The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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President William Ruto has praised former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and her successor, Deborah Barasa, for their exceptional contributions to the Health ministry.
The President described their work as “wonderful,” acknowledging their efforts in improving the healthcare sector.
Nakhumicha served as Health CS until June of the previous year, when Ruto reshuffled his Cabinet amid the wave of Gen Z-led protests over the controversial passage of the Finance Bill, 2024.
During the reshuffle, the President made sweeping changes, removing several officials, including Nakhumicha, while keeping Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The new Cabinet featured a broader range of leaders, including members from the opposition ODM party, to foster unity.
Barasa was appointed as the new Health CS to continue the work in the sector. Since taking office in 2024, she has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund, which was launched in October 2024.
Speaking at the funeral of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chair Wafula Chebukati in Kiminini, Ruto expressed his gratitude to both Nakhumicha and Barasa for their contributions, noting that their efforts have supported his vision for universal healthcare.
Ruto emphasized the importance of an inclusive healthcare system, highlighting the government’s progress in addressing challenges like medicine shortages and ensuring hospitals are equipped with necessary resources.
The President also underscored that providing accessible, high-quality healthcare is not only a manifesto promise but also a constitutional obligation, stressing that the new healthcare system aims to serve all Kenyans, regardless of their employment or financial status.
