Nakhumicha grilled over tender mess, health crisis in diplomatic vetting

Susan Nakhumicha’s nomination to represent Kenya at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has stirred sharp scrutiny, with Members of Parliament demanding answers about her record at the Ministry of Health.

During a tense vetting session on Monday, lawmakers revisited her handling of the Sh3.7 billion mosquito net tender scandal and the doctors’ strike that disrupted public hospitals for nearly two months.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, Nakhumicha faced a barrage of questions on how the tender scandal unfolded under her watch, and why the procurement process was shifted between departments.

Legislators also challenged her response to the prolonged health workers’ strike that brought services in public hospitals to a standstill.

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari pressed Nakhumicha to take responsibility for the mosquito net tender, which resulted in Kenya losing a key Global Fund contract.

"What steps did you take against those involved in the corruption? What is your own responsibility in the matter?" Wangari asked.

Committee Chair Nelson Koech sought clarity on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s alleged involvement in the scandal and queried the transfer of the procurement from the Medical Services department to Public Health.

In her response, Nakhumicha dismissed claims linking Gachagua to the deal.

"He did not interfere with the tender," she said, explaining that she first heard of the allegations during Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings.

She told the committee that she did not initiate the departmental transfer of the procurement. "I was only implementing an Executive Order by the President," she said.

Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie criticised her performance in the Health docket, saying it sparked public outrage and damaged trust in her leadership.

"Many Kenyans felt you had failed and wanted you to resign," he told her.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan challenged Nakhumicha to reflect on her time at the Ministry and explain how she would act differently if confirmed to the diplomatic post.

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

In response, Nakhumicha called the mosquito net procurement issue a regrettable incident that happened early in her term.

She attributed the loss of the Global Fund contract to interference that was beyond her control.

"The president took action by terminating the contracts of those involved," she told the committee.

She also defended her broader record as Health Cabinet Secretary.

"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."

Addressing the doctors’ strike that lasted for 56 days, she acknowledged the strain it placed on public health services but maintained that she took steps to manage the situation.

"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."

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi brought up comments made by former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who claimed Nakhumicha had pushed him to sign documents he had not read.

"Were you working under duress?" he asked.

Nakhumicha did not directly address the allegation but reiterated her dedication to public service.

Her declaration of wealth during the vetting showed an increase in her net worth to Sh140 million, up from Sh101 million when she was vetted for the Health docket two years ago.