Dr Patrick Amoth was among the designated survivors following a major shake-up at Afya House announced on Wednesday, April 19.
Amoth was earmarked to continue as the Acting Director General of Health from a position he has held since 2019
This was according to changes made by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha in the State Departments for Medical Services and Public Health and Professional Standards.
Amoth missed confirmation as Director General of Health despite Nakhumicha making such a promise on October 31, 2022.
When she took over the health docket, Nakhumicha promised to confirm Amoth and other top officials who were working in an acting capacity.
“When I look around the room, I can see that many of you here are in an acting capacity. This is something I am going to address soon,” she promised back then.
Despite serving in the position in an acting capacity since 2019, Amoth was forced to apply for the position in June 2022 after Public Service Commission (PSC) advertised for the position.
Amoth was instrumental in ensuring Kenya circumnavigated the pandemic making sure it did not cripple the health sector.
Due to his astute leadership and technical know-how, World Health Organisation (WHO) appointed him as President of the WHO Executive Board based in Geneva, Switzerland in June 2021.
Wednesday, April 19, reshuffle by CS Nakhumicha also saw a raft of other changes in the Ministry of Health.
Other appointees to act in acting capacity include; Zainab Gura (Deputy Director General for Medical Services), Andrew Mulwa (Directorate of Family Health Head), Edward Serem (Reproductive Health and Maternal Care) and Annette Karimi (Newborn and Child Health).
Others include; Christine Wambugu (Adolescent and School Health), Rose Wafula (HIV/STI), Ephantus Maree (Non-Communicable Diseases Control), Rose Jalang'o (Immunization), Dorcas Kiptui (Tobacco Control), Maureen Kimani (Community Health Services), and Muthoni Gichu (Palliative and Aged Care).
