Women MPs want Nakhumicha out over mess at Health Ministry, ending Linda Mama program » Capital News

NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 16 – Female lawmakers are calling for the dismissal of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha over the health sector’s ongoing challenges, including the current doctor’s strike and the discontinuation of the Linda Mama program, which covered delivery fees for women from low-income households.

Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta initiated the Linda Mama program under the Universal Healthcare system to support expectant mothers and infants.

However, its cessation has raised concerns about increased mortality rates across the country.

Suba North representative Millie Odhiambo emphasized the need for Nakhumicha’s resignation, citing her failure to fulfill her duties.

She expressed frustration, stating, “You are embarrassing us as fellow women… we want to protect you but you can’t be the one sabotaging fellow women.”

Kilifi women representative Gertrude Mbeyu echoed the sentiment, urging Nakhumicha’s removal due to the discontinuation’s adverse impact on maternal health.

Mbeyu emphasized the need for accountability, demanding data on affected mothers since the strike began.

“The embarrassment you have brought to us is enormous, how do we support you with our mothers suffering,” she posed, “I will be the first one to say Nakhumicha must go, we want numbers of how many mothers have been affected since the strike began.”

The Ministry explained the program’s discontinuation as part of the transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), set to replace NHIF.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba criticized the decision, labelling it reckless and highlighting the consequent gap in maternal healthcare support.

Wamuchomba questioned the delay until July for pregnant women to receive essential services.

 ‘’That leaves a serious gap and that gap is what is causing a lot of pain to our mothers, we are wondering should the pregnant women wait until July?” Posed Wamuchomba.

Previously under NHIF, the Linda Mama program aimed to provide maternal and child health clinics.

Now, the SHIF will assume these responsibilities, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha.

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