After serving as the acting director-general for health for close to three years, the position of Dr. Patrick Amoth has finally been advertised by the Public Service Commission (PSC) raising questions about why he was not confirmed.
The Ministry of Health through PSC advertised the position alongside seven others in which interested and qualified persons are required to make their applications online through the PSC website before July 4, 2022.
Dr. Amoth assumes role of DG in acting capacity
Amoth has been serving as the acting director-general since 2019. He became a household name during the devastating Covid-19 period that saw him explain technical issues regarding the new disease that hit the globe, stalling social-economic and even political activities.
The advertisement comes one year after Amoth was appointed to serve the World Health Organisation (WHO) Board as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, succeeding Dr. Harsh Vardhan from India.
The Executive Board consists of 34 members and the assembly, taking into account an equitable geographical distribution, elects the members entitled to designate a person to serve on the Board.
After his appointment, Amoth said "I am overwhelmed & deeply grateful for your support and kind words on my election as Vice President of WHO Executive Board. My sincere gratitude also to MOH Kenya led by CS Mutahi Kagwe, for their confidence in me. I will endeavour to represent Kenya with dignity & honour. Asante!"
In February this year, MPs demanded that Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirms Amoth.
Public Accounts Committee chairman Opiyo Wandayi and Garissa Township MP Aden Duale said despite acting in the DG capacity for years, the ministry had no indication of appointing Amoth substantively.
Dr. Amoth is an expert in obstetrics and gynaecology.
