A conversation with Hon. Stephen Mule on how Kenya’s leadership helped shape the Global TB Caucus

Hon. Stephen Mule reflects on what motivated his commitment to TB advocacy, why it matters in Kenya today, and how political leadership can make a lasting difference.

What motivated you to join the Global TB Caucus?

“Kenya is one of the world’s high TB burden countries,” Hon. Mule explained. “Low political will and lack of funding have been major challenges, and I have always felt strongly that political leaders must use their position to drive meaningful change.”

Even before the Global TB Caucus was formed, he was already engaged in TB advocacy at home. His turning point came when he attended a meeting in Barcelona where parliamentarians deliberated on their role in addressing TB. “I was excited by the vision. That meeting led to the creation of the Global TB Caucus, and I became one of its founding members. A decade later, I am still going strong.”

Why does TB matter in Kenya’s political agenda today?

Hon. Mule is clear that tackling TB is both a constitutional and political priority. “The right to the highest attainable standard of health is provided for in Kenya’s Constitution, and parliament has a duty to uphold it,” he said.

With Kenya among the countries hardest hit by TB, he believes parliament’s role is crucial. “That is why the Kenya Parliamentary TB Caucus is formally recognised in parliament and domiciled in the Health Committee. We have ensured TB receives an allocation in the national budget and we remain vigilant in monitoring progress in the TB response.”

A moment that made a difference

Looking back, Hon. Mule recalls one defining moment in his TB advocacy. “In 2013, Kenya faced a prolonged stockout of TB drugs. Patients were suffering, and the country had even resorted to borrowing medicines from neighbours. Civil society reached out to me, and I knew I had to act.”

At the time serving on the Health Committee, he tabled the issue in parliament. “It shocked the House to learn that TB had not been allocated any funds in the national budget. My intervention led to an emergency allocation for TB drugs and for immunisation. Since then, TB has had a standing allocation every year, and that moment showed how parliamentary action can directly save lives.”

A message to fellow parliamentarians

“TB is airborne. Ending it protects citizens,” he stated.

For Hon. Mule, TB is not just a health issue but a development issue. “TB reflects cracks in a nation’s development such as poor housing, food insecurity, overcrowding, and weak access to health services. By addressing TB, you are tackling all of these challenges.”

His call to action is clear: “I encourage every MP who cares about their people to join the Caucus. Here, you will find a platform to contribute to your nation’s development and stand to be counted among those who ended TB by 2030.”