Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has been elected Chairperson of African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health.
PS Muthoni was elected to the role during a high-level consultative meeting on cross-border collaboration for health security in Brazzaville, Congo.
The Ministry of Health, through a statement shared on social media platforms, described Muthoni’s election as a major boost to Kenya’s leadership in advancing regional health security.
It added that the election marks a significant milestone in strengthening coordinated continental action on public health and reinforces Kenya’s growing role in shaping Africa’s health priorities.
According to the Health Ministry, PS Muthoni’s appointment is expected to strengthen regional collaboration, improve coordination in disease surveillance and emergency response, and expand access to shared expertise, innovations, and best practices across the continent.
“It also enhances Kenya’s influence in mobilising partnerships and advancing resilient and responsive health systems that protect communities and support the Universal Health Coverage agenda,” the Ministry noted.
In her acceptance speech, the Principal Secretary said she was deeply honoured by the trust placed in her, noting that it reflects a shared commitment among African nations to strengthen cooperation across the health sector.
She said the focus will be on enhancing coordinated responses to cross-border health threats and building resilient, future-ready health systems through collective leadership and strategic partnerships.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me, which reflects our shared commitment as African nations to strengthen cooperation across health sectors, enhance coordinated responses to cross-border health threats, and build resilient, future-ready health systems,” PS Muthoni said.
