President William Ruto has enlisted the expertise of four distinguished doctors, appointing them to lead the charge in overhauling Kenya’s healthcare system and driving the country’s health agenda forward.
With the health sector under intense scrutiny due to frequent changes in leadership, budget cuts, and challenges within the Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA), the stakes could not be higher.
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This quartet—Dr. Patrick Amoth, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, and Dr. Abdi Mohamed—are expected to spearhead reforms at a critical time for the Ministry of Health (MoH).
Healthcare financing remains a pressing issue, with the health budget stagnating at far below the 15% of the national budget, the target set by the Abuja Declaration.
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The sector has been in a state of flux, crippled by corruption and emerging issues in donor support, as well as human resource challenges, including recurrent workers’ strikes.
Ruto Appoints Three Health CSs in Less Than 3 Years
In less than three years, the Ministry of Health has had three different Cabinet Secretaries (CSs), creating an environment of instability.
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At first, Susan Nakhumicha led the docket before the cabinet reshuffle in July 2024. The move was a response to public outcry during the Gen Z protests, where young Kenyans rallied against the government’s policies.
During her tenure, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) came under scrutiny due to questions about its spending of Ksh2.28 billion, the irregular hiring of staff, and failure to account for donor funds.
At the same time, the Ksh3.6 billion mosquito net scandal at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) also emerged under her watch.
Nakhumicha was also pressured by Members of Parliament to explain how the Velo brand of nicotine addictive tobacco products landed in Kenya, despite her predecessor having recalled a similar product known as Lyft from the Kenyan market.
Reflecting on her time in office, Nakhumicha admitted that one of her greatest regrets was failing to resolve the long-standing doctors’ strikes that plagued her tenure, including a 56-day strike.
Deborah Barasa succeeded Nakhumicha, taking over at a time when Kenya’s health sector was critically ill and required urgent intervention.
Ministry Grappling with SHA Crisis
When President William Ruto signed new health bills (now Acts of Parliament) in October 2023, it marked a significant milestone for the health sector, just under a year since the Kenya Kwanza government took over.
One of the key Acts that came into force was the Social Health Insurance Act, which provided for the creation and operationalization of the Social Health Authority (SHA). SHA replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Just before Nakhumicha was ousted, she had overseen the early stages of the registration process for Kenyans under the new system.
Now in the driver’s seat, CS Barasa had the critical task of ensuring a seamless transition and full rollout of SHA.
Her biggest challenge was navigating this transition within the confines of the law, especially since the court had already declared the Social Health Insurance Fund unconstitutional.
In March of this year, President William Ruto directed the immediate payment of all hospitals owed up to Ksh10 million by the now-defunct NHIF, as the government moved to address the growing healthcare crisis.
Private hospitals, however, have been boycotting SHA, leaving thousands of patients stranded as they demand upfront payments for medical services.
The president also acknowledged that the government inherited a crippling NHIF debt of Ksh33 billion following its dissolution on November 22, 2024, which has hindered health facilities’ ability to provide services under SHA.
Barasa’s appointment also came amid concerns over a potential outbreak of the Mpox virus in the country.
Later in March this year Barasa swapped ministry roles with Aden Duale, who had previously headed the Ministry of Forestry and Environment.
Universal Health Coverage
Kenya’s health agenda centers around achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality health services without facing financial hardship.
This goal is pursued by strengthening access to care, ensuring quality services, and protecting citizens from the financial risks associated with illness.
Key areas of focus include maternal and child health, immunization, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
The government is also emphasizing preventive and promotive healthcare, with particular attention given to primary healthcare and the expansion of primary care networks.
However, the planning and management of key health initiatives in the country may face disruptions following the United States’ decision to cut funding for an important health program that supports data collection across 90 low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya.
In response, the government has stated that it is working on interventions aimed at ensuring sustainable health financing through domestic resources to fill the gap left by foreign-funded health programs.
Afya House has often been labeled with various names, some of which malign the ministry, portraying it as the hub of corruption.
With President Ruto’s appointments of Dr. Patrick Amoth as the Director General of Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga as PS of the State Department of Medical Services, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi as CEO of SHA, and Dr. Abdi Mohamed as Chair of SHA, the question remains: will these appointments bear fruit and drive meaningful reforms in the health sector?
Also Read: Ruto Rejects Conflict of Interest Bill
Dr. Amoth – Director General (DG), MoH
Dr. Amoth serves as the Director General of Health and currently chairs the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Executive Board.
He is a technical advisor to the Government on all matters relating to health within the sector and advises the Cabinet Secretary of Health.
Dr. Amoth is also responsible for preventing and guarding against the introduction of infectious diseases into Kenya.
He promotes public health and works to prevent, limit, or suppress infectious, communicable, and preventable diseases within the country.
As DG, he advises both levels of government on national security matters related to public health and supervises the directorates within the national Ministry of Health.
Additionally, he promotes and facilitates research and investigations related to the prevention or treatment of human diseases and oversees the internship program for health workers.
Amoth Previous Roles
Previously, Dr. Amoth headed the Directorate of Public Health, where he led the development of strategies for the effective delivery of health services across all 47 counties in Kenya.
He had served as the acting Director-General for Health since January 2020 but was confirmed as the DG on August 1, 2024.
During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing key national and international health policies, including Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage roadmap, the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines, and the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Amoth’s career in the civil service spans many years. He started as a Medical Officer Intern and rising to the position of Medical Superintendent at Kiambu District Hospital.
He later served as the District Medical Officer of Health for what is now Kiambu County. Dr. Amoth also held a successful position as Chief Medical Specialist and Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi.
He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the same institution.
Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Health Systems Management from Galilee College in Israel.
Dr. Ouma Oluga – PS Medical Services
Dr. Ouma Oluga was appointed President Ruto as Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Medical Services.
Dr. Oluga, a former Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), was instrumental in championing the rights and welfare of healthcare workers in Kenya.
His leadership during the 2017 doctors’ strike resulted in improved terms of service for medical practitioners.
He has also served as the Chief Officer of Health in the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
Oluga also held the position of senior deputy director medical services at MoH.
Born in 1985 in Rarieda Constituency, Siaya County, Oluga graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree from Moi University.
He is also 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 in December 2019.
As Principal Secretary, Dr. Oluga will be responsible for the coordination of medical services as the Accounting and Authorized Officer under the direction of the Cabinet Secretary for Health.
He will also lead healthcare services reforms aimed at realizing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Also Read: What Salaried Kenyans Will Contribute Monthly and Annually to SHA
Dr. Mercy Mwangangi – SHA CEO
Dr. Mercy Mwangangi is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Mwangangi previously served as Chief Administrative Secretary at the Ministry of Health and is currently the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa.
At AMREF, she has been leading initiatives on health financing and health security across Africa, focusing on mobilizing development assistance for primary healthcare and the expansion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
She was one of the senior officials at the Ministry of Health who worked tirelessly to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya after the first case was recorded in March 2020.
Mercy has been involved in the public health sector since 2010. Her first leadership role came at the age of 23, shortly after completing her medical internship at Machakos Level Five Hospital, when she was appointed as a District Medical Officer in Meru South.
After completing her studies, she took on the role of Head of Health Financing and Health Economics at the Ministry of Health until her appointment as CAS.
Dr Mwangangi holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Nairobi and a master’s in health economics and policy from the University of Adelaide in Australia.
As CEO of SHA, Dr. Mwangangi will be responsible for administering the funds established under the Social Health Insurance Act.
She will also oversee the development and implementation of strategies and policies aimed at achieving the Authority’s objectives.
Dr. Mwangangi will represent the Authority in high-level engagements with stakeholders and ensure the sustainability of SHA through prudent resource management.
She will also ensure compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (No. 18 of 2012), which governs the administration of the Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund, and Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund.
Dr. Abdi Mohamed – SHA Chairperson
Dr. Mohammed Abdi serves as the Chairperson of the Social Health Authority (SHA) after Ruto appointed him last year.
Before his appointment, Dr. Mohamed was an Independent Board Director at SHA, contributing oversight and assisting in the Authority’s operations.
He previously served as National Chair of the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals from September 2016 to March 2024, and has held several positions within the Kenya Medical Association (KMA).
Dr. Mohamed co-founded and served as CEO & Managing Director of Ladnan Hospital and worked as the Director and Chief Operating Officer at Metropolitan Hospital Holdings Limited.
He has also served as a Council Member for the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDU) and worked as a Medical Officer at Malindi District Hospital as well as a Medical Doctor for the humanitarian agency Médecins Sans Frontières.
Dr. Mohamed holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Nairobi.
As Chairperson of SHA, Dr. Mohamed is responsible for steering the Board’s activities, ensuring the successful implementation of SHA’s mandate, and ensuring that SHA delivers on its promise of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
His role also involves reducing financial barriers to healthcare and ensuring that beneficiaries receive high-quality healthcare services.
He will also oversee the implementation of SHA programs, including the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).
Dr. Mohamed will also maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, and the public.
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