President William Ruto, on Monday, May 15, terminated the appointment of Josephine Mburu, Principal Secretary, State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards.
In a statement, Ruto dismissed Mburu after receiving briefs on the complaints of alleged impropriety within the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
Her firing raised questions, with some dragging Peter Tum, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, into the saga. Upon appointment, Tum was designated to handle KEMSA, and Mburu was charged with handling medical services policies, medical research and Pharmacy and Medicines Control.
What CS Nakhumicha Said After Mburu Was Fired
Explaining the firing of PS Mburu on Monday, May 15, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha indicated that the PS was an accounting officer in the ministry. She added that any PS is expected to interact with the ministry and raise the alarm in case of inconsistencies.
However, CS Nakhumicha did not directly reveal how the PS was involved in the mosquito net procuring scandal.
"Specifically, I wouldn't tell whether she was involved or not, but you know, as Principal Secretaries, they are the accounting officers of the ministry, so it is expected in their day to day they are expected to interact with institutions when it comes to such matters," Nakhumicha stated.
Nakhumicha added that she advised the President before the decision was made.
Mburu's Past involvement in the distribution of Mosquito Nets
Before PS Mburu was fired, she was directly involved in various government functions regarding the supply of mosquito nets.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 19, Mburu announced plans by the Ministry of Health to distribute 18.3 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in 28 targeted counties in 2024.
Mburu argued that the move aimed to ensure households in malaria-risk areas have one net for every two household members, ultimately contributing towards reducing the burden of malaria in the country.
"The Ministry will also continue to provide prompt malaria diagnosis and treatment through microscopy and the use of quality-assured malaria rapid diagnostic test kits and medicines throughout all public and faith-based health facilities," she stated.
"This year’s World Malaria Day theme, ‘Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement’ underscores the urgent need for action and further investment to achieve zero malaria illness and mortalities," she added.
On Wednesday, May 10, reports indicated that Mburu extended the re-submission of tender documents to KEMSA involving the procurement of mosquito nets in a global company deal.
By the time of this publication, PS Mburu had not issued a statement regarding her appointment termination.
