New health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has committed to the full implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) while promising to eliminate fraudsters who he says are derailing the government agenda of prioritizing health for all.
Speaking when he took over the health docket, Duale said he has the full backing of President William Ruto in making sure the health docket works for the betterment of all, lauding the foundation set by his predecessors CSs Susan Nakhumicha and Deborah Barasa.
According to Duale, there have been individuals and institutions that were benefiting under the defunct NHIF that are derailing the uptake of the Social Health Authority and Insurance, noting that he is a bulldozer who will clear the way off anyone trying to slow down the government agenda.
Duale has also committed to working with unions to find amicable solutions that will take them off the streets and into boardrooms where he believes issues must be solved.
The new CS asked for support from Kenyans, assuring them that the president’s pet project would work to solve the myriads of issues that have also led a majority to hold harambees to cater for healthcare.
Separately, former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Justin Muturi, has officially handed over the docket to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
In a statement, Muturi expressed his gratitude to the staff at the Ministry of Public Service for their support and contributions during his tenure.
“I sincerely appreciate everyone in the Ministry who supported and contributed to our efforts in strengthening public service. It was an honor to serve,” Muturi stated.
President William Ruto dismissed Muturi on March 26, following a fallout over the abduction of his son by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) in June 2023.
In a dispatch released by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Wednesday, the President nominated Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku to take over the Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes docket.
Ruku’s appointment is subject to parliamentary approval.
Muturi’s sacking marked the peak of a fallout with President William Ruto after sustained tensions over rising abductions which the former Attorney General has blamed on government.
On March 12, Muturi dismissed calls for his resignation, insisting there was no valid reason for him to step down despite his refusal to attend Cabinet meetings.
