NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has defended her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN-Habitat, stating that the appointment is a step forward in her public service career, not a demotion.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee for vetting, Nakhumicha rejected claims that her exit from the Ministry of Health was due to poor performance or incompetence.
“Transitioning from being a farmer to serving as a Permanent Representative is a promotion, not a demotion,” she told the committee.
“Since leaving the Cabinet, I’ve focused on farming in Trans Nzoia engaging in both crop and livestock production. This new diplomatic role is a privilege and an honor.”
Nakhumicha was grilled by lawmakers over her controversial tenure as Health CS, which included a 56-day doctors’ strike, procurement irregularities in the KEMSA mosquito net tender, and widespread allegations of fraud within the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
She strongly defended her record, saying she was never reprimanded by President William Ruto, nor questioned about her performance.
“At no point was I summoned by the President over my work. I was never reprimanded, and every time I appeared before the National Assembly or Senate, I responded to queries satisfactorily,” she said.
To counter accusations of incompetence, Nakhumicha pointed to the prestigious national honors she received during her time in office.
“I was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), the second highest state honor and the highest accorded to a civilian. That recognition speaks for itself,” she said.
She attributed her departure from Cabinet to the sweeping political changes triggered by last year’s youth-led protests, rather than personal failings.
“My exit wasn’t of my own doing. The Gen Z movement was unprecedented and led to a Cabinet reshuffle. I was part of that broader reorganization,” she explained.
Nakhumicha noted that public service comes with its own set of challenges, which should not be mistaken for failure.
“Every job has its occupational hazards. As Health CS, I faced mine, and I expect the same in this new role. But I will handle them diligently and with the guidance I receive,” she expressed.
