Charlene Ruto, daughter to President William Ruto was on Thursday named Kenya Blood Ambassador by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
Her appointment has drawn mixed reactions from Kenyans who sought to find out what the role entails.
She was also trending on X.
“What role is this? What's her job description?” one X user, Stella Murithi wrote.
According to Red Cross Society, a blood ambassador is a volunteer who interacts with blood donors by greeting, registering, answering inquiries, giving information, and assisting them with their recovery.
They offer customer service to improve the experience of being a blood donor.
They encourage blood donation and lay the groundwork for a sustained commitment to frequent blood donations.
A letter dated December 14, 2023, addressed to Charlene, Nakhumicha said, “The MoH recognizes and appreciates your selfless contribution to Kenya through your consistent blood donation, advocacy, educating and mobilising your family members, community, peers and the general Kenyan citizens to engage in blood donations.”
“The letter is to appoint you as Kenya Blood Ambassador and to ask that: you continue to be a spokesperson to your friends, Kenyan Youth family, peers, and Kenyan citizens,” she added.
The Ministry of Health congratulated Charlene for her new role through their X platform saying; “Blood donation is a lifeline for many, providing critical support in emergencies and medical treatments. We commend Charlene Ruto for her appointment as the Kenya Blood Ambassador by the Cabinet Secretary for Health.
"Her consistent efforts in advocating, educating, and mobilizing communities to engage in blood donations are inspiring. Charlene's selfless contribution aligns with our mission to strengthen healthcare systems.”
Kenyans however, continue to question her appointment to the role, asking for the ministry to appoint Mama Mboga to the position.
“Out of 51 plus million Kenyans, the only qualified blood ambassador is Charlene, You even created a job post that never was. Why don't the government do so to so many unemployed graduates,” Odiso Paul wrote.
“We expected Mama Mboga to be appointed to such positions, but here we are,” Miss Rono said.
