KBC Channel 1

Author: Maxwell Wasike

  • PS Wang’ombe:We are committed to ending all forms GBV

    PS Wang’ombe:We are committed to ending all forms GBV

    The Principal Secretary, State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action Ann Wang’ombe has reiterated her commitment of exploring various options available in an effort aimed at eradicating Gender Based Violence [GBV] in Kenya.

    Her statement comes a few days after the viral excerpt of a clip showed the man dressed in civilian clothes along Thika Superhighway in a vehicle belonging to the Bybuss Trans was seen dragging the lady
    passenger before loading a slap on her sending her to the ground.

    According to Wang’ombe, subjecting women and girls to GBV is a gross violation of their fundamental human right, which has far reaching consequences on their physical, psychological and emotional well-being and the Government will deploy all possible mechanisms in place to bring this vice to an end.

    “I wish to express my deep concern and condemnation about the incident as both retrogressive and unacceptable to anyone, not necessarily women. As a result of the incident, I have initiated collaboration with ByBuss Sacco owners and relevant law enforcement agents to bring the involved parties to book.The State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action is committed to supporting the elimination of all forms gender-based violence, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups including women and girls.We are also currently in discussions with the Ministry of Transport, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and other pertinent bodies to expedite a thorough investigation into the matter. Ensuring justice is served and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences of violence against women are top priorities for the ministry” she said in a statement

    In May this year, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) sought information regarding a matatu whose conductor was captured in a video dragging a passenger out of the vehicle in the presence of a police officer.

    In the video, a female passenger was seen being forcefully pulled out from her seat in the bus by the tout as she pleaded with the latter to let her go.

    In 2020,a Nairobi court found three men who were part of a bus crew guilty of robbery with violence and sexually assaulting a female passenger in a case that had attracted huge public interest

    Bus driver Nicholas Chege Mwangi, his conductor Meshack Mburu Mwangi, and petrol station attendant Edward Ndung’u Kamau were described by Nairobi Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi as senseless and uncouth

    Last week’s Nairobi-Thika Road incident took place within the ongoing global sixteen days of gender activism, a campaign dubbed “Activate Nairobi” where Wang’ombe noted that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are essential to eradicate poverty and build a global society based on sustainable development, social justice and human rights.

    Statistics by The Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW-Kenya) reveals that over 3,762 cases of Gender-Based Violence were reported in 2022. Out of those cases, 2,985 cases of GBV were by women while 777 cases were by men.

    Gender-based violence in Kenya remains a long-standing problem, persisting for years and intensifying vice that includes domestic violence, sexual abuse cases like rape and harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

  • CS Nakhumicha to grace the World AIDS Day in Meru

    CS Nakhumicha to grace the World AIDS Day in Meru

    The Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S. Wafula is on Friday expected to preside over the commemoration of the annual World Aids Day scheduled to take place on December 1 in Meru County.

    The global event as per the World Health Organization (WHO) calendar is themed around “Let Communities Lead”.

    The exercise will take place two days after Kenya marked 20 years of US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief [PEPFAR] in the country following their initiative of saving lives of those suffering from HIV/AIDS through moving from an emergency program to one squarely focused on controlling the epidemic.

    Speaking on Tuesday at the Kenya National Library Services, Nakhumicha underscored commitment by the Government of Kenya to eradicate HIV/AIDS in children by 2027 as pledged under the Global Alliance.

    “The GOK has in the past two years increased its commitment by KES1Billion to stabilize the commodity pipeline so that there are no treatment interruptions. Under Kenya Kwanza administration,we are committed to end AIDS in children by 2027 as part of the Global Alliance. The “Wakati ni Sasa” campaign is a major boost and call for recommitment to regain the lost ground for children” she remarked.

    President William Ruto on his part praised the partnership between Kenya and its partners in taming the scourge which has claimed million of lives worldwide

    “We are highly grateful to our overseas partners for their superb partnership that has changed the fortunes of our nation. Such strong show of solidarity is highly appreciated and we do not take the friendship and support for granted,” noted President Ruto.

    The Head of State argued that Universal Health Coverage [UHC] pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda [BETA] offers a significant opportunity to effectively address the domestic financing gap with respect to HIV.

    “We must work together in creating awareness on the dangers posed by the disease.I call on all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity and make their contribution to a transformed and sustainable national HIV response,” Dr Ruto affirmed

    The focus going forward according to Nakhumicha will be on strengthening, leveraging  and accelerating multi-sector approach to address the triple threat of new HIV infections, pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence facing the youth.

    The ministry will also advocate for inclusion of benefits for vulnerable households of children and women living with HIV within socio-protection, nutritional support and social health insurance frameworks.

    “We will invest in community-led peer to peer models such as mentor mothers and the robust network of Community Health Promoters,” said the CS

    She noted that through partnerships and collaboration, Kenya reduced new HIV infections by 57 per cent and AIDS-related death decreased by 68 per cent over the last 10 years.

    According to statistics, 1.3 million of the 1.4 million people living with HIV receive ARVs from more than 3,000 health facilities in Kenya, including more than 48,000 children and 55,000 breastfeeding mothers.

    In 1988 the global community set aside every December 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day to renew their commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat. In Kenya, the first case was officially recorded 38 years ago. Since then, the Country has lost more than 2 million people to AIDS-related deaths.

  • CS Nakhumicha graces Senator Chesang Super League finals

    CS Nakhumicha graces Senator Chesang Super League finals

    The Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S. Wafula was among the dignitaries that attended Senator Allan Chesang Foundation Super League Finals staged on Saturday afternoon at the Kitale National Polytechnic Institute in Trans-Nzoia County.

    The culmination of the tournament now in its second edition saw hosts Sikhendu FC which emerged winners after an emphatic 1-0 victory against Bwayi FC in a hotly contested and charged game that attracted a hundred of spectators including Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Watangula.

    Speaking after the full time,Nakhumicha lauded Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang for organizing the tournament adding that such initiatives are best platforms for youth passionate about football to showcase their talent and get noticed by relevant stakeholders of the game.

    “Thank you Senator Chesang for sponsoring this great tourney which has brought several teams together across the County. We have seen a beautiful game here with many footballers exhibiting their hidden capabilities.Besides health partnerships where we’ve launched strategic mechanisms aimed at implementation of the Universal Health Coverage, I will also continue working with all the leaders to promote development of talents both here and beyond” she said amid cheers and applause from fans

    Tournament sponsor Chesang on his part reiterated his commitment of bettering the football extravaganza in the future through collaborations with partners of the sport in a bid to raise the standards of the game in the area.

    Health CS Nakhumicha Wafula during award presentation during Senator Allan Chesang Foundation Super League Finals

    Event Chief Guest Wetangula while calling upon lawmakers present to table legislation geared towards advocating for the growth of sports in Kenya further  urged local scouts to exercise fairness while choosing talents to join various teams taking part in Kenyan leagues.

    “What we’ve witnessed here is a manifestation that Kenya is a home of sports potential and I want to appeal to scouts from NSL and KPL as well as lower tier leagues to consider fairness and equity while settling on who features for their respective teams.Personally I’ve been involved in liasing with those at the overseas to pick our budding players who’ve showcased exceptional talent” he noted

    “This initiative, seeks to nurture talents and empower the youth through sports. I commended Senator Chesang for his dedicated efforts in building and nurturing talents in Trans Nzoia County. Each talent in life holds meaning, and Senator Chesang’s commitment is a beacon of inspiration” added Ford Kenya party leader

    Sikhendu FC pocketed Kshs 1M for emerging overall winners in the boys category while runners-up Bwayi FC took home Kshs 500,000.

    In the ladies category, Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national reigning champions Wiyeta Girls received Kshs 300,000 after overcoming second-placed Young Starlets who got Kshs 200,000.

    Others who were present during the game are Senate Speaker Amason Kingi,former Kakamega Senator and UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala,Bungoma Senator David Wakoli,local MPs including Kakai Bisau of Kiminini,Ferdinand Wanyonyi representing Kwanza among others.

  • KMTC Strategic Plan unveiled

    KMTC Strategic Plan unveiled

    The Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S. Wafula has unveiled the Kenya Medical Training College [KMTC) 2023-2028 Strategic Plan during the colourful ceremony held at the Institution headquarters in Nairobi.

    Speaking during the event,the CS emphasized on the need for implementation of the plan which seeks to ensure the College plays its role in realisation of Universal Health Coverage, Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 2030 in line with the health service delivery and ultimately national health outcomes.

    “I note with appreciation that KMTC has been making great strides in the field of health care service delivery. The Strategic Plan which is heavily anchored on the community health approach, is key in the achievement of our country’s Universal Health Coverage goals. The community health approach is the foundation of preventative health care mainly because 70% of the cases attended to by our hospitals are preventable. The plan lays a solid foundation for medical training with a focus on preventive and promotive courses that will empower people on self-care and wellness” she said

    Flanked by various stakeholders in the health sector, Nakhumicha underscored government commitment of supporting the agenda of the institution to establish a robust framework for quality training which is geared towards forming the basis of a strong healthcare system.

    “Iam aware of the strategic role that KMTC  plays in contributing to the achievement of the nation’s development agenda and aspirations. Towards this, the Ministry of Health has harmonized and is implementing several policy reforms and programmes in the health sector. The Government of Kenya is committed to fulfilling its promise to its citizens of providing the highest attainable standards of health. We are committed to ensuring social economic transformation of our country through access to equitable, affordable and high quality healthcare for all” added Nakhumicha;a proud graduand of KMTC

    KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr Kelly Oluoch reiterated the mission by the College to extend strategic collaborations which will play a pivotal role in its growth and development through facilitation of the expansion of current campuses from 65 to 74, with 12 satellites.

    “This Strategic Plan outlines our triple mandate of training, research, and consultancy, all poised for profound impact. We envision “a globally competitive institution for training human resource for health”, setting new standards and leading the way in transformative learning” remarked Oluoch who previously served in an acting capacity after his predecessor Prof. Michael Kiptoo’s term expired in November 2021.

    “Our mission is clear – to develop fit-for-purpose middle-level health professionals through transformative training, cutting-edge research, and impactful consultancy services. We are committed to shaping future healthcare leaders who are not just skilled but compassionate and innovative” part of his statement further disclosed.

    Health Committee Members of Parliament led by Webuye East representative Martin Wanyonyi and his Mwea counterpart Mary Maingi affirmed their support towards actualization of KMTC policies through passage of budget related to the tertiary institution.

    “This is a monumental function for this great academic giant which has played a fundamental role in shaping medical careers of great men and women in this Country. I want to urge my friend Kelly to follow up past unveiling and ensure this plan is executed to the latter.As for us lawmakers and members of health Committee, we’ll do our best in passing proper legislation aimed at helping in the expansion of this unique facility through proper funding and other facilitation ” noted Wanyonyi who became the first person with albinism to be elected through the ballot in Kenya.

    The Plan is aligned to Constitution of Kenya,Vision 2030,the KMTC Act of 1990,Public Health Act Cap 254,Food,Drug and Chemical Substance Act Cap 254,Pharmacy and Poisons Board Act Cap 244,all labour laws,the health sector goals and all other relevant enabling instruments and policies that support the health training of professionals in Kenya.

    Others present during the event that also saw the launch of the book titled ‘Journey to Greatness’ include Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni Muriuki,KMTC Board Chairman Joseah Kiplangat Cheruiyot,Nursing Council of Kenya Registra Dr. Edna Tallam among others.

  • CHPs in Nyandarua County receive smartphones

    CHPs in Nyandarua County receive smartphones

    The Government on Tuesday kickstarted implementation of their pledge of providing smartphones to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in line with its commitment of delivering on the digital health agenda starting from the community level.

    Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula while touring Nyandarua County for inspection of J.M Kariuki Hospital presided over the distribution of mobile gadgets to CHPs to make them reachable and to enable them transmit and receive necessary information, instruction and advice.

    According to the CS,the move is aimed at
    saving Kenyans from the strain of travelling to a health facility for basic screening and the treatment of minor ailments, as well as preventative and promotive healthcare.

    “Digitization of community health systems is important in monitoring progress towards the Universal Health Coverage whose plan has driven the exploration of various innovative approaches to expanding health services to the general population.As promised a few months ago to provide smartphones to all CHPs across the country,we remain committed to see the CHP program succeed, and I will endeavor to continuously interact with these champions in Kenya and to remain focused on their work in helping towards delivery of UHC which our dear President William Ruto launched in Kericho during October’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations” she said.

    In September this year, the country embarked on the road towards the UHC when President Ruto flagged off 100, 000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) at Uhuru Park gardens in Nairobi.

    Each CHP will be responsible for 100 households and will be equipped with modern medical equipment and deployed in communities across the country.

    The Head of State acknowledged the importance of CHPs for the link they provide between the community and formal health facilities, a crucial driver in advancing preventive health thus working towards execution of UHC which remained a piped dream during the previous regimes.

    “The mobile system is a simple and user-friendly health device.Its application will be used to collect real-time accurate household data.My administration has already allocated Kenya shillings 3 billion annually for payment of monthly stipends of our CHPs.And it is my belief that counties will match up this fund so that we can enable these great heroes of our time to help us on the delivery of Community Health at the household level,” noted the President during last month’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Kericho County.

    A total of 100,000 CHPs countrywide have been equipped with kits which will play a vital role in the government’s preventive and promotive health approach that seeks to arrest diseases at community level before they occur.

    A complete health promoter’s kit includes a backpack carrier bag, first aid box, jacket, weighing scale, infrared clinical thermometer and two mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measuring tapes for paediatric and adult use.

    The empowerment of CHPs is geared towards comprehensive reform agenda under the Kenya Kwanza Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims to enhance the health sector.

    According to experts,UHC failed in the past because of lack of proper legislation,limited or no national-county government partnership good will,resource constraints, corruption and mismanagement, infrastructure and human resource gaps, geographic disparities and fragmentation of health services.

  • Githinji crowned champion for Queens Pool Tourney

    Githinji crowned champion for Queens Pool Tourney

    Jackline Githinji from Kasarani Pool Club won the inaugural Queens Pool Tourney hosted by the Redbrick Hotel in Karen.

    Githinji defeated Grace Katinda in an exciting final which ended 5-2 in her favour for her maiden championship win.

    “I have played in so many tournaments and the best position I have ever gotten was 4th. I really don’t know how to react but I am really excited and hoping for great things at the All African 8 ball pool tournament in South Africa”. She said after the win.

    The Queen’s pool tourney which was the first all-women tournament to be held in the country was organized to help raise funds for the national women’s team by Redbrick Hotel based in Karen, in conjunction with the Kenya Pool Billiard Federation.

    This came as a result of several exchanges between the sports ministry and the KPBF after the completion of qualifiers for the all-African championship.

    “We decided to hold a lady’s tournament because this is the first time that we are sending a whole women’s team to any major championship,” Said Mike Kiragu the organizer of the tournament.

    “We have had men’s teams compete before but never a ladies’ team and we felt that it would be unfair for us not to try support them and ensure that we get them there. We are yet to get the funds required with less than a week to go, but our hope is that we will get well-wishers to come in or even the ministry. He added.

    The secretary of the Kenya Pool Billiard Federation Doreen Wandia is optimistic that the Ministry of sports will come through for Team Kenya.

    “We have had some really positive exchanges with the ministry of sports” she said after the queen’s tourney which she played in and came in third. “We have been asked to send an appeal to the ministry and right now we are very hopeful that the ministry will be able to support the 16 players who qualified for the All African Championship”. She added.

    The nation seeks to send a contingent of 16 players; 8 men and 8 women for the continental premier pool table contest to be contested by some of the finest players across Africa

    Over 16 countries are expected to participate in the championships that will be held from October 11th -15th at Montecasino in Johannesburg, South Africa.

  • Nakhumicha:MoH shall support Kenya’s preparations and the staging of AFCON 2027

    Nakhumicha:MoH shall support Kenya’s preparations and the staging of AFCON 2027

    The Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S Wafula has backed East Africa’s Pamoja Bid by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania after winning the rights to host the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

    Nakhumicha, an ardent sporting fan revealed her Ministry will be actively involved in supporting government agenda of preparing and staging prestigious tournament which returns to Eastern Africa after 51 years of waiting.

    “Congratulations to Kenya,Uganda and Tanzania for winning the bid to host the 2027 AFCON.Well done President William Ruto and CS Ababu Namwamba for bringing it home.This being a monumental occasion we’ll work together to make it a success. My Ministry shall fully support preparations and the staging of this prestigious competition” she wrote.

    On Wednesday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded East Africa Pamoja bid the hosting rights for the most coveted continental football showpiece.

    CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the East Africa “Pamoja” Bid as the winner of the rights to host the premier African football bonanza after the CAF Executive Committee’s meeting in Cairo, Egypt.

    “The future of African football has never been brighter and in the near future, one of our nations will win the World Cup.The 2027 edition is going to be beautiful. The commitment and drive made by the three presidents of the countries shows how eager the region is to host this event,” Motsepe said.

    President William Ruto on his part promised that his administration will pull all stops to ensure that Kenya and by extension neighbors Uganda and Tanzania lines out a world class event.

    “I want to congratulate our Ministry of Sports and all stakeholders in that sector for this. The plan that we have had to change things in sports is starting to bear fruit. Many people never believed that we had the chance of hosting AFCON in 2027 because of the state of our football and sports in general but I am very proud today because Kenya with Uganda and Tanzania has won the rights to host. We are proud of this achievement,” President Ruto said, shortly after the announcement was made in Cairo.

    The East Africa nations beat Egypt, Senegal, Botswana and Algeria – who withdrew from the race two days before the official announcement – to the hosting rights.

    The means that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have automatically qualified for the 2027 edition as the hosts.

  • MP Kitany:The government has prioritised digitization of government processes

    MP Kitany:The government has prioritised digitization of government processes

    Aldai Member of Parliament Maryann Kitany  has reiterated government commitment of digitization and automation of government processes in line with the Kenya Digital Master Plan (2022-2030), the blueprint for leveraging and deepening the contribution of information and communications technology (ICT) to accelerate the country’s economic growth.

    Speaking on Thursday while moving notice of motion on development of measures to mitigate digital exclusion, Kitany the former chief of staff in then office of Deputy President William Ruto noted that the current administration seeks to consolidate the industrial, academic institutions and other innovators to co-invest in emerging technologies to create high-quality jobs.

    “The Government intends to increase internet broadband connectivity across the country through construction of 100,000 km of national fiber optic connectivity network; concerned that, as the country rapidly digitizes services and processes, the high costs of data, internet services as well as purchase of internet-enabled digital devices may lead to digital exclusion of a majority of Kenyans; recognizing that, there is need to bridge the existing gap in JCT to ensure inclusivity in access to internet make Kenya a regional JCT hub while keeping pace with shifting technological changes” she said.

    The Information Technology Expert serving her first term following August General Elections revealed that the motion aims to leverage on artificial intelligence, robotics and other technologies.

    “The Government’s plan for a digital superhighway may not be realized without deliberate interventions to lower data costs; now therefore, this House resolves that, the Government, through the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy formulates a policy to regulate internet billing by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) by providing for metered billing of internet use based on consumption in order to mitigate exploitation and secure economic interests of internet users in line with Article 46 of the Constitution” added part of her statement

    This development comes at the backdrop of President William Ruto’s announcement during Mashujaa Day Celebrations last year that the government will ease access to its services by bringing up to 80 per cent of services offered online to enhance efficiency and delivery.

    Kenya Kwanza administration campaigned on a platform of putting more efforts on investing in the digital space and creative economy by ensuring the roll-out of universal broadband to enhance connectivity throughout the country.

    “Government services shall be made available throughout the country at greater convenience to citizens through digitization and automation of all critical government processes, with a view to bringing at least 80 per cent of all government services online,” he stated.

    “Over the next 5 years, the government will ensure universal broadband availability through the roll-out of connectivity throughout the country. The laying out of an additional 100,000km of the national fibre-optic network is expected to deliver this target,” added the Head of State

    According to IT specialists,for Kenya to realise the maximum potential of the Digital Superhighway, there must be clear data management plan that is promotive of current agenda for the digital economy through partnerships with stakeholders to expand the space for creativity and innovation.

    According to ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo,the ongoing digitisation of government services is aimed at eliminating graft besides making services more efficient.

    So far,the ruling regime has digitised 5,084 government services in an aggressive bid to move to the digital economy.

    Owalo said the government is keen on reducing the cost of data and providing free WIFI in markets and bus terminals to support mothers and youths so that they can be involved in meaningful economic activities.

  • Gumede to highlight the Grand Mchana pool tournament

    Gumede to highlight the Grand Mchana pool tournament

    South African sensation and World BlackBall Pool champion Senzo Gumede will be one of the participants at the Grand Mchana Open tournament scheduled for 22-24 September at the Mchana Grill.

    The tournament in its first edition has attracted a total of 128 players,with Gumede seeking to continue with his heroic exploits in Kenya.

    Speaking during the tournament launch,the 39 year old experienced player was optimistic of a good show even as he remained wary of stiff competition from representatives of other countries.

    “Organization of this tournament is a big step in the right direction. When it comes to this sport I love it passionately and as the Continent we need to come together to take the game to another level because while as sports men and women we give our all there are some people who want to use us for their own personal gains which is not a progressive gesture. Talent is so much in Africa and player welfare should be prioritised in enabling in the development of this amazing discipline” he said

    Host Captain Collins Tuwei assured the participants and fans of the great tournament in compliance of all the standard rules and regulations of the fast growing sport in Kenya.

    “It’s a big honour we’re doing this for the first team yet it has attracted massive interest. I want to tell everyone including players and fans looking forward to attend that this will be a big tourney meeting world standards.We will apply the black ball rules though everything regarding the game will remain the same” he was quoted

    Others to participate in the championship include former Uganda national champion Sula Matovu and Zimbabwean seasoned campaigner Christine Sengwe who feels that taking part in the Kenyan games will help her improve her focus since she was up against really good opponents as opposed to when she faces locals.

    The Secretary General Kenya Pool Billiard Federation Doreen Wandia on her part continued with her appeal to the government through the office of sports ministry to boost its efforts of investing in the local pool industry.

    “In our administrative capacity we are trying our best to improve the game and the Government needs to supplement us in further pushing for the growth of the game.There is a big tournament coming up in All Africa Pool Games to be held in South Africa on October 10 and we hope unlike before the good CS Ababu Namwamba will factor us in terms of moral and financial support” she remarked

    “I want the players to come on board so that we can nurture the talent. It is good to learn from the elite players. Kenya has so many potential players only that they don’t have the exposure. One requires a lot of practice and calmness so that they can focus on the game and this tournament will be a big opportunity for our youngsters to learn,” added Wandia who is also the Vice President of All Africa Pool Association

    Shujaa wa Kenya which has brought together 64 players will precede the main tournament on Thursday with its finals also set for Sunday as curtain-raiser to culmination of the overall major competition.

    The local players are from various parts of the country including Kisumu, Eldoret,Nakuru,Machakos,Mombasa, Nairobi among others.Over 10 Countries are represented at the inaugural extravaganza.

    The tournament top most winners in both events will take home Kshs 750,000 and 200,000 respectively.

  • Nakhumicha completes the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program

    Nakhumicha completes the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program

    The Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S Wafula has accomplished the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program which supports government Ministers with pivotal economic and human development-related responsibilities to exercise purposeful leadership and achieve transformative policy goals.

    Nakhumicha who is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly [UNGA] where where top officials will discuss the yearly agenda and global issues acknowledged the significance of the forum as an opportunity which which will steer her ambitious target of initiating structures aimed at improving the standards of health in the Country.

    “This past week,I attended and successfully completed the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program.The forum allowed for knowledge sharing among the participants as it brought together distinguished practitioners amongst them Dr Julio Frenk who shared with us the pillars for Mexico’s UHC program that has significantly minimised disparity in healthcare quality and improved access to healthcare services in rural settings” she wrote.

    Launched in 2012, the Ministerial Program is a joint initiative of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education in collaboration with Big Win Philanthropy.

    In the Unites States,Nakhumicha is expected to use the platform of embracing strategies geared towards achieving Universal Health Coverage [UHC] which is crucial for fulfilling the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development [SDG] and realizing the fundamental human right to health as enshrined in President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda [BETA].

    To reach the goal of UHC, substantial public sector investment and accelerated action by governments and development partners are essential. Key actions include a radical reorientation of health systems towards a primary health care approach, advancing equity in health-care access and financial protection, and investing in robust health information systems.

    Pandemic preparedness, UHC, and tuberculosis (TB) will be at the centre of global talks at the United Nations this week, with the health sector ramping up pressure on leaders to make good on commitments towards the health SDGs.

    The UN High-Level Meeting presents an opportunity for countries and stakeholders to renew efforts and accelerate progress toward achieving health for all. This will serve as the foundation for executing policies and ensuring responsibility for strengthening health systems for the future, building on the 2019 Political Declaration.

    President William Ruto is among the leaders attending the global event where he has called on the international community to mobilize and direct resources towards addressing impediments to Sustainable Development Goals which many countries, especially in Africa, have been unable to implement due to hindrances such as debt, inflation, climate shocks and conflicts.