees arrived, noting that over 30 Ethiopian mothers have delivered at Moyale Sub‑County Referral Hospital.

He appealed to humanitarian agencies, including IOM, Kenya Red Cross, UN bodies and UNICEF, to strengthen support for healthcare delivery to the displaced population.

Four suspected measles cases were reported in a Moyale refugee camp, prompting surveillance teams to collect samples for laboratory testing; the cases remain unconfirmed.

Marsabit County Referral Hospital CEO Kusu Abduba welcomed the delivery, urging residents to register with the Social Health Authority to improve access, and warned that illegal sale or diversion of medicines will be prosecuted.

The new supplies are expected to boost the availability of essential medicines, strengthen overall healthcare provision and enhance the county’s readiness for the upcoming rainy season.