The Ministry of Health has ushered in a new chapter in leadership as Dr. Ouma Oluga officially assumed office on Thursday as the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, taking over from Mr. Harry Kimtai, who has been redeployed to the State Department for Mining.
The handover ceremony, held in Nairobi, was presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, E.G.H., and brought together top ministry officials, health sector stakeholders, and senior government representatives. It marked a significant moment for the country’s health sector, which is undergoing critical reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In his address, CS Duale called on all officials within the Ministry to uphold the values enshrined in Chapter 10 of the Constitution, particularly those of transparency, accountability, and integrity. He emphasized that these principles must guide every aspect of the Ministry’s operations, including policy implementation, financial management, and public service delivery.
“As we welcome new leadership, we must remain anchored in our constitutional values. Our focus is to create a health system that is efficient, responsive, and centred on the needs of the people,” said Duale.
He further called for unity of purpose and collective responsibility in supporting Dr. Oluga’s leadership, particularly in advancing the implementation of the Taifa Care Model and the operationalization of the Social Health Authority (SHA)—key pillars under the Universal Health Coverage program, which is a flagship priority of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
A New Era of Leadership
Dr. Ouma Oluga, a seasoned health sector leader and former Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), brings a wealth of experience in both clinical practice and health policy. In his inaugural speech as Principal Secretary, he reaffirmed his dedication to transforming Kenya’s healthcare system to ensure affordable, equitable, and quality care for all.
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility and commit to delivering on the aspirations of the Kenyan people,” said Dr. Oluga. “We must rebuild trust in our public health institutions and deliver services that reflect the values of patriotism, dependability, and sustainable development.”
He emphasized that investing in Kenya’s health workforce is key to achieving lasting success in UHC, noting that frontline health workers must be supported, trained, and equipped to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare.
Confidence in New Leadership
CS Duale acknowledged the challenges being faced in the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new Social Health Authority (SHA), which is expected to streamline and enhance health financing under the UHC agenda.
However, he expressed confidence in Dr. Oluga’s leadership, citing his “blend of technical expertise and passion for public service” as critical to steering the reforms forward.
“We are defining a new era for Kenya’s healthcare system—one rooted in dignity, accessibility, and affordability. With Dr. Oluga at the helm, I am confident that we will deliver on our promise to the people,” Duale said.
A Unified Front for Health Sector Transformation
The handover event was attended by senior officials including outgoing PS Mr. Harry Kimtai, PS for Public Health Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, CEOs of state corporations under the Ministry, and heads of technical departments.
Mr. Kimtai, in his farewell remarks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and wished his successor success in steering the department forward.
As Dr. Oluga takes on the mantle of leadership at a critical time, stakeholders across the board are hopeful that his appointment will accelerate the realization of a stronger, people-centred healthcare system—one capable of responding to Kenya’s health needs now and into the future.
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