My exit was political, not performance-based, says Nakhumicha

Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has attributed her removal from the Cabinet to political dynamics rather than professional failure, defending her record despite controversies that marred her tenure.

Speaking during her vetting for the role of Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, Nakhumicha told the National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations that her nomination was a “promotion” rather than a demotion.

“Having gone from a farmer to a Permanent Representative, I consider that a promotion. I don’t see it as a demotion,” she said.

“I have been a very good farmer in Trans Nzoia County since my exit, doing both livestock and crop farming. This new role is an honor.”

But MPs pressed her on her performance at the Ministry of Health, particularly in light of several crises that unfolded under her watch: a 56-day nationwide doctors' strike, a procurement scandal involving KEMSA mosquito nets, and allegations of fraudulent claims within NHIF.

“I was never reprimanded by my boss and never asked performance-based questions. Every time I was called to the National Assembly or Senate to respond to questions, I never failed. I responded to them satisfactorily,” said Nakhumicha.

She also dismissed the widespread criticism of her leadership as politically motivated.

“To those who are saying I was incompetent, I was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), the second highest honor in Kenya and the highest for a civilian. I was also recognized in other forums,” she told the committee.

Nakhumicha further attributed her exit to the political fallout of the Gen Z-led protests, which she said forced President William Ruto to reshuffle his Cabinet.

“Not from a reason of my own making — the Gen Z movement was unprecedented in this country, and the Cabinet was dissolved,” she said.

In a moment of candor, she acknowledged the turbulence of her time at the ministry but framed it as part of the nature of public service.

“Most jobs have occupational hazards, and as Cabinet Secretary, I would regard them as such. In this new post, there will be occupational hazards as well, and I will handle them with the advice I will be given,” she said.