Mombasa County has placed an extra order for medicines to cope with growing demand at its public hospitals, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said during the handover of a refurbished medicine store at Port Reitz Sub‑County Hospital.

The county is collaborating with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to ensure timely delivery of the additional supplies, and has also agreed to set up a dedicated facility for storing surplus medicines.

KEMSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Waqo Ejersa highlighted that proper storage is essential to protect medicine quality before they reach patients, noting that the refurbishment addresses previously identified shortcomings.

The upgraded store now features a ceiling, air‑conditioning, repaired racks, reinforced walls, improved doors and windows, as well as a new office and washroom, all aimed at maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

Additional measures include rain‑water harvesting gutters and paved surroundings to minimise pest intrusion and water damage, further safeguarding stored medicines.

Dr Ejersa warned that the physical upgrades must be complemented by reliable temperature monitoring, accurate stock records, regular equipment maintenance and strict adherence to storage protocols.

KEMSA praised Mombasa County’s predictable financing, regular orders and timely payments, describing them as key factors in sustaining medicine supplies to health facilities.

The governor also announced plans to increase staffing at Port Reitz Hospital, citing a need for more doctors to reduce patient‑treatment delays.

Beyond Port Reitz, Mombasa County is expanding its health‑facility network, with proposals for a new Level Four hospital and additional centres in Jomvu, Mjambere, Kisauni and Likoni Bofu to ease pressure on Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The refurbishment was carried out under KEMSA’s corporate‑social‑responsibility programme for the 2025/2026 financial year, and similar upgrades have been supported at hospitals in Kilifi and Kwale counties.

KEMSA confirmed that the Port Reitz store has passed completion checks and is ready for operational handover.