On Thursday, Debra Barasa, the nominee for Health Cabinet Secretary, revealed that her combined net worth with her husband is Ksh455,845,320.
“My net worth is a combination of mine and my husband’s, and it is Ksh455,845,320,” Barasa informed the committee.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments, Barasa stressed her dedication to implementing reforms in the health sector if approved for the crucial role.
She said her extensive experience in both private and public health sectors demonstrates her capability to tackle the challenges within the health sector.
Before her nomination, Barasa worked with various health organizations across Africa and globally.
“I have vast experience in policy advice, strategic experience, technical advice, and clinical practice. I have worked from primary level up to the national level at Kenyatta,” she said.
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Barasa also committed to embracing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) from the community level to ensure seamless access to healthcare.
She pledged to combat corruption within the Ministry of Health by enhancing processes and procedures, particularly through adopting digital platforms to minimize human interaction.
“We can strengthen existing processes and procedures by adopting a digital platform, reducing human-to-human interaction,” Barasa said.
Regarding the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Barasa promised to work closely with community members to ensure Kenyans understand the necessity of the transition.
She attributed current challenges to poor community engagement.
“The service is for the people of Kenya, so we need to engage them and embrace community feedback. I believe poor community engagement has been one of the challenges.”
The immediate former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha during the vetting process on October 19, 2022 placed her net worth at Ksh.101 million.
“My net worth of a town house and rental apartments in Syokimau.I have land in Kangundo, Bungoma, Transnzoia, Kakamega and shares and deposits in Waumini and UN women.I have dividends from Cooperative Bank of Kenya,” she said.
