Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has assured Kenyans that she will protect the Universal Health Coverage fund.
The health CS, while speaking during an interview with a local media house declared her firm commitment to be on the watch, saying she is a police officer’s child.
The CS was responding to a query by the radio host on the concern of Kenyans on the UHC being a swindle and a possibility of money disappearing just like other funds that witnessed corruption.
“Mimi kama Waziri mimi ni mtoto wa askari nitahakikisha mambo inaenda vile inastahili,” said Nakhumicha.
The statement loosely translates to, as a cabinet secretary and a police officer’s child I will ensure things happen as they should.
Contrary to her statement, and according to research by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission the Kenyan police scored an 82.1 percent corruption rate.
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The survey by EACC found, perhaps not surprisingly, that by far the police ‘service’ is the most corrupt government agency.
Hence gaining the infamous title of the most corrupt institution in Kenya.
In addition, the health CS assured Kenyans that she will keep a close eye in the fund and that no money will be lost as she watches.
“There is no money that will get lost while I watch, unless they steal when I close my eyes which I am not anytime now,” said Nakhumicha.
Further Nakhumicha noted she will go after any individual that will dare try swindling the UHC funds.
Moreover, President Wiliam Ruto during the 60th Mashujaa day assured Kenyans of safety of the UHC fund.
CS Nakhumicha Orders Transfer of Police
The fierce CS who has been on fire recently ordered a transfer of Matisi ,Trans Nzoia OCS terming the act as “one government approach.”
Nakhumicha ordered the transfer of the officer while speaking during the burial ceremony of a popular bouncer who was killed in Kitale during protests.
Also Read: Skilled Health Workforce Key In Delivery Of UHC, President Kenyatta Says
In addition, the CS at that time noted that she has the power to transfer an OCS in her capacity as a Cabinet Secretary and as a representative of the President.
On the other part, Nahkumicha reaffirmed that her instructions were final, adding that she was only to notify the Interior Cabinet Secretary about the matter.
Universal Health Coverage Plan
Nonetheless, the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program was rolled out on 20th October 2023 in Kericho County.
The UHC program, which is anchored on three laws enacted is expected to provide a framework in medical funds.
However, the rollout by President William Ruto attracted a mixture of jubilation and skepticism.
This arose from the failure of UHC to take off after the launch of its pilot phase that had been launched by the former president Uhuru Kenyatta in Nyeri, Isiolo, Kisumu and Machakos counties in 2018.
According to President Ruto, every Kenyan will be covered by a special social insurance fund card that they will present for treatment whenever visiting health facilities.
The Primary health care plan UHC which the CS says is the heart of Primary Healthcare, is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a strategy that will ensure healthcare is delivered in a way that is centered on people’s needs and respects their preferences.
