Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha has said that if it were up to her, she would have given acting Health Director General Patrick Amoth the job he has held in acting position for over five years.
However, the health CS explained that her hands were tied by the law, and the position had to be advertised. Otherwise, she would have given him the job when she assumed office.
According to her, Amoth is the best candidate for the job because of his experience adding that he was free to apply for the position if he was interested.
Further, Nakhumicha reiterated her confidence in the acting DG saying that he could emerge as the top candidate unless he fumbles during the interviews.
“The advert does not exclude him. He can apply. I have confidence given the experience he has; he should emerge as the best. Unless he fumbles during the interviews.
“I wanted to confirm him the day I landed in office, but my hands are tied by the law,” she said.
Also Read: Patrick Amoth’s 5-Year Director General Job Readvertised After Petition
Nakhumicha Explains Why the Job had not Been Advertised
According to the CS, although other medical practitioners wanted the position to be opened up for various types of medics to apply, it was not possible because the law had stipulated specific qualifications.
However, the matter had been resolved allowing the Public Service Commission (PSC) to readvertise the position and open it up to more interested candidates.
“The issue around that position has been what was put in the act. There is a danger of putting in place a law reinforcing it for certain carders of certain people anytime public service advertised for that position, because the act says that it has to be a medical officer.
“The nurses, clinical officers, nutritionists and other medical personnel are saying that they can make good director generals as well. Now that post has been opened up and now the others can apply,” she explained.
Amoth has held the position in Acting capacity since 2019.
The successful candidate shall be vetted by Parliament before appointment by the Cabinet Secretary for Health.
Also Read: PSC Announces 775 Job Vacancies; How to Apply
Allowances for the Position
The basic salary for the position is between Ksh292,765 to Ksh576,120 ever month.
According to PSC, this excludes allowances including a Ksh100,000 entertainment allowance, Ksh100,000 extraneous allowance, Ksh100,000 house allowance.
Also, the successful candidate will receive a Ksh15,600 domestic staff allowance and a medical allowance as provided in the Civil Service Medical Scheme.
Earlier on Tuesday, March 19, the Public Service Commission has readvertised the Director General for Health position held by Patrick Amoth in the Ministry of Health for the second time, asking those who had previously applied to submit fresh applications.
An earlier vacancy announcement had been made on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 calling on interested persons to apply through the Commission website: www.publicservice.
