Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir has made headlines with the appointment of former Belgian Senator Marleen Temmerman as the Chairperson of the Board for Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH).
This decision, announced in a gazette notice on Friday, September 27, 2024, positions Temmerman to spearhead improvements at one of Kenya’s largest public hospitals. Her tenure will last for three years, ending on September 20, 2027.
Temmerman, an acclaimed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Aga Khan University in Nairobi, boasts a remarkable career marked by her leadership roles in reproductive health. Her previous experience includes serving as Director of the Department of Reproductive Health and Research at the World Health Organisation, where she led critical initiatives to enhance global health standards.
Her credentials are further bolstered by her role as the UNESCO Chair on Youth Leadership in Science, Health, Gender, and Education, showcasing her commitment to advancing health education.
Under her stewardship, Coast General Hospital, which has a capacity of 700 beds, will be tasked with addressing a myriad of challenges highlighted in a report by the US Agency for International Development.
These issues range from poor service quality to long waiting times, which have hampered patient care. Temmerman's expertise will be pivotal in transforming these critical areas to enhance patient experiences and operational efficiency.
The appointment also reflects a broader strategy by Governor Nassir to revitalise health services in Mombasa. Alongside Temmerman, former deputy governor aspirant Selina Maitha has been appointed to the Board of Mombasa Water and Sewerage Company (MOWASCO) for three years. Maitha previously ran for deputy governor in the 2022 elections, indicating a concerted effort to involve experienced individuals in crucial leadership roles.
Temmerman’s impressive background, which includes over 500 publications on women's health, equips her with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of healthcare governance. Her connections to international health networks and her extensive experience in policy advocacy will likely influence the hospital’s direction and service delivery.
Her academic accolades are complemented by her practical experience in leadership roles that span continents, from Belgium to Kenya. Temmerman's track record of working closely with governments and development agencies will be crucial in fostering partnerships that can bring additional resources and expertise to the hospital.
The decision to appoint such a high-profile international figure to a local board signals Mombasa's ambition to elevate its health standards. It remains to be seen how quickly these changes will manifest, but the local community will be closely monitoring the impact of these strategic appointments.
