Duale voices confidence in Oluga’s leadership as medical services PS
The Ministry of Health has undergone a leadership change at the State Department for Medical Services, with Dr Fredrick Oluga officially taking over as Principal Secretary from Harry Kimtai.
The handover ceremony was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale on Thursday, April 17, 2025, who expressed confidence in Oluga’s leadership and the direction he will steer the health sector.
Duale commended the medical service PS for his technical expertise and his unwavering commitment to the health sector, which he believes will play a pivotal role in achieving meaningful health reforms.
“I warmly congratulate Dr Oluga on his appointment and wish him great success in his new role. I have full confidence in Dr Oluga’s leadership. His technical expertise, combined with his deep commitment to the sector, is key to the success of these reforms. Together, we will define a new era of affordable and dignified healthcare for every Kenyan,” Duale said.
He further expressed his enthusiasm for working with Oluga to enhance collaboration in delivering quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to all Kenyans through the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“I look forward to working closely with him as we strengthen our collaboration to deliver quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for all Kenyans through the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, he added.
Duale also emphasised the importance of unity and support for the new leadership, focusing on advancing the Taifa Care Model and the Social Health Authority (SHA) under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.
“There is a need for unity of purpose and collective support for the new leadership, especially in advancing the rollout of the Taifa Care Model and the operationalisation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework. We are committed to restoring order in the health sector and ensuring that affordable, accessible healthcare is available to all Kenyans,” Duale added.
In his remarks, Oluga expressed his commitment to strengthening the health sector and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key priority under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA but assured the Ministry of his dedication to building public trust in the health system.
The handover ceremony was attended by the outgoing PS, Harry Kimtai; PS Public Health, Mary Muthoni; DG for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth; Chief Executive Officers of State Corporations under the Ministry; and Directors of various technical departments.
In addition to serving as KMPDU SG, Oluga also served as the chief officer for health services at the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
