Health Cabinet Secretary Urges Nurses and Midwives to Lead Transformation in Healthcare

 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, today urged nurses and midwives across Kenya to embrace transformational leadership in their roles, underscoring their critical contribution to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

 Speaking at a workshop for County Chief Nursing Officers in Nairobi, Dr. Barasa emphasized that nurses and midwives, as the first point of contact for patients, are integral to providing both medical care and essential support to communities. 

 Dr. Barasa highlighted that transformational leadership is vital for the future of Kenya’s healthcare system and announced plans to deploy a nurse to every county to support the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA). She also advocated for the integration of digital health solutions and AI-powered systems to improve healthcare delivery. 

 The workshop, supported by global partners including WHO, Johnson & Johnson, and CHAI, aimed to empower nurses and midwives to lead the transformation of healthcare in Kenya. 

Dr. Barasa concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Health’s commitment to supporting the professional development of nurses, ensuring they are equipped to drive the country’s healthcare agenda forward.

 In attendance were Dr. Judith Awinja, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Mr. Seth Panyako, and Secretary-General of the Kenya Union of Nurses among others.