Parliament approves appointment of Patrick Amoth as Director-General of Health

The Parliament on Thursday approved the appointment of Patrick Amoth as Director-General of Health. Amoth has been serving in the role in an acting capacity for five years.

Dr Amoth was nominated for this position by former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, succeeding Dr John Masasabi. The nomination was formally communicated to the National Assembly, in accordance with the Health Act of 2017, which mandates parliamentary approval.

Nakhumicha noted that Dr Amoth’s nomination is consistent with the authority granted by Section 16(2) of the Health Act.

The MPs noted that his approval follows a positive recommendation from the Health Committees of the National Assembly and the Senate.

In its report, the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health and the Senate Standing Committee on Health stated that Dr Amoth has demonstrated the requisite knowledge and experience to perform the functions of the Director-General for Health, having satisfactorily served in an acting capacity for four years.

Endebess MP Robert Pukose, who chairs the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, said Dr Amoth complied with and met all the statutory and constitutional requirements in relation to the holder of the Office of the to perform the functions of Director- General for Health.

“The Committees having considered the suitability, competence, experience and integrity of Dr Amoth following the approval process, and taking into account its observations and findings, and pursuant to the Provisions of the Constitution, Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, (Cap. 7 F), the Health Act (Cap.241) the National Assembly Standing Orders and the Senate Standing Orders, recommend that Parliament approves the nomination of Dr. Patrick Omwanda Amoth, EBS for appointment as the Director General for Health under Section 16 of the Health Act, (Cap. 241),’ said Dr. Pukose.

Dr Amoth holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Nairobi, a Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the same institution and a Diploma in Health Systems Management from Galilee College in Israel.

He began his role as Acting Director-General in January 2020, succeeding Dr. John Masasabi. Dr Amoth has encountered several challenges, including multiple advertisements for his position despite his significant contributions, especially his leadership during the pandemic that began in March 2020.

His exceptional leadership and expertise earned him international recognition, leading to his appointment as President of the World Health Organisation’s Executive Board in Geneva, Switzerland, in June 2021.

Dr Amoth’s career began as a Medical Officer at Kisumu Provincial Hospital. He then advanced to become Medical Superintendent at Kiambu District Hospital (now Kiambu County Referral Hospital) and served as Director of Medical Services for Kiambu East and West Districts (now Kiambu County).

He's currently the Vice President of the WHO Executive Board, representing the African region. As a renowned consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, he has made substantial contributions to the health sector in Kenya.