The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has endorsed Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa's nomination as Cabinet Secretary for Health.

Mlongo is among 11 Cabinet Secretary nominees announced by President William Ruto on Friday, a week after dismissing his entire Cabinet.

Six were re-appointed, including Kithure Kindiki (interior), Aden Duale (Defence), Davis Chirchir (Transport), Alice Wahome (Land), Soipan Tuya (Environment), and Rebecca Miano, who was poised to be the first woman Attorney General in Kenya.

Speaking to the media, KEMSA board Chairperson Irunu Nyakera stated that Mlongo’s appointment will enable the Authority to achieve its mandate.

 “We look forward to working with Dr Deborah Mlongo to achieve our organisational mandate of providing cost-effective supply chain solutions as the backbone of healthcare services in Kenya through last-mile delivery to more than 15,000 health facilities countrywide.”

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Nyakera highlighted Dr. Barasa’s proven leadership skills and goal-oriented approach, emphasizing her dedication to offering comprehensive and quality care through consultancy, leadership, and capacity building.

 “She has taken on Kenya’s critical assignments in the health sector, including addressing outbreak-prone infections,” Nyakera said.

He further noted that KEMSA looks forward to working with Barasa to achieve the organization’s mandate of providing cost-effective supply chain solutions as the backbone of healthcare services in Kenya, ensuring last-mile delivery to more than 15,000 health facilities nationwide.

“KEMSA is vital in procuring, warehousing, and distributing health commodities to public health facilities and programmes in support of the achievement of Universal Health Coverage.”

Dr. Barasa, an infectious disease expert with over 18 years of experience in the healthcare industry, is also an Internal Medicine physician and infectious disease expert at the World Health Organization.

She has been instrumental in establishing sustainable programs in Eastern and Southern Africa, supporting member states in developing and implementing national action plans, and offering technical guidance on global policies and guidelines.