Kisumu finally has a substantive Cabinet Committee Member for Health and Sanitation following the swearing in of Prof. Boaz Otieno Nyunya earlier today.
Prof. Nyunya who previously served as the Associate Director of Programs, Western Kenya at the Center for Disease Control in Kisumu was sworn into office this morning by Kisumu Law Courts Principal Magistrate Joan Wambilianga at a ceremony held at City Hall.
As he welcomed the new CECM, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o who witnessed the ceremony alongside his Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili congratulated Prof. Nyunya on his new assignment describing him as Kenya’s most leading medical practitioner.
The Governor was quick to mention that the appointment was coming in at the right time bearing in mind the new challenges presented by the COVID – 19 pandemic that the world is grappling with. He said the county will now bank on Prof. Nyunya’s vast experience on issues health and development to deliver the health agenda for Kisumu County.
The Governor took time to champion for teamwork among staff to help realize the much needed transformation within the health sector and the County at large. He pleaded with the health workers not to concentrate too much on issues of immediate personal attention but instead seek a deeper understanding on the broader issue of health management.
” serving the people as a whole is very important and all of us must make certain sacrifices to make the engine of the whole government work”. The Governor said as he routed for a culture of consultation and dialogue in addressing grievances.
With the health workers back on duty from the long strike, the Governor promised to ensure that their welfare is taken care of without any discrimination assuring them of engaging in much more bilateral and constructive discussions that will give rise to sound proposals that can not be challenged by those in authority.
In a bid to combat the spread of the dreaded corona virus, the Governor made an appeal to the residents of Kisumu to exercise responsible behavior by strictly following the laid down protocols to help contain the disease.
“The first line of defense against COVID – 19 pandemic is yourself”. He said.
In his maiden address and acceptance speech, Prof. Nyunya said he was up to the task and will use his wide knowledge and experience on health systems while discharging his duties.
He promised to focus more on teamwork to address challenges within the health docket including the COVID-19 crisis and the frequent unrest. He also plans to tap into technology and strong monitoring and evaluation systems to transform the health sector in Kisumu.
Prof. Nyunya who is now the substantive CECM for health and Sanitation is an expert on matters health. He brings in a wealth of experience into the sector having served the country in various capacities including being a consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a researcher, leader in reproductive health, an educationist and programs specialist.
He takes over the health docket from Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o who was acting in the position after Prof. Judith Attyang was moved to head the Business docket.
The Governor was joined by the leadership of the County Assembly led by Speaker Elisha Oraro, Members of his Cabinet, Partners from the health sector among other County Officials.
City Hall, 16th July, 2020
GPU
Governor Nyong’o witnessing the swearing in of the in coming CEC Member for health and sanitation Prof. Boaz Otieno Nyunya
Prof. Boaz Otieno Nyunya the in coming CEC Member for health and sanitation taking oath of office