The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) has endorsed the nomination of Deborah Barasa to the position of health cabinet secretary.
Kemsa board chair Irungu Nyakera in a statement on Saturday described Barasa as an astute professional with over 15 years of experience as a medical doctor.
Nyakera said she has proven leadership skills and is goal-oriented, seeking to offer comprehensive, quality care through consultancy, leadership, and capacity building.
"She has taken on Kenya’s critical assignments in the health sector, including addressing outbreak prone infections," Nyakera said.
"We look forward to working with Barasa to achieve our organisational mandate of providing cost-effective supply chain solutions as the backbone of healthcare services in Kenya through last-mile delivery to more than 15,000 health facilities countrywide."
Nyakera said KEMSA is vital in procuring, warehousing, and distributing health commodities to public health facilities and programmes in support of the achievement of Universal Health Coverage.
Barasa was among the 10 CSs nominated on Friday by President William Ruto.
Upon successful vetting and approval by the National Assembly, Barasa will succeed former health CS Susan Nakhumicha.
Barasa is an infectious disease expert and has more than 18 years of experience in the healthcare industry and health programmes, she is an Internal Medicine physician and infectious Disease Expert at the World Health Organization.
The nominee establishes sustainable programmes in Eastern Southern Africa, supports member states in developing and implementing national action plans, and offers technical guidance on global policies and guidelines.
On Friday, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said they are hopeful she will sort out the disputes surrounding doctor interns.
Atellah added that the union is ready and willing to offer their expertise for her success.
