By Aoma Keziah,
Dr. Ouma Oluga has officially assumed the role of Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Medical Services, taking over from Mr. Harry Kimtai in a formal handover ceremony witnessed by the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health, at Afya House in Nairobi.
“ I call on all Ministry officials to remain firmly anchored in the values enshrined in Chapter 10 of the Constitution, including transparency, accountability, and integrity. It is important to uphold these principles in policy implementation, financial management, and service delivery. This is key to building an efficient, responsive, and people-centred health system,” said CS Duale.
He further emphasized the need for unity of purpose and collective support for the new leadership, in advancing the rollout of SHA.
“There’s need for unity 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. I affirm my Ministry’s commitment to restoring order in the health sector and ensuring affordable, accessible health care for all,” added Duale.
Dr. Oluga, a seasoned medical practitioner and former Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), and now incoming PS for Medical Services pledged to build on his predecessor’s work while ushering in reforms aimed at strengthening the healthcare delivery system.
I pledge to deliver for the people of Kenya and I will drive forward the implementation of UHC, a flagship priority under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). There’s need to rebuild public trust in the health system and uphold the values of patriotism, sustainable development, dependability, and reliability in service delivery,” he remarked.
Outgoing PS Mr. Kimtai, who has served in the position since 2019, expressed confidence in Dr. Oluga’s ability to steer the department forward.
“It has been a fulfilling journey, and I believe Dr. Oluga brings a wealth of experience and energy that will benefit the Ministry and the Kenyan people,” he affirmed.
Attended by PS Public Health Mary Muthoni, DG for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, Chief Executive Officers of State Corporations under the Ministry, and Directors of various technical departments, the event marked a significant transition in the leadership of one of the country’s most critical health portfolios.
