- Dr Waqo boasts more than 25 years of experience in health policy formulation and implementation, both at national and international levels.
- A medical doctor specialising in Malaria treatment, he was until his appointment heading the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Diseases programme at the Ministry of Health.
Image: HANDOUT
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Board of Directors has appointed Dr Dulacha Ejersa Waqo as the new chief operating officer.
Waqo replaces Dr Andrew Mulwa who has been serving in an acting capacity since May, 2023.
A letter of appointment by board chairman Irungu Nyakera indicates that Dr Waqo has been appointed on a four-year term effective July 23, 2024.
“You will be expected to sign a detailed contract of employment which will soon be availed to you. Therefore, you are cordially requested to attend a handover ceremony on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 9.30am at the KEMSA headquarters in Embakasi,” the letter reads.
“The Board takes this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment for the position and to wish a very successful tenure,” Nyakara said.
The letter indicated that interviews fro the position were conducted on June 28, 2024 after the application closed on June 11, 2024.
Dr Andrew Mulwa was one of those who had been shortlisted for interviews.
Kemsa is a state-owned corporation under the Ministry of Health mandated with the procurement, storage and distribution of medical supplies and commodities to public health facilities.
Candidates were expected to demonstrate competence in strategy and corporate planning, financial management, asset and fund management, commercial awareness, health and product knowledge, supply chain management and demand forecasting and planning.
They were also required to have competence in the warehousing and distribution of medical supplies, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, program management, diplomacy, strategic communication and ICT competency skills.
Dr Waqo boasts more than 25 years of experience in health policy formulation and implementation, both at national and international levels.
He has held several key positions within the Ministry of Health.
A medical doctor specialising in Malaria treatment, he was until his appointment heading the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Diseases programme at the Ministry of Health.
While there, he led national efforts to combat the diseases and securing donor funds.
“Regarding my contribution to Malaria Elimination; I have been recognized both locally and internationally for contributing to Malaria elimination programs through policy formulation and enactment as well as developing national health strategic plans and health policy frameworks” Waqo states in his CV.
While serving as Head of Department of Non-Communicable Diseases Programmes, Waqo chaired the interagency coordinating committee, oversaw policy development and strategic planning to mitigate the effects of NCDs.
He was awarded the Order of Grand Warrior of Kenya in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public health.
Dr Waqo is also credited for contributing to community health systems strengthening and capacity building.
He has also trained and mentored numerous health professionals and enhanced their skills and knowledge all geared towards improving public health outcomes.
Dr Waqo holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne.
He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Strategic Planning from Edinburgh Business School, further enhancing his strategic leadership capabilities.
In 2022, Dr Waqo vied for the Saku parliamentary seat in the race won by Dido Ali Raso.