A joint health committee of the National Assembly and the Senate has approved the nomination and appointment of Dr. Patrick Omwanda Amoth as Director-General for Health.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health and the Senate Standing Committee on Health stated that Amoth demonstrated the requisite knowledge and experience to perform the functions of the Director-General for Health, having satisfactorily served in an acting capacity for four years.

Moving a special Motion on the consideration on Wednesday, Endebess MP Robert Pukose, who chairs the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, said Amoth complied with and met all the statutory and constitutional requirements.

“The committees having considered the suitability, competence, experience and integrity of Dr Amoth following the approval process, and taking into account its observations and findings, and pursuant to the Provisions of the Constitution, Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, (Cap. 7 F), the Health Act (Cap.241) the National Assembly Standing Orders and the Senate Standing Orders, recommend that Parliament approves the nomination of Dr. Patrick Omwanda Amoth for appointment as the Director General for Health under Section 16 of the Health Act, (Cap. 241)," Pukose said.

Seconding the Motion, Chuka Igambang'ombe MP Patrick Munene Ntwiga praised Amoth for his patience, noting that he has served in an acting capacity for an extended period.

“I want to tell this House today and the country that we finally have a man in Dr. Amoth who will lead the Ministry of Health as the Director-General of Health, offering solid counsel and advice to the Cabinet Secretary,” said Munene.

Whip of the Majority party Silvanus Osoro said Amoth stood out during the Covid-19 crisis emphasising that leaders are noticed or identified during the time of crisis.

Amoth emerged as a prominent figure during the Covid-19 pandemic, actively campaigning to contain the spread of the disease.