Health Cabinet Secretary nominee Debrah Mlongo Barasa disclosed her net worth as Sh455,845,320 during her vetting by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Thursday.
The substantial amount, she clarified, represents the combined wealth of herself and her husband.
Barasa, who was the second nominee to face the Committee on Thursday after Interior nominee Kithure Kindiki, emphasized that her financial disclosure is a testament to her transparency and accountability.
She is set to replace Susan Nakhumicha, who was dismissed by President William Ruto on July 11, 2024, following a cabinet overhaul that retained only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
In her vetting, Barasa addressed key issues facing the Health Ministry, including tackling cartels, managing doctors’ strikes, and establishing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
She highlighted her personal connection to the Linda Mama program, expressing support for its integration into SHIF.
Barasa noted the current lack of a guiding policy for Linda Mama and pledged to address this gap if confirmed.