The National Assembly has appointed Patrick Omwanda Amoth as the new Health Director-General after serving in acting capacity since January 2020.

The appointment follows a favorable recommendation from the National Assembly and Senate Health Committees.

Amoth demonstrated extensive knowledge and experience essential for leading the committees to affirm that he meets all statutory and constitutional requirements necessary for the position.

During the approval process, Robert Pukose, chair of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, highlighted Amoth’s qualifications and compliance with relevant legal provisions.

“The Committees having considered the suitability, competence, experience and integrity of Dr. Amoth following the approval process, and taking into account its observations and findings, and pursuant to the Provisions of the Constitution, Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, (Cap. 7 F), the Health Act (Cap.241) the National Assembly Standing Orders and the Senate Standing Orders, recommend that Parliament approves the nomination of Dr. Patrick Omwanda Amoth, EBS for appointment as the Director General for Health under Section 16 of the Health Act, (Cap. 241),’ said Pukose.

Did you read this?

  1. Amoth Defends Move To Reduce Salaries For Medical Interns
  2. Government Launches Polio Vaccination Drive Targeting 7.4M Children
  3. Ministry Of Health Launches Vaginal Rings in HIV Prevention Campaign

“The Committees observed further that the nominee satisfactorily responded to the issues raised in the memorandum that had been received.”

 Majority Party Whip Silvanus Osoro emphasized Amoth’s critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting his efforts to educate the public on safety measures.

He lamented that despite his significant contributions during such a challenging time, Amoth had remained in an acting role until now.

“He was still serving in an acting role. Many Kenyans wondered how someone as qualified as he was could serve in an acting capacity for so many years. I do not understand why it has taken six years for people to recognize that he needed to be appointed to the position substantively,” Osoro said.

The new DG has over 30 years of experience in health systems management, reproductive health, and public health at the community, country, regional, and global levels.