The Principal Secretary for Medical Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has opened up about his career journey, from his days as an intern at Kijabe Hospital 14 years ago.
Speaking during the celebration of Kijabe Hospital’s 110th anniversary, the PS said that he performed 200 caesarean sections during his internship.
“Fourteen years ago, I began my journey here as an intern. Kijabe wasn’t just a training ground — it was a launchpad. I performed over 200 caesarean sections,” Oluga said.
“This hospital taught me compassion, discipline, and hard work, and above all, to always put patients first,” said Dr. Oluga.
While recalling his best moments at Kijabe Hospital, the PS acknowledged that the experience he gained shaped him to the doctor he is today.
He also emphasised the crucial role of human resources in delivering high-quality health services.
“Healthcare workers are the hands, hearts, and minds of the system. For quality care to be delivered, they must be well-equipped, adequately skilled, and continually motivated,” he said.
In his speech, the PS acknowledged Ministry of Health’s efforts to digitize health worker records to ensure only qualified professionals serve in public and private facilities, as well as the importance of partnership in the health care reforms.
“With the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA) — the national body responsible for pooling and managing health resources, we are reimagining how healthcare works for Kenyans. Institutions like Kijabe, faith-based, affordable, and impactful, are critical partners in achieving Universal Health Coverage. Together, we can build a system that is ethical, resilient, and inclusive,” he added.
About Kijabe Mission Hospital
Kijabe Hospital is a faith-based Level 5 tertiary referral center located in Kiambu County, Kenya.
Also Read: Diploma vs Degree in Nursing for KUCCPS Students: Qualifications, Fees & Career Opportunities
Established in 1915 by missionaries from the Africa Inland Church (AIC), it has evolved into a leading teaching hospital in East Africa, offering a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including surgery, maternal and child health, critical care, oncology, and palliative care.
The hospital also plays a pivotal role in medical education, providing training programs in various specialties such as nursing, anesthesia, family medicine, pediatrics, and HIV care.
PS Ouma Oluga was among the guests who graced the hospital’s 110th anniversary celebrations on May 28.
In his remarks, Oluga hailed the role Kijabe Hospital has played over the years to compliment government-owned facilities in delivering healthcare services.
“You have made a mark in health care service delivery as a faith-based, complementing government services. It is in this hospital that I learnt compassion, discipline, and the culture of hard work,” the PS remarked.
Dr.Ouma Oluga Appointment as the Principal Secretary for Medical Services
Dr. Fredrick Ouma Oluga was appointed as the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Medical Services in Kenya’s Ministry of Health in April 2025, succeeding Harry Kimtai, who was reassigned to the Ministry of Mining.
The official handover ceremony took place at Afya House in Nairobi and was presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
He previously served as the Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and as the Chief Officer of Health in the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
Also Read: Meet First Uzima University Medical Student Holding Senior Role in Ministry of Health
Upon assuming office, Dr. Oluga acknowledged the challenges facing the health sector, including the operationalization of the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), which is expected to play a pivotal role in delivering UHC and reshaping healthcare access and financing in Kenya.
He pledged to rebuild public trust in the healthcare system and to address issues such as legacy debts from the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and concerns from healthcare providers regarding empanelment and timely payments.
His appointment has been met with optimism from various stakeholders, including the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), which lauded his nomination as a positive step towards addressing the challenges in Kenya’s healthcare system.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
