Doctors criticize Uhuru on health nominee

Ally Jamah

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Kenya Medical Association (KMA), which brings together medical doctors have faulted President Uhuru Kenyatta's cabinet secretary nominee for health saying he should have picked somebody from the Health background.

Speaking today, the Doctors said that it was unfortunate for the President to by-pass a large number of qualified health professionals who can execute the job and go for an "outsider"

They called on the President to give Mr. Macharia another docket and appoint a "suitable person".

"We have nothing against the President's nominee and we greatly respect his professional qualifications, but he has absolutely no work experience in the health sector," said KMA chairperson Dr. Elly Nyaim.

KMA's Eldoret Branch Chair Dr Lukoye Atwoli said the position needs a person with deep knowledge and understanding of the health sector to be able to advise the president accordingly.

They indicated that they will be writing to the vetting committee of parliament to express their concerns on the matter in the hope that an appropriate nominee is appointed.

The health sector continues to suffer since senior people with proven experience and track record are ignored when it comes to appointments to senior positions"

They dismissed suggestion that the position can be held by anyone with good management skills and experience insisting that a person with a medical background and management skills would be a big plus.