Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has officially sought approval from the National Assembly for the appointment of Dr Patrick Amoth as the Director-General for Health.
After four years of serving in an acting capacity, Dr Amoth is poised to take on the role permanently if approved by both Houses of Parliament.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed receipt of the message from the Health CS on Wednesday. In his address to the House, Wetang'ula highlighted that Nakhumicha is seeking Parliament's endorsement for Dr Amoth's appointment.
“The approval of the appointment of a Director-General for Health requires the consent of both Houses of Parliament,” Wetangula stated.
He noted that the vetting process will be conducted jointly by the Departmental Committee on Health of the National Assembly and the Senate's Health Committee.
This confirmation will conclude a protracted battle for the position, first established in 2017.
Dr Amoth, a seasoned health professional and former chair of the World Health Organisation executive board, is expected to be endorsed without significant opposition.
Dr Patrick Amoth has held the role of Acting Director General for Health since January 2020, succeeding Dr John Masasabi. His leadership was instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing crucial medical guidance.
In a show of unwavering support, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha lauded Dr Amoth last year, affirming, “With his extensive experience, Dr Amoth is the prime candidate for this role.”
The Director-General position, defined by the Health Act of 2017, mandates that only a medical doctor can hold the post. This act outlines that the Director-General must be recruited through a competitive process managed by the Public Service Commission, then vetted by Parliament, and finally appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
Parliamentary committees will conduct joint sittings, adhering to their respective quorums as per the Standing Orders. Decisions will be made through separate votes from each House to ensure balanced representation. The Departmental Committee on Health is tasked with submitting its report by August 13, 2024, for Parliamentary consideration.
If confirmed, Dr Amoth’s appointment would conclude a significant phase in Kenya's health administration. The Director-General position is a renewable five-year term requiring a Master's degree in public health, medicine, or a related field, and at least ten years of experience in health services management, including five years in a senior role.
The stipulation that the Director-General must be a registered medical practitioner with the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board has faced criticism. With over 17 health professions in Kenya, the requirement led to legal challenges from nurses and pharmacists, who deemed it discriminatory.
In 2022, High Court judge Weldon Korir ruled parts of the Health Act unconstitutional, stating that restricting top healthcare roles to specific professionals was unjustified.
Earlier this year, the Public Service Commission re-advertised the Director-General position. In March, CS Nakhumicha noted that this move would provide Dr Amoth the opportunity to officially secure the position.
Throughout his tenure as Acting Director-General, Dr Amoth has served as the technical advisor to the Cabinet Secretary of Health and the Government on all health matters. He has overseen all directorates within the ministry and provided essential guidelines for the registration, licensing, certification, and gazettement of health facilities.
