Roots Party's presidential running mate, Justina Wamae, has declined President Ruto's appointment to the health task force.
In a statement on X, she thanked President Ruto for recognizing her strength, competence, and talent but stated that she could not accept the invitation due to maternity leave.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer given that I'm currently on maternity leave and this development would affect my ability to work effectively at this time," Wamae wrote on X.
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Wamae was appointed to the 18-member task force, which would be led by Prof. Khama Rogo and Judith Guserwa as Vice Chairperson.
She was appointed to the 18-member task force as Vice Chairperson by Prof. Khama Rogo and Judith Guserwa.
The task force members include Acting Ministry of Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth and Kenya Medical Practitioners and Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah.
Dr. John Masasabi, Dr. Toseef Din, Dr. Wilson Aruasa, Doreen Rhoda Kanyua, Prof. Francis Wafula, Dr. Habiba Mohamed, Lucy Mburu, Collins Kiprono, Victor Miseda, Christine Okoth, Carolyne Mage, Jacinta Rwamba, Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe, Dr. Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, and Benard Ondeng Otieno Choi have also been appointed to the taskforce.
In a gazette notification dated July 5, 2024, President Ruto designated two joint secretaries to the task force: Dr. Edna Tallam-Kimaiyo and Morris Kaburu.
The task force will be assigned to identify the legal, policy, administrative, and operational restrictions hindering the performance of Kenya's health sector in terms of human resources for health.
Their terms of reference also include reviewing and recommending improvements to the performance of Human Resources for Health (HRH) in Kenya and advising on the framework for hiring 20,000 healthcare workers to bridge the gap based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations of 23 medical personnel per 10,000 people.
