State Department for Medical Services

04/06/2026

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga today held a consultative meeting with a Novartis Pharmaceutical delegation at Afya House to explore opportunities for strengthening collaboration in addressing non-communicable diseases, cancer, sickle cell disease and palliative care.

The discussions focused on ongoing partnerships, including the Afya Dhabiti Project for Sickle Cell Disease and the Cancer Path to Care Programme, which continue to support improved access to quality healthcare services and contribute to Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.

Dr. Oluga emphasised that all partnerships must align with national health priorities and support the Government’s ongoing health sector reforms, which are anchored on health financing, healthcare workforce development, commodity security and digital transformation.

He underscored the need for greater collaboration in improving access to affordable medicines, strengthening health financing mechanisms, enhancing workforce training and leveraging digital technologies to improve healthcare delivery. The Principal Secretary also highlighted the importance of research, innovation and locally generated evidence in developing sustainable solutions to address Kenya’s evolving health challenges.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Johansen Oduor, representing the Director of Curative and Nursing Services, Dr. Andrew Toro, and Dr. Joan Paula Bor. The Novartis delegation was led by Mr. Michael Oduor, Country Head for Kenya and Rwanda.

04/06/2026

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga today held a consultative meeting with the African Centre for Health Workforce Initiative and Transformation (ACHWIT) at Afya House, where the team presented a progress report on achievements realised during the first six months since its establishment.

The meeting reviewed key milestones, ongoing interventions, and priorities for the next phase of implementation aimed at strengthening health workforce development, enhancing institutional capacity, and supporting the Government’s broader health sector transformation agenda.

Dr. Oluga reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a resilient, skilled, and adequately supported health workforce as a critical pillar in the delivery of quality healthcare services and the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Johansen Odour, representing the Director of Nursing and Curative Services, Dr. Andrew Toro.

03/06/2026

Institutions of higher learning have a critical role to play in advancing Kenya’s local manufacturing agenda by transforming research, innovation, and training into practical solutions that address the country’s healthcare needs.

Speaking at a Public Lecture and Stakeholder Engagement Forum at the University of Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga called for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate the local production of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and other essential health products.

The PS emphasised that commodity security, healthcare financing, workforce development, and domestic resource mobilisation remain central to the Government’s health transformation agenda. He challenged universities and researchers to focus on innovation, intellectual property development, and market-ready technologies that can strengthen Kenya’s manufacturing capacity and improve health outcomes.

The forum, convened by Kenya BioVax Institute in partnership with the University of Nairobi, brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, government, research institutions, and development partners to explore pathways for strengthening local manufacturing and building resilient health systems.

Present were Prof. Daniel Ojuka, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi; Dr. Charles Githinji, Chairperson of Kenya BioVax Institute; Dr. Wesley Ronoh, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya BioVax Institute; Dr. Emmanuel Kombe Nzae, Chairperson of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board, alongside faculty members, students, and other stakeholders.

03/06/2026

Join Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, on KTN Prime as he discusses the State of Healthcare in Kenya, including ongoing reforms, access to quality healthcare, Universal Health Coverage, and efforts to strengthen service delivery across the country.

03/06/2026

Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, today joined fellow Principal Secretaries at the monthly coordination meeting held at the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya AIST) within Konza Technopolis, Machakos County.

The meeting, chaired by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Hon. Felix Koskei, reviewed the implementation of key government programmes and projects, and reinforced inter-ministerial coordination to enhance service delivery across sectors.

The forum also provided an opportunity for the Ministry of Health to brief participants on Kenya’s preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including ongoing surveillance, screening, laboratory readiness, and emergency response measures aimed at safeguarding public health.

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Africa’s health security through support for the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) and local manufacturing of health products.

During a meeting with the Africa CDC Mission led by Abebe G. Bayih, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga underscored the importance of pooled procurement, resilient supply chains, and increased production of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices within Africa.

The discussions highlighted progress in expanding continental manufacturing capacity, reducing procurement costs through pooled purchasing, and advancing collaboration to improve access to affordable, quality health commodities across the continent.

Kenya also reaffirmed its support for the operationalisation of the APPM Memorandum of Understanding and the promotion of African-manufactured medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices.

The meeting was attended by Africa CDC Coordinator Warfa Osman, Dr. Stephen Njuguna from the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies, and Dr. Rabera Kenanya of BioVax, among other officials.

31/05/2026

Tune in to Citizen TV’s Monday Report for a discussion on the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan with PS Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga.

📺 9:00 PM |