Committee concludes budget oversight visits with cll for prudent use of public resources

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Hon. Dr. James Nyikal (Seme), has concluded the second phase of its budget implementation oversight visits to key institutions under its mandate.
During the latest engagements, the Committee conducted fact-finding visits to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) headquarters in Nairobi and the National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL).
Addressing separate meetings with the boards and management teams of the two institutions, Hon. Nyikal emphasized the importance of prudent management and accountability in the use of public resources allocated to State agencies.
“As a Committee, we are committed to providing the necessary budgetary and policy support to the institutions, but as management, you have a duty to uphold financial prudence and accountability in the use of the resources,” said Hon. Nyikal.
At the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Members engaged with Board Chairperson Dr. John Munyu, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Mohamed and senior management, who briefed the Committee on the agency’s operations, achievements and challenges.
At the National Quality Control Laboratory, Acting CEO Dr. Sultani Matendechero and the management team updated the Committee on the institution’s performance, planned activities, budget allocations and key challenges affecting its operations.
On Thursday, the Committee also conducted oversight visits to the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) headquarters in Karen, Nairobi, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
During the engagements, Hon. Nyikal challenged the two research institutions to prioritize innovations that improve the lives of Kenyans and address emerging health challenges.
The Chairperson said research institutions must focus on translating scientific discoveries into practical products and solutions that directly benefit the public.
“Kenyans expect you to translate research into products that can change their lives. You should work hard towards that goal,” said Hon. Nyikal during a meeting with KIPRE leadership and staff.
KIPRE management, led by Board Chairperson Prof. Josephat Mulimba and Director General Dr. Peter Mwethera, briefed the Committee on the institute’s operations, research programmes and strategic priorities.
Among the key projects highlighted was the planned development of an East African-specific snake antivenom. Dr. Mwethera said the product would be a major milestone in improving the management of snakebite cases across the region.
Committee Members later toured KIPRE’s research laboratories and interacted with scientists undertaking various research programmes.
At KEMRI, the Committee inspected the ongoing construction of the Multi-phase Laboratories, Training and Office Complex at the Kenyatta National Hospital Complex and visited the Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR) Biosafety Level 3 high-containment facility.
Members later held discussions with KEMRI management led by Board Chairperson Dr. Abdullahi Ali and Acting Director General Prof. Elijah, who briefed the Committee on the institute’s charter status, strategic national role and future priorities.
Hon. Nyikal reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to supporting institutions involved in health research and innovation to strengthen their capacity and improve healthcare outcomes.
The second phase of the oversight programme follows the first phase, where the Committee engaged the management of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) at its Nairobi headquarters and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) in Embakasi.
The budget implementation visits have also covered the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), Kenya Biovax Institute Limited, the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), and the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCIK).