14/09/2025
Ahmed Ibrahim Abass Appointed New NSDCC Chairperson Increasing Somali Faces in Government
President William Ruto has appointed former Ijara MP and Garissa County Assembly Speaker Ahmed Ibrahim Abass as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).
The nomination of the former legislature further cements the rise of Somali leaders to high-ranking government positions.
The appointment was confirmed in Gazette Notice No. 12840, issued by the Government Printer this week.
Mr. Abass will now head the state corporation tasked with leading and coordinating multi-sectoral partnerships in the fight against HIV and other syndemic diseases.
The NSDCC, established under Section 3 of the State Corporations Act, Cap 446, through the National AIDS Control Council Order of 1999 and amended by Legal Notice No. 143 of 2022, plays a crucial role in shaping Kenya’s public health response.
Abass brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as Ijara MP between 2013 and 2022.
He later rose to become Speaker of the Garissa County Assembly from 2017 to 2022, a role that deepened his understanding of devolved governance and equipped him with insights into local development challenges.
A certified accountant by profession, Abass is credited with applying his financial expertise to strengthen accountability in leadership.
Mr. Ahmed Abdiaziz, a resident of Garissa said during his political career,” the leader consistently advocated for transparent use of devolved funds.”
Mr. Abdiaziz said he has been vocal criticizing the lack of visible development despite billions allocated to Garissa County since the advent of devolution.
His appointment has been warmly received in Garissa and beyond, where the former lawmaker commands significant grassroots support.
In June this year, the influential Samawathal clan elders endorsed his bid for Garissa governorship in 2027. His leadership qualities and track record of service were commended.
The new NSDCC chairperson has also built cross-clan alliances in Garissa, a county where political dynamics are often shaped by community alignments.
Meymuna Abdille, a supporter in his rural Ijara constituency, hailed his resilience and independence.
“We are happy that our son will now leverage his governance background and strong community networks to strengthen accountability at the national level,” she said.
Mr. Hussein Duale said the ability of the nominee to rise above factional politics to focus on inclusive development has made him a trusted leader.
The Presidential designation of Mr. Abass shows the growing visibility of Somali leaders in the national leadership of Kenya.
His appointment follows a string of senior government postings of Somali professionals.
The trend highlights the community’s increasing influence in shaping Kenya’s political and development agenda.
Currently, Somali professionals hold some of the most senior positions in Kenya’s government, underscoring their growing influence in national leadership. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale leads one of the most critical ministries, while Noordin Haji serves as the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
In law enforcement, Amin Ibrahim Mohamed** heads the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), playing a central role in security operations. Beyond security, Somali leaders such as former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and technocrat Adan Mohammed have also shaped Kenya’s diplomatic and economic agenda.
The appointment of Ahmed Ibrahim Abass as Chairperson of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) further reflects this trend, as more Somali professionals continue to rise to top government postings.
“Mr. Abass brings a mix of political acumen, financial expertise, and grassroots credibility that positions him well to steer the NSDCC at difficult moments,” said Mr. Duale.
He added, “this includes the scaling up of its response to HIV, alongside emerging health challenges such as non-communicable and infectious diseases.”
The institution he will be leading is also tasked with enhancing resource mobilization, and championing inclusive programs across the country in line with President William Ruto agenda.
