Two Parliament committees have raised concern that donor partners are engaging in practices that make Kenya’s health sector dependent on their support.
National Assembly Health Committee and Senate Standing Committee on Health allege that these agencies have developed a habit of creating algorithms designed to advance their interests at the expense of the Kenyan people.
Members of the two committees said Kenya’s health sector has become dependent on their support for financing programmes related to HIV/AIDS, malaria, and vaccine procurement.
They spoke during the approval hearing of the nominee for the Director General of Health position Patrick Amoth.
“We faced many challenges with procurement, particularly concerning items like cancer medications and malaria mosquito nets. In your opinion, what steps should we take to become independent and ensure that our cooperation with these agencies does not lead to the development of an algorithm designed to advance their interests at the expense of our people?” Narok Senator Ledama Olekina posed.
“Is there a plan to make the country self-reliant in matters related to procurement of vaccines, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and support for TB programmes,” Ndhiwa MP Martin Peters Owino asked.
In his response, Amoth stated that the Ministry of Health has begun developing a sustainability plan to give Kenya greater leverage in managing and running its programmes.
He stated that the country can finance all programmes currently funded by donors through the national budget within the next five years.
“Sometimes it's tough, especially when you're in a situation where this type of support is only available from a specific partner. These are the conditions and the price you sometimes have to pay for being part of the underdeveloped world,” he said.
“Moving forward, your support is crucial not only to this Ministry but to the entire country. We need to plan strategically for health as a nation. Only then can we begin to discuss true independence,” he added.
Endebess MP Robert Pukose, who chairs the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, sought to know from Amoth what his plans would be once he is approved and confirmed as Director General of Health.
“What is the one thing you will do once approved by Parliament and confirmed by the Cabinet Secretary of Health?” Pukose asked.
Amoth, who has been acting as the Director General for Health in the Ministry of Health for the past four years pledged to address the longstanding human resource conflicts affecting various departments within the Ministry of Health, including resolving issues related to industrial strikes and the posting of medical interns.