The Ministry of Health has witnessed a leadership transition at the State Department for Medical Services, with Dr. Ouma Oluga officially taking over as Principal Secretary from Harry Kimtai, who has been redeployed to the State Department for Mining.
Presiding over the handover ceremony, on Thursday, April 17, 2028, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale called on all ministry officials to remain firmly anchored in the values enshrined in Chapter 10 of the Constitution, including transparency, accountability, and integrity.
He also emphasized the importance of upholding these principles in policy implementation, financial management, and service delivery, noting that this is key to building an efficient, responsive, and people-centred health system.
What Duale said while welcoming Ouma Oluga
In addition, Duale underscored the need for unity of purpose and collective support for the new leadership, particularly in advancing the rollout of the Taifa Care Model and the operationalization of the Social Health Authority (SHA) under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to restoring order in the health sector and ensuring affordable, accessible health care for all.
In his remarks, Dr. Oluga pledged to deliver for the people of Kenya, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the health sector and driving forward the implementation of UHC, a flagship priority under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He also highlighted the need to rebuild public trust in the health system and echoed the values of patriotism, sustainable development, dependability, and reliability in service delivery.
Oluga, a former KMPDU boss further noted that investing in the health workforce is central to realising meaningful and sustainable UHC outcomes.
Meanwhile, CAlS Duale acknowledged the ongoing challenges experienced in the transition from NHIF to SHA, and expressed confidence in Dr. Oluga’s leadership.
He cited his blend of technical expertise and deep commitment to the sector as critical to the success of the reforms.
