By Betty Luke
The newly appointed Isiolo County Health Executive Lucy Kaburu has promised to prioritize the establishment of a mortuary at the Referral Hospital and enhance staffing in efforts to ensure improved health care services.
Ms Kaburu who previously served as the Chief Officer for Trade exuded confidence that her vast experience across various sectors would enable her to streamline the sector which continues to face a myriad of challenges.
She said if approved, she would also focus on streaming revenue collection towards Facility Improvement Fund to improve services at the referral hospital.
“I will prioritize three issues if confirmed by this committee … .Following my vast experience in the public service on both levels of the government, I am confident that I can effectively propel the health sector to the next level,” noted Ms Kaburu.
She spoke when she appeared before the County Assembly’s Selection and Appointment committee for vetting chaired by Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto.
The nominee is set to take over the department that has recently been marred with multiple challenges including a non-functional mortuary, demotivated healthcare workers and incessant drug shortage at the Referral Hospital and other facilities.
Meanwhile, some residents have expressed optimism that the new CEC would improve the sector, if her past performance is anything to go by.
“The health sector does not necessarily need a medic but someone who has demonstrated that they have the interests of the residents at heart. I have no doubt that Ms Kaburu is the right person for the job,” noted Ms Basra Hussein.
Another resident Joseph Ekiru lauded Governor Abdi Guyo’s decision to reorganize his cabinet noting terming it timely.
“I urge the governor to accord the new CEC support to enable her to address the existing challenges in the health department,” said Mr Ekiru.
Ms Kaburu will, after approval, take over the department from Deputy Governor James Lowasa who was recently moved to the Education and Gender docket.
