KENYA – Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced key appointments to govern newly inaugurated national healthcare bodies namely the Nursing Council of Kenya Board, National Cancer Institute of Kenya Board and National Committee on Infant and Young Child Feeding Board.
Kagwe named Professor Eunice Ndirangu as chair of the Nursing Council of Kenya Board, Ednah Kimaiyo Tallam as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Judith Awinja, Pauline Ngala, Michael Nyongesa, Tecla Ngotie, Catherine Mwaura, Albanus Mutisya, Eric Kemboi and Dr. Joel Gondi as board members.
Mutahi Kagwe revealed that the Nursing Council of Kenya Board is the only professional regulatory body for all cadres of nursing and midwives in Kenya, noting that it is tasked with ensuring the delivery of safe and effective nursing and midwifery care to the public through quality education and best practices
In addition, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya Board was inaugurated in recognition of the need for a more coordinated health sector response to the growing cancer burden in Kenya and it is mandated to ensure that systems are in place for cancer prevention as well as harmonizing cancer care delivery.
Members of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya Board include Dr. Gitahi Githinji as the board’s chairperson, Dr. Alfred Karagu as the authority’s CEO, Dr. Ochiba Lukandu, Catherine Wachira, Agnes Kalekye, Francisca Atieno, Mahindra Shah, Kenrick Ayot, Mildred Mugambi, Dr. Samuel Gathere and Patrick Gathagu.
Over the past few years, we have seen the reputation of government institutions dragged in the mud due to the misconduct of a few officials . I urge you to appraise yourselves with the provisions of the Mwongozo code and respect the separation of power between the management and the board. Let the management do its work while you play your oversight role
The Health Cabinet Secretary challenged the newly launched healthcare boards to work in harmony towards realization of the government’s health agenda, observing that unity among the various government actors was critical in the quest to improve health outcomes in the country.
Meanwhile, Acting Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth will chair the newly inaugurated National Committee on Infant and Young Child Feeding Board while Veronica Kirogo will be the committee’s Secretary.
Others key appointments to the National Committee on Infant and Young Child Feeding Board include Peter Mutua, Priscilla Kairu, Evalyne Gicheru, Gladys Machira, Dr. Brian Maugo, Dr. David Okeyo, Samuel Nyamu, Martha Nyagaya, Julia Mwaisekanyi, Prof. Ruth Nduati and Shadrack Oiye.
According to the Ministry of Health, the Committee on infant and young child feeding was established in line with provisions of the breast milk substitutes Act which requires the Cabinet Secretary to establish a National Committee on Infant and Young Child Feeding.
Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe explained that the National Committee on Infant and Young Child Feeding will provide rules for the advertisement, promotion and labelling of designated or complementary food products including infant and young children’s food as defined by the Act.
“Health is a fundamental right and an enabler of socio-economic development with President Kenyatta having identified Universal Health Coverage as a key priority for the Country in line with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added.
Mutahi Kagwe reaffirmed that the government remains committed to delivering the highest possible standard of health in a manner responsive to the needs of the citizenry while directing members of the various health boards to stay true to their mission and observe integrity in their undertakings.
Liked this article? Sign up to receive our regular email newsletters, focused on Africa and World’s healthcare industry, directly into your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE
