Board Composition and Performance of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract: Kenya Medical Supplies Authority has struggled to establish a clear framework for contract administration, affecting order delivery both internally and externally. Challenges in standardization and specification development due to conflicting user interests have caused delays in the tendering process. The study objective was to determine the effect of board composition on performance of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority in Nairobi City County, Kenya.The study variables were anchored on Agency Theory and Resource Dependency Theory. The target population consisted of stakeholders from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, with 36 respondents drawn from various categories. Due to the small number of respondents, a census approach was adopted for the study.Primary data was collected using a likert questionnaire. The study established that board composition at KEMSA is a good governance measure which ensures good decision making and strategic planning since it comes with diverse skills and experience. They believed independent directors were necessary to bring objectivity and to avoid conflicts of interest. Having board members who have healthcare experience helped the board to handle sector specific challenges. The Ministry of Health and the Public Service Commission should enforce policies promoting diverse and well-structured boards in health sector state corporations.