Mosquito nets scandal, doctors’ strikes haunt Nakhumicha in UN-Habitat job vetting

Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha found herself under pressure as she faced MPs for vetting following her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN-Habitat.

Her session was dominated by questions around the controversial Sh3.7 billion mosquito nets tender and a prolonged doctors’ strike that paralysed public hospitals during her time in office.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee on Monday, Nakhumicha was asked to explain her role in the procurement scandal that led to the loss of a key Global Fund contract and her response to the healthcare crisis that lasted more than 56 days.

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari asked her to give a full account of the mosquito net scandal and the action taken to ensure accountability.

“What steps did you take against those involved in the corruption? What is your own responsibility in the matter?” Wangari pressed.

Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who is the committee chair, raised questions about former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s alleged involvement.

He also asked why the mosquito net procurement was transferred from the Medical Services department to Public Health under Nakhumicha’s leadership.

Responding, Nakhumicha denied that Gachagua played any role in the tender.

“He did not interfere with the tender,” she said, adding that she only learned about the claims during Gachagua’s impeachment motion in Parliament.

She further clarified that the shift of the procurement from Medical Services to Public Health was not her decision, but rather a directive from the Executive.

“I was only implementing an Executive Order by the President,” she said.

Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie was among the legislators who took a hard stance, saying that Nakhumicha’s handling of the health sector drew criticism from the public and eroded confidence in her leadership.

“Many Kenyans felt you had failed and wanted you to resign,” Kandie told her.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan pressed her on the lessons she had drawn from her time at the Ministry of Health.

“There were many problems during your tenure. If confirmed to this diplomatic post, will you do things differently?” he asked.

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In her defence, Nakhumicha described the mosquito net tender scandal as a regrettable situation that occurred early in her tenure.

She said Kenya missed out on the opportunity to manage the Global Fund contract after interference led to its cancellation.

“The President took action by terminating the contracts of those involved,” she told the committee.

The former Health CS also defended her overall performance at the Ministry of Health.

“I believe I did my best,” she said.

“During my tenure as CS, I was never reprimanded by my boss. I was called to the National Assembly and Senate and responded to questions adequately. I got honoured as Elder of the Golden Heart of Kenya, the highest award for a civilian, by the President.”

On the doctors’ strike that paralysed public health services for nearly two months, Nakhumicha said she worked hard to prevent a full-blown crisis.

“Industrial strikes in the health sector are not new,” she said.

“I did my very best to manage the doctors' strike, which lasted 56 days, and ensured that nurses did not go on strike because it would have been chaotic,” Nakhumicha added.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi questioned whether Nakhumicha had been under pressure during her tenure, citing claims by former Attorney General Justin Muturi that she tried to have him sign documents without understanding their content.

“Were you working under duress?” he asked.

Nakhumicha did not respond directly to that claim but reiterated her commitment to serving the country in whatever capacity she is assigned.

Her vetting also revealed a rise in her wealth.

Nakhumicha’s current net worth stands at Sh140 million, up from Sh101 million when she was vetted for the Health CS position two years ago.

The mosquito net scandal also trailed former Principal Secretary for Sports, Peter Tum, who has been nominated to serve as Kenya’s ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

MPs asked Tum to explain his link to the controversial tender and how the procurement was moved between departments.

Tum stated that he had no role in the mosquito net procurement, saying it fell under the jurisdiction of the Public Health PS while he was in charge of Medical Services.

“The tender was moved to the other department for purposes of procurement,” he said.

MPs also asked Tum why he had been moved across different ministries in a short span. He replied that it was the President’s decision.

“It is the President’s prerogative to make changes in the Executive,” he said.

On his record as PS, Tum said he ensured workers were protected during the Covid-19 pandemic while serving in the Labour and Health ministries. He added that while in the Sports ministry, he successfully negotiated Kenya’s participation in AFCON and CHAN, including payment of Sh6.6 billion in hosting fees.

Meanwhile, former Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu also appeared before the panel after she was nominated as Principal Secretary in the State Department of East African Community. She promised to focus on promoting trade and cooperation with Kenya’s neighbours if confirmed.

Karugu, a finance and economics expert and a known ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, told the committee that she had earlier declined an ambassadorial appointment due to political commitments but was now ready for public service.

“I am ready to take up the challenge and help strengthen Kenya’s bilateral relationships within the East African region,” she said.