Nairobi - Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo has officially presented her credentials to the Government of Kenya, formally recognizing her as the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Kenya. She presented her credentials to H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, on Thursday, 13 August.
Dr Kimambo, a Tanzanian senior public health specialist and paediatrician with over 25 years of experience in public health leadership, health systems strengthening and policy implementation, has served as Acting WHO Representative to Kenya since the beginning of 2026.
During the meeting, Dr Kimambo noted that Kenya stands at a defining moment in its health journey, one marked by bold reforms to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), efforts to strengthen local manufacturing of health products and technologies, accelerated progress on maternal and newborn survival through the EWENE Acceleration Plan, and sustained vigilance against health emergencies.
"WHO remains committed to walking alongside Kenya on this journey, grounded in strong collaboration, guided by evidence, and driven by the shared conviction that every Kenyan, in every county, deserves access to quality, affordable and dignified health care," said Dr Kimambo.
Dr Kimambo affirmed her commitment to strengthening health systems and advancing Universal Health Coverage in Kenya and across the African region, working in close partnership with the Ministry of Health under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
For his part, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, welcomed the strong and longstanding engagement between the Government and WHO, and reaffirmed the Ministry's full support in facilitating WHO's work in the country. He pointed to local manufacturing of health products and technologies as a priority area for deeper cooperation, and encouraged WHO to continue using its technical expertise and public voice, which he described as trusted and influential among Kenyans, to support the country's health priorities.
With her letters of credence now formally presented, Dr Kimambo takes up her role as WHO Representative to Kenya at a pivotal moment for the country's health sector, bringing more than two decades of public health leadership across the region to the partnership between WHO and the Government of Kenya. [More on Dr Kimambo's professional journey.]
