Nairobi, March 20 : The Ministry of Health is set for significant transformation, following President Ruto's new appointment in a move aimed at enhancing service delivery.
On Thursday, state announced the nomination of Dr Ouma Oluga as the new Principal Secretary (PS) for Medical Services, a seasoned medical professional, who brings vast experience in healthcare leadership and governance.
Dr Oluga will replace Harry Kimtai, who has now been reassigned to the State Department of Mining, and was responsible for coordinating medical services as the Accounting and Authorised Officer under the guidance of the Cabinet Secretary for Health. He played a key role in driving healthcare service reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
During his tenure, he actively defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has faced challenges since its rollout, including forcing Kenyans to pay out of pocket for medical services.
Recently, he threatened to shut down private hospitals that do not offer services to patients under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Kimtai reminded private hospitals that their licences are subject to renewal and that failing to comply with SHA requirements goes against the Constitution. He criticised private hospitals for withholding services and accused them of attempting to blackmail the government.
“Why are you protesting? Why are you stopping services when you knew NHIF had your outstanding bill? Since 2016, we have repeatedly called for negotiations and engagements to resolve these issues. We were ready to pay, but hospitals should not blackmail the government and Kenyans by refusing to offer services,” he stated.
In response, the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s UHC agenda but stressed the need to address the financial difficulties faced by private hospitals.
The association termed the PS’s remarks as counterproductive, arguing that they undermine the spirit of partnership needed to achieve UHC and unfairly target private hospitals that have remained operational despite financial hardships.
If appointed, Oluga will have to navigate the challenges facing the SHA, which has been plagued by issues such as inadequate medical services for Kenyans, ongoing strikes by doctors, and protests from private hospitals over unpaid claims and policy concerns.
Oluga previously served as the secretary-general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and as chief officer of health in the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
He is an alumnus of the University of Nairobi School of Medicine, where he obtained a master’s degree in internal medicine during the university's 62nd graduation ceremony on December 20, 2019.
Born in 1985 in Rarieda Constituency, Siaya County, Oluga has had a distinguished career in the medical sector. He attended Okela Primary School before proceeding to Maranda High School between 1999 and 2002. He later joined Moi University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree.
His educational background also includes a Fellowship in Monitoring and Evaluation (Health) from the University of Nairobi and a postgraduate certificate in Infectious Diseases from the Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University.
Throughout his career, Oluga has been a strong advocate for public health reforms and universal health coverage. His leadership in KMPDU since 2014 played a key role in uniting doctors for sector reforms.
He has worked in the department of internal medicine in Vihiga County since July 2012, where he has also mentored clinical officer interns and medical officer interns.
He has also managed outpatient and diabetic clinics and overseen the HIV Comprehensive Care Clinic, collaborating with donor partners to monitor and evaluate the programme.
Oluga also gained international medical experience, working under leading physicians in the United States as a medical intern for over a year in 2011. He briefly served as a medical officer at the Kijabe Mission Hospital’s six-bed intensive care unit between January and June 2012.
Beyond his medical practice, Oluga has been an advocate for women's issues, serving as an advocate at Women Deliver for a year in 2010. His leadership journey began during his tenure as president of the Medical Students Association of Kenya from 2009 to 2010 and as chairman of the Medical Students Association of Moi University during the same period.
Under his leadership, he organised international conferences and workshops aimed at increasing government and society's involvement in critical health issues, such as reproductive healthcare.
