Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), a faith-based medical supplier in Kenya, has unveiled a new commercial subsidiary, MEDS Devane Company Limited (MDCL), aimed at extending its supply chain services to the country's private healthcare sector. The launch took place on September 29, 2026, during MEDS' 40th anniversary celebrations in Nairobi. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presided over the event, which included the launch of the MEDS-Strathmore Supply Chain Academy.
MDCL is set to begin operations on November 1, 2026, targeting private hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, laboratories, corporates, and distributors across Kenya. The company will supply a broad range of health products, including medicines, medical consumables, diagnostics, laboratory products, infection prevention solutions, orthopaedic implants, and specialized equipment. All products will be backed by traceable supply-chain systems, ensuring accountability and quality.
The new company is named after the late Rev. Sr. Joan Devane, the American medical missionary and pharmacist who founded MEDS in 1986. MDCL Board Chair Rt. Rev. Benard Owuor stated that the company was created to address a clear gap in the market, providing a commercially responsive partner for private healthcare providers. He emphasized that MDCL aims to understand the urgency, complexity, and responsibility of healthcare delivery.
Over the past four decades, MEDS has grown significantly, stocking over 2,000 health products and serving facilities across all 47 counties in Kenya. The organization has reached more than 10,000 clients and has supported quality assurance in over 46 countries through its WHO-prequalified Quality Control Laboratory. This laboratory has played a crucial role in ensuring the quality of health products in the region.
Health CS Aden Duale commended MEDS for its commitment to quality assurance, highlighting its WHO prequalification since 2009, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. He also noted the critical role of faith-based health facilities in Kenya's universal health coverage agenda, with 876 facilities holding active contracts with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
MEDS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wycliffe Nandama emphasized that MDCL is purpose-built around the needs of private providers, focusing on quality products, reliable service, and meaningful partnerships. The anniversary celebration, held under the theme "Celebrating 40 Years of Life Saving Health Solutions; Legacy. Impact. Posterity," brought together representatives from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), government officials, suppliers, and staff.
The launch of MDCL marks a significant milestone for MEDS as it expands its services to the private healthcare sector. With its initial focus on the Kenyan market, the company plans to expand into selected East African countries in the long term. This strategic move aims to enhance the availability of quality health products and services in the region, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes.
Key points
- MEDS launches commercial arm MDCL to supply private healthcare sector with essential health products.
- MDCL to begin operations on November 1, 2026, targeting private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across Kenya.
- The new company aims to address a clear gap in the market, providing a commercially responsive partner for private healthcare providers.
