In summary
- Susan Wafula is a procurement professional who has worked with various NGOs and corporates in the health sector.
- She has experience in procurement of both pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals, stationery, printing works, logistics/transport services and consulting services.
- She unsuccessfully vied for the Trans-Nzoia woman representative seat on a Ford-Kenya party ticket where she also serves as the national vice chairperson for the youth, women and children docket
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Susan Nakhumicha Wafula is set to take over the helms of Afya House after being nominated as the Cabinet Secretary for Health. Wafula, an articulate lady who wears many hats will replace outgoing CS Mutahi Kagwe whose tenure has been a bumpy ride especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when Kenya’s health care delivery system was stretched to the limits.
Nakhumicha, a procurement profession will handle a sensitive docket which calls for the collaboration between the two levels of government. It is a known fact that the perennial health challenges of inadequate specialists, demoralised medics and runaway graft have been like an albatross around the neck of the health ministry.
Susan Wafula education profile
Her decorated curriculum vitae features a Diploma in Pharmacy from Kenya Medical Training Institute (KMTC) and another Diploma in Healthcare Management from Kenya Institute of Management.
In 2012, she matriculated at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) for a Masters in Procurement and Logistics and Supply Chain Management. After the programme, she interned at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA). Wafula is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Management, Logistics and Supply Chain from JKUAT.
Career
Wafula has had an illustrious career working with NGOs and corporates in the health sector. On her LinkedIn profile, she describes herself as having expertise in procurement and supply chain. Her knowledge in efficient tracking and traceability of goods, she says is capable of improving supply chain performance in four key areas of efficiency, reliability, resilience and sustainability.
Prior to her appointment to President Ruto’s government, she served as Head of Supply for University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Global Program for Research and Training. The UCSF partners with health stakeholders in solving the challenges of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
Wafula lists her portfolio at UCSF as having developed procurement plans, contract negotiations, managing regulations and conducting prequalification for various suppliers.
She previously served as the Procurement and Logistics Manager at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital. Between 2007 and 2013, she worked as the purchasing manager of the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies. Additionally, Wafula served as a pharmacy in charge for AAR Kisumu branch.
Politics
Wafula unsuccessfully vied for the Trans-Nzoia Woman Representative seat in 2022 where she emerged third. She is also the Ford-Kenya party national vice chairperson for women, youth and children docket.
