By Collins Matubwi
Kakamega
He is indisputably the face of integrity, discipline and civility in the Kakamega county senatorial tussle with a taste of regimen.
Dr Kenneth Bukachi Kochwa; The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), Regional Distribution Coordinator of Western Kenya, is one of the reputable persons who has chosen a transition from corporate world to the tough world of politics
Dr Kenneth Bukachi KochwaBorn and raised in Khwisero sub county, the 48 years old resident of Kakamega town schooled at Arambe Primary School since 1981 before joining PE-Hill High school in 1989 and later on in 1993 joined The Kenya Medical Training College where he laid a foundation in his medical career.
In 2009, Dr Bukachi graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree (BPHARM) and Master’s Degree (MBA) consecutively from Mt Kenya University
He pursued a Senior Management Course in 2020 from TheKenya School of Government and a Diploma in Business Management from The Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).
In 1997, he began his career in medicine as a District Pharmaceutical Technologist and a Member of the District Health Management Team (DHMT) in Busia District, Butere District and Vihiga District sequentially where he was appointed a Member of the Provincial Health Management Team (PHMT).
Dr Kenneth Bukachi Kochwa with DP William RutoHe then joined the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) in 2004 as a Depot Manager and later served senior committal and management positions which included Field Liaison Officer, a member of the technical Evaluation committee for medical commodities Tender, Customer service officer in charge of Nandi, Uasingishu and Trans-Nzoia counties, Field customer service officer in charge of Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet and Narok counties, Regional Sales and Marketing Executive Western region covering 13 Counties. Dr Kenneth Bukachi was then appointed as the Regional Distribution Coordinator Western region in charge of 19 Counties in 2020 and the Chairperson to the Evaluation committee at theKenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
Dr Bukachi, who has a public sector twenty-three years’ experience in pharmaceutical supply chain management with understanding of corporate sector planning and execution, was in 2016 recognized by Health CDC foundation for being customer oriented in enhancing the new KEMSA business model of serving the counties and later in 2010, The Kenya pharmaceutical Association recognized him for exemplary performance.
Dr Kenneth Bukachi KochwaHe has a vast of experience in Media, Disability mainstreaming and policy review, Public procurement and disposal compliance training, Leadership, Customer Managed Relationship, Credit control and Management, Corruption Eradication and Sensitization, Countering counterfeiting, Inventory and ware housing operations, Change Management, Health Commodity Logistics Services and Procurement Management. He is a bonafide member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya(PSK) and an associate and committee member of The Kenya Institute of Management(KIM).
According to Dr Bukachi, his success is attached to solid permanent objectives.
” I’ve a very strong belief in a just society where Health services are equally and fairly shared to all and anchored on equity. The tenet of integrity should be the strong walls onto which the roof of justice and accountability should stand firmly.” said Bukachi who was full of charisma as we sat down for the interview at his Kakamega home, not far away from the CBD.
He says his interest in politics was ignited by the desire to help the vulnerable members of society.
Dr Kenneth Bukachi Kochwa (right) with Seth Panyako (second left)” I’m a product of a vulnerable and religious background, the pain and struggles that my parents and I went through to meet basic needs is one thing I wouldn’t wish others to go through. I’ve since been engaged on individual works of charity to help the unfortunate realize their dreams and joining politics is a sure way of institutionalizing my mission since politics controls the share of the national cake.”
Bukachi who vied for the same seat in 2017 on an ODM ticket says he is objected to deliver when elected as the 3rd senator of kakamega county. He says legislative functions are far much beyond mere advocacy and representation but but also inculcates the unique aspects of societal appraisal.
He narrates quite fervently how he attended a funds drive towards the purchase of a pastor’s car in one of the churches in the county in 2016 and upon realizing that the money collected was far from the target amount he handed over his newly bought car keys to the pastor and walked on foot back home with his family.
Dr Kenneth Bukachi Kochwa“The servant of God needed the car more than I do. He had a divine responsibility. My family is selfless, they understood and accepted. My personality is built on how to save my people from poverty,” said Bukachi.
Many who well know him delineates him as a disciplined, selfless and output oriented leader with a spiritual bent. According to Mr. Eliud Muriithi, a Business Development and resource mobilization advisor at KEMSA, Dr. Bukachi is a hardworking staff focused on ensuring fastest turnaround time in collecting debt due upon delivery and invoicing. Dr John Munya, the KEMSA CEO also describes him as a benchmark for other staffs celebrated for lifting the KEMSA flag high.
During his free time, Kenneth loves travelling and site embrace, sharing with friends and most often spends his time listening the word of God. He is a staunch believer in personal advancement and development.
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