Former Water Cabinet Secretary (CS) Sicily Kariuki who served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, May 10 detailed the challenges she faced after being bumped up to Health CS.
In an interview on Inooro TV, the former CS noted that she previously served as the Principal Secretary (PS) of agriculture where she was on the ground for most of the time.
However, as the Health CS, she noted that at first she was domiciled at the office.
"When I moved to the health docket, it took me a while to adjust. The health sector is devolved as some departments were under the county government," she explained.
According to her, the devolution aspect was a disconnect she was not used to in her previous appointments.
Furthermore, the CS explained that despite being involved in the ministry, most of the time she was in the office.
"During my time serving under Uhuru, all the dockets were different but I would state health was more challenging since it had devolved functions," she added.
However, as the health CS, Sicily noted that every Friday she held a meeting with the staff and brainstormed ways to improve healthcare as well as offered advice.
In 2020, Kariuki handed over the docket to Mutahi Kagwe and took up the Ministry of Water following a reshuffle by Uhuru.
She was elated after being picked to serve as the water and sanitation CS since it meant she would be on the ground.
"I went back to what made me happy, interacting with the people at the grassroots level," she stated.
The former CS detailed that she was involved in serving the people and offering pro-bono services to needy Kenyans.
"As women who served in the last cabinet, we all have initiatives to help children, especially girls. I expect that the youth I mentor will train those behind them," she stated.
She further emphasised that the goal was to nurture a new cohort of young female leaders in the country adding that all they needed was guidance and mentors.
