Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha officially hands the health ministry to the new Health CS, Deborah Mulongo.
The handover ceremony was held at Afya House, where Nakhumicha reflected on her tenure and the various reforms implemented within Kenya's health sector.
Nakhumicha highlighted several vital achievements during her speech, including introducing Community Health Promoters (CHPs). Under her leadership, over 100,000 professionals were trained to provide primary medical care nationwide.
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She expressed pride in these accomplishments, emphasizing that she was leaving the Ministry of Health (MoH) with her head held high due to the successful training and equipping of 107,000 CHPs.
Nakhumicha also addressed the significant changes made within the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), an organization previously plagued by procurement fraud. She noted that her administration had overseen the establishment of a new board and governance structure, resulting in increased stock availability and improved operations.
Another milestone she cited was the operationalization of the Kenya BioVax Institute, established in 2021, which became fully functional during her tenure. However, she admitted that not all goals were met, expressing regret over the doctors' strike during her office, which she described as a low point for the ministry.
As she passed the baton, Nakhumicha advised her successor, Deborah Mulongo, to adhere to constitutional provisions, existing laws, and ministry policies to ensure a successful tenure.
Mulongo acknowledged Nakhumicha’s accomplishments, vowing to build upon the foundations laid. She encouraged the public to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) before its launch on October 1, 2024, emphasizing the importance of avoiding last-minute rushes.
