The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s strong commitment to ensuring that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) delivers concrete and measurable benefits for all Kenyans. Speaking during a strategy meeting with the Directorate of Policy, Digital Health, and Innovations, Dr. Oluga emphasized that restoring public trust in the health system must remain a top priority and a shared responsibility.
He noted that the country’s health system is at a critical juncture, requiring decisive action, unity of purpose, and innovation. “Our work must restore order to the health sector, promote the health of our people, reduce the burden of disease, and lower mortality rates,” he stated. He underlined that the implementation of UHC should not only be smooth and coordinated but must also produce visible results that will win back the trust of citizens.
Dr. Oluga stressed the need for a cultural and operational shift in how things are done within the Ministry, calling on all staff members to take ownership of their roles and work collaboratively to realize shared objectives. “Everyone must contribute and work together. Public trust depends on how we show up, how we deliver, and how we lead,” he said.
He challenged the team to look beyond routine duties and to consider the long-term impact of their work on the health outcomes of the population. According to Dr. Oluga, every action and policy must be grounded in sustainability and driven by a commitment to serve the public interest. “What you do must outlive you. The work of the State Department of Medical Services does not exist in isolation. It must align with the broader Ministry agenda.”
The Principal Secretary highlighted the need to reorganize and strengthen health systems to ensure they are responsive, resilient, and capable of delivering meaningful change. He emphasized that the challenge is not necessarily a lack of resources, but rather how existing resources are prioritized and utilized. “Our challenge is not a lack of resources it’s how we prioritize. We must focus on what works and scale it.”
Innovation, he said, must underpin all aspects of the Ministry’s work from the deployment of resources to the mobilization of new funding. Dr. Oluga urged staff to think strategically and remain aligned with the government’s health priorities. “Let’s be strategic. We must align our efforts with the government’s health agenda to stay focused on what the country expects us to achieve.”
In his call for discipline and accountability, Dr. Oluga reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and fostering a workplace culture rooted in professionalism. He stressed that the long-term stability and effectiveness of the health system depend on discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic. “Apply yourself fully to the task at hand. Discipline, commitment, and clarity of purpose are key.”
Concluding his address, Dr. Oluga reminded the team that transformational change does not always come from complex initiatives. Instead, it often stems from simple, consistent efforts that are sustained over time. “Real transformation isn’t always about complex solutions. Sometimes, it’s the simple things we do consistently that create the greatest impact. We need big, straightforward ideas that will have a ripple effect across the system.”
