Kericho Senator Criticizes Health CS Over Absenteeism and SHA Concerns
Bahati shalom
Feb 26, 2025
Kericho Senator Cheruiyot
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot strongly criticized Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa over concerns about inefficiencies in the Social Health Authority (SHA). His remarks came on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, when Barasa appeared before the Senate to respond to issues in the health sector. Lawmakers questioned her on the ministry’s performance and her absence from an important mid-term review meeting.
Cheruiyot expressed his disappointment with Barasa and her two principal secretaries—Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni and Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai—for not attending the Naivasha meeting.
“I am terribly disappointed by the conduct of this ministry, led by the Health Minister together with her two PSs. They have treated this House with serious contempt and that is not something that I take lightly as Majority leader in this House,” he stated.
The senator questioned the reasons behind their absence, particularly highlighting that Barasa had cited a Cabinet meeting as her reason for missing the session. However, he pointed out that the two principal secretaries could have attended the review.
“The fact that they missed our mid-term review meeting — the Cabinet Minister says she was in Cabinet, but where were Harry and PS Muthoni? Couldn’t they find their way to Naivasha?” he asked.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for a strong working relationship between the Ministry of Health and the Senate to ensure better healthcare policies.
Cheruiyot urged Barasa to prioritize direct engagement with lawmakers rather than relying solely on internal ministry discussions.
“We passed those four laws knowing that SHA was going to be transformational and change the lives of Kenyans,” he said.
“Do not sit in your office and listen to your choir of office officials. Come and listen to the representatives of the people to understand the challenges they are facing,” he added.
During the session, Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi led the proceedings in the absence of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. Lawmakers demanded assurances that the Ministry of Health would address concerns about SHA’s service delivery, which has been criticized for slow operations and limited access to healthcare.
Cheruiyot urged Barasa to schedule an update within two days to mend relations between the Senate and her ministry.
“Therefore Mr Speaker I want to agree with your finding that when the minister returns to her office, can she find the time to come and provide an update on all the issues that she has been requested to come and present before our mid-term review meeting and ask for a time that we avail.
“This House is available on Tuesday mornings and Thursday mornings, can she pick a day in the next two days if she wants to restore normal relations between us and the Ministry of Health,” he said.
He concluded by expressing his frustration, reminding the principal secretaries of their responsibility to support the minister and work effectively with the Senate.
“Otherwise, I am terribly disappointed madam minister and PS Harry knows, PS Muthoni you know this. You are good friends but you have let your boss down. You need to work better with the House. We passed those four laws Mr Speaker knowing that SHA was going to be transformational and change the lives of Kenyans.”
