Aden Duale Dismisses Criticism Over Health CS Appointment as ‘Pedestrian Arguments’

Newly appointed Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has hit back at critics questioning his qualifications for the role, dismissing their concerns as “pedestrian arguments.” Duale, who was recently moved from the Ministry of Defence to the Ministry of Health, argued that professional medical expertise is not a prerequisite for leading the sector.

Duale pointed out that, over the past two decades, only two doctors have held the top leadership position in the Ministry of Health. According to him, this demonstrates that holding a medical degree is not necessary to serve effectively as Health CS.

“Those who criticise me have their own agenda. I have a mandate to fulfill, and I do not do it alone. I work with the men and women in this ministry, with the Cabinet, and with the guidance of the president,” Duale stated while addressing protesting healthcare workers outside the Ministry of Health’s headquarters.

The CS compared his appointment to other ministries, noting that infrastructure ministers are not necessarily engineers, nor is the Environment CS required to be a climate expert. “My sister here (Deborah Barasa) is a doctor, yet she is leading the Environment docket despite not being a climate and environmental expert. These are pedestrian arguments,” he asserted.

Healthcare Workers Protest

The protest by healthcare workers was driven by various unresolved issues, including doctors’ welfare and employment terms. The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has expressed dissatisfaction with Duale’s leadership, arguing that he lacks a clear understanding of Kenya’s healthcare system.

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah voiced concerns over Duale’s ability to effectively manage the ministry, drawing comparisons to his predecessor, Deborah Barasa. According to Atellah, Barasa had a firm grasp of the healthcare sector’s needs and successfully maintained industrial harmony, avoiding strikes during her tenure.

Atellah urged Duale to avoid politicising the health sector, warning against repeating the missteps of former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha. He stressed the importance of prioritising critical issues, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), the welfare of medical interns, and the longstanding Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) disputes.

Duale’s Commitments to Healthcare Workers

Despite the criticism, Duale assured healthcare workers that he is committed to addressing their concerns. He pledged to resolve key employment issues, including the settlement of gratuity and the transition of workers with over five years of service to Permanent and Pensionable (PnP) terms within the next three weeks.

Beyond employment matters, Duale promised to enhance the healthcare system, focusing on the integrity of the sector. “I will focus on strengthening the healthcare system by taking decisive action against unqualified practitioners who undermine the quality of care in our country,” he affirmed.

Cabinet Reshuffle: How Duale Became Health CS

Duale’s appointment as Health CS followed a Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto on March 26. The reshuffle saw him moved from the Ministry of Defence to the Ministry of Health, replacing Deborah Barasa, who was reassigned to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Other changes in the reshuffle included the dismissal of Public Service CS Justin Muturi, who was replaced by Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku. Additionally, Hanna Cheptumo, widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, was appointed to lead the Ministry of Gender and Culture.

As Duale settles into his new role, all eyes are on his leadership and how he will navigate the challenges facing Kenya’s healthcare system.

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Aden Duale Dismisses Criticism Over Health CS Appointment as ‘Pedestrian Arguments’