Michael Kamau's Message To Ruto After NHIF Appointment

Former Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau has praised President William Ruto following his appointment as the Chairperson of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

In a statement seen by Viral Tea dated Saturday, December 24, Eng. Kamau thanked the president for handing him the opportunity to spearhead the board operations of one of the most critical government organisations in Kenya.

"I have this morning received news of my appointment by His Excellency, President William Samoei Ruto as the new chairman of the National Hospital Insurance Fund.

"I wish to extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency the President for giving me the opportunity to steer the NHIF board to the next level," he appreciated in part.

Former Transport CS, Michael Kamau with President William Ruto. /KDRTV

Eng. Kamau recognised the magnitude of the challenges that await him in the Fund on his road to ensuring that Kenyans get access to affordable healthcare through health covers, termed a priority in President Ruto's government.

"As I take over my new role, I am alive to the challenges the Fund has experienced in its efforts to ensure that every Kenyan has access to affordable health cover, which is a priority of the government.

"With prayers to the Almighty God and the support of all people of goodwill, I look forward to working with the NHIF Board and management to actualise its dream to provide accessible, affordable, sustainable, equitable and quality social health insurance through optimal utilisation of resources," he added.

His message came hours after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's message appreciating his boss, President Ruto, for the appointment despite the uproar that it generated on social media.

"Let me take this opportunity to thank my Boss, H.E. President William Samoei Ruto, for restoring the dignity of Eng. Michael Kamau.  A distinguished Public Servant who put in years of committed service to our great Nation of Kenya, he was persecuted and taken through hell by the very Government he had served," Gachagua wrote on Facebook on Friday, December 24.

He recounted how Eng. Kamau went through eight years without peace and was subjected to scorn and humiliation while revealing that his appointment brings experience and efficiency to the institution.

He said NHIF is critical in implementing the Kenya Kwanza Plan of realizing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Kenyans. 

Eng. Kamau will hold the position for three years effective Friday, November 23 and took over from Lewis Nguyai in the critical institution, whose appointment was revoked after he was picked by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.