Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has challenged government institutions to work in harmony towards realization of the government health agenda.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the board of directors for nursing council of Kenya, Kenya nuclear regulatory authority, National cancer institute of Kenya & the National Committee on Infant & Young Child Feeding, Kagwe called for unity among the government actors.
“At the end of the day, it’s about our people. It’s not just an arrangement but about our brothers and sisters. Sometimes we don’t put that into perspective,” observed the health CS.
Kagwe said the government remains committed to deliver the highest possible standard of health in a manner responsive to the needs of the citizenry and directed the members of the various boards to stay true to their mission and observe integrity in their undertakings.
“Over the past few years, we have seen the reputation of GOV 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 & respect the separation of power between management & the board.”
According to the health CS, Health is a fundamental right & an enabler of socio-economic development with President Kenyatta having identified UHC as a key priority for the Country in line with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Nursing Council of Kenya board, to be chaired by Prof. Eunice Ndirangu, is the only professional regulatory body for all cadres of nursing & midwives & is tasked with ensuring the delivery of safe & effective nursing & midwifery care, to the public, thru quality education & best practices.
Other members are; Judith Awinja, Pauline Ngala, Michael Nyongesa, Tecla Ngotie, Catherine Mwaura, Albanus Mutisya, Eric Kemboi and Dr. Joel Gondi. Ednah Kimaiyo Tallam is the council’s chief executive officer.
The Kenya nuclear regulatory authority, is the national regulatory authority for radiation protection, nuclear security and nuclear safeguards.
It is tasked with regulating the peaceful use of ionizing radiation; ensure protection of occupationally exposed workers, patients undergoing medical radiation procedures, members of the public and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
Dr. George Njoroge is the acting Director General at the authority. Dr. Zeinab Gura, Samuel Gitau, Dr. Titus Ingana, Col. Charity Njuguna, Kakai Kissinger, Pauline Moranga, Dr. Margare Mwonjoria and Micheal Lavi Muia are members of the board.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya board, which was established in recognition of the need for a more coordinated health sector response to the growing cancer burden in Kenya, will be expected to play a critical role in ensuring that systems are in place for prevention.
The board will be chaired by Dr. Gitahi Githinji with Dr. Alfred Karagu as the Chief Executive officer. Other members are Dr. Ochiba Lukandu, Catherine Wachira, Agnes Kalekye, Francisca Atieno, Mahindra Shah, Kenrick Ayot, Mildred Mugambi, Dr. Samuel Gathere and Patrick Gathagu.
The Committee on infant and young child feeding was established in line with provisions of the breast milk substitutes Act which requires the CS to establish a National Committee on Infant and Young Child Feeding and provides rules for the advertisement, promotion and labelling.
The committee will be chaired by Ag. DG for health Dr. Patrick Amoth while Veronica Kirogo will be the Secretary.
Other members of the the Committee on infant and young child feeding are 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.
