By Our Reporter
President William Ruto yesterday made several appointments to State parastatals.
Leading them is former Roads Cabinet Secretary Engineer Michael Kamau who was made the new chairman of the national insurance firm; The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
In a gazette notice date December 23, the President stated that the Roads Engineer will be chairing the NHIF board of directors for the next three years.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 (1) (a) of the National Health Insurance Fund Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, appoint Michael Kamau (Eng.) to be the Chairperson of the National Health Insurance Fund, for a period of three years, with effect from the 23rd December 2022.”
His appointment saw the immediate revocation of the appointment of Lewis Nguyai as the chairperson of the Board. Nguyai was appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in February 2021.
Scores of leaders, led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua welcomed the appointment of Eng. Kamau who they described as a no nonsense person who believes in work efficiency.
Nyeri leaders led by former Nyeri Mayor Wanyaga Gathaka termed the appointment as an early Christmas gift for most of Kenyans who believe in honesty and integrity.
But the person who aptly described the appointment was none other than the Deputy President who in his Facebook page thanked President Ruto for the appointment as he castigated the former regime for persecuting Eng. Kamau who was one of the best performers in Uhuru Kenyatta government’s first cabinet.
In his statement, the Deputy President said, “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.
For 8 years, the son of Kenya has not known peace and has been the subject of scorn and humiliation”.
He added, “The appointment of Eng. Kamau to chair the board of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) brings experience and efficiency to an institution critical in implementing the Kenya Kwanza Plan of realizing Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans. What a New Year gift to the people of Kenya. My Boss and brother President William Ruto, You are the Best!”.
The Head of State has also appointed Lt Gen (Rtd) Walter Rarira Koipation as the chairperson of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board for three years. He replaced Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana.
In other changes, President Ruto appointed Antony Muriuki Munyiri to chair the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of Trustees for three years. He revoked the appointment of Gen. (Dr.) Julius Waweru Karangi who was immediately appointed the chairperson of the National Council for Population and Development Board. He replaced David Ngugi.
The president has also appointed Faith Boinett to be the chairperson of the Kenya Pipeline Company Limited (KPC) Board of Directors as he revoked the appointment of Rita Achieng Okuthe.