In a defining moment for Kenya’s health sector, Brown Ashira Olaly has been elected unopposed as the National Secretary General and CEO of the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), ushering in a new leadership era for the 2026–2032 term.
The announcement follows a successful two-day leadership summit held in Naivasha, where union members convened to chart the future of public health practice in the country. The elections, conducted by the union’s Independent Electoral Committee, concluded with an overwhelming show of unity, as most top positions were filled unopposed. Key leaders include Kenneth Ogendo (Chairperson), Mohamed Ali (Treasurer), Jacinta Kaliti (Organising Secretary), and Juma Maelo (Deputy Chairman). Carol Macharia and Thomas Maera were elected through a competitive process.
KEHPHPU, the national body representing environmental health and public health practitioners, plays a critical role in advocating for improved working conditions, professional standards, and policy reforms within Kenya’s health system. The union champions the deployment, welfare, and continuous development of public health officers, who are essential in disease prevention, sanitation, and community health promotion nationwide.
In his acceptance speech, Ashira underscored the union’s mandate, pledging robust advocacy to address workforce gaps by prioritising the recruitment and replacement of public health officers, specialists, and technicians. He further committed to pushing for the timely posting and remuneration of public health interns, an issue that has long affected the sector.
Additionally, Ashira emphasized the need for increased government investment in the Public Health Department, noting that a well-funded system is key to safeguarding communities against emerging health threats.
With a unified leadership team and a clear agenda, KEHPHPU under Ashira’s stewardship is poised to amplify its voice and strengthen Kenya’s public health landscape in the years ahead.
