Kenya Minute.
Friday, 10 July 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 10 July 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Ouma Oluga

Also known as: Dr Ouma Oluga · Dr. Ouma Oluga · Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga · Dr. Oluga · PS Dr. Ouma Oluga · Dr Oluga · Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga · Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga · Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga

Principal Secretary for Medical Services, leading Kenya's healthcare digitization, Universal Health Coverage reforms, and health products manufacturing strategy.

2026-04-282026-07-10

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. The Standard

    ID) report on preventing child and maternal deaths, Kenya’s maternal mortality rate stands at 594 deaths per 100,000 live births, far from the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga

    Closing the gap: Bungoma Assembly leads drive to boost blood supplies
  3. The Standard

    Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, appearing on separate interviews yesterday, said the government should have better explained the project to the public and pledged to improve communication.

    We fell short on US Ebola facility communication; Health ministry admits
  4. Citizen Digital

    Ouma Oluga made the commitment during a courtesy call by the Africa CDC Mission, which is in the country to advance the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) and rally support for African-made health commodities.

    Kenya, Africa CDC deepen ties on pooled drug procurement, local manufacturing
  5. The Standard

    as been under-prioritised, under-financed and misunderstood.They said that limited access to quality data, inadequate research capacity and weak translation of evidence into policy have constrained the ability to respond effectively.Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga

    Experts call for more funding to tackle mental health crisis
  6. May 2026
  7. Citizen Digital

    Ouma Oluga has, in the meantime, defended Kenya's capacity to handle Ebola cases, insisting the country is well-equipped to manage infectious disease outbreaks and play its role in global health security.

    U.S commits Ksh.1.75B to boost Kenya's Ebola preparedness as Ruto, Rubio hold talks
  8. Citizen Digital

    Ouma Oluga speaks during a meeting with Governors on September 2, 2025. Photo/Courtesy Audio By Vocalize Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr.

    'We're ready,' PS Oluga says amid reports Americans exposed to Ebola may be sent to Kenya
  9. Capital News

    NAIROBI,Kenya May 23 – The government is intensifying investments in health infrastructure and county healthcare systems as part of efforts to strengthen Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has said.

    Government Expands Health Infrastructure to Boost UHC, Says PS Oluga
  10. Citizen Digital

    Audio By Vocalize Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga on Saturday visited Ivona Primary School in Chavakali, Vihiga County, for the Maragoli Hills Marathon Free Medical Camp as the government steps up community outreach programmes aimed at improving access to b

    PS Oluga leads Vihiga outreach as health ministry pushes primary care to advance UHC
  11. Capital News

    Ouma Oluga held high-level talks with WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Kluge focusing on health workforce collaboration, retention strategies and ethical mobility frameworks for healthcare workers between Africa and Europe.

    Kenya, WHO Push for Stronger Africa-Europe Health Workforce Partnership
  12. Citizen Digital

    e chief on health worker retention, ethical mobility framework By Citizen Reporter May 20, 2026 11:08 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga

    PS Oluga holds talks with WHO Europe chief on health worker retention, ethical mobility framework

Yesterday

  1. SHA, DHA, KEMSA convene to advance healthcare digitization

    The Principal Secretary for Medical Services chaired a meeting of the Healthcare IT Digitization Programme Steering Committee, bringing together the Safaricom Consortium, Digital Health Authority, Social Health Authority, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority and other agencies to review progress on Universal Health Coverage digital transformation and accelerate programme delivery.

    9 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 2 July

  1. Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital becomes independent from KNH

    The Government has officially handed over Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital from Kenyatta National Hospital management, allowing it to operate as an independent national referral hospital. The transition, completed through Legal Notice No. 148 of 2024, aims to expand access to specialised healthcare services and improve efficiency outside Nairobi.

    2 July 2026 · Capital News

  2. Japan commits KSh3 billion to Kenya's vaccine manufacturing

    Japan has committed KSh3 billion to support Kenya's local vaccine manufacturing programme, with the funding to be channelled through the State Department for Medical Services and KEMRI to strengthen research infrastructure and skills development.

    2 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Kenya health ministry plans August summit on UHC reforms

    The Ministry of Health is preparing for a National Health Summit in early August to deliberate on reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and achieving Universal Health Coverage. Discussions will focus on healthcare financing, human resources, digitisation, commodity security, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

    1 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 29 June

  1. Medical intern postings now routine, timely under current administration

    Medical intern postings in Kenya, once a flashpoint for strikes and industrial action, have become routine and predictable. This year 6,360 interns received posting letters on time, compared to 6,484 last year, marking a shift from the delays and disputes that previously characterised the process.

    29 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 26 June

  1. Kenya's health workforce posting now predictable, timely

    An opinion piece by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services notes that 6,360 young Kenyans will receive posting letters on time this Monday, marking a shift from past delays that triggered industrial action in the health sector.

    26 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Kenya launches five-year health products manufacturing strategy

    Kenya's Ministry of Health has launched the Kenya Health Products and Technologies Local Manufacturing Strategy 2026-2030, a five-year plan to strengthen local production of health products, enhance health security, promote innovation, create jobs, and improve access to essential health commodities. The strategy aims to build a resilient health system and reduce reliance on imported health products through regulatory reforms and an enabling environment for investment.

    23 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenya launches health products manufacturing strategy for 2026–2030

    The Ministry of Health has launched a five-year strategy to strengthen local production of health products, aiming to enhance health security, promote innovation, create jobs, and improve access to essential health commodities while reducing reliance on imports. The Principal Secretary for Medical Services said local manufacturing is critical to building a resilient health system and improving preparedness against global supply chain disruptions.

    23 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Cabinet Secretary Duale pleads for leniency after contempt conviction

    Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has asked the High Court to pardon him after being found guilty of contempt for establishing an Ebola quarantine facility at Nanyuki airbase despite two court orders halting the process. Duale's legal team argued that his actions were driven by public health concerns regarding risks posed by soldiers returning from a UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    23 June 2026 · The Standard

  4. Sub-Saharan Africa projects exceed global deadline miss rate

    A Project Management Institute report found that 44 per cent of project professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa reported missed delivery deadlines, compared with a 35 per cent global average. Delays in stakeholder decision-making emerged as a key constraint, with 41 per cent of respondents in the region citing bottlenecks compared with 34 per cent globally.

    23 June 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 20 June

  1. Government strengthens sickle cell care through Taifa Care reforms

    The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care for people with Sickle Cell Disease through ongoing Taifa Care reforms that strengthen access to quality healthcare. The Principal Secretary for Medical Services said the reforms' four pillars—health financing, primary healthcare, digital health, and health products and technologies—support improved care for patients.

    20 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Friday 19 June

  1. Kenya, Terumo BCT plan sickle cell disease care improvements

    Kenya's Principal Secretary for Medical Services met with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies on World Sickle Cell Day to discuss strengthening the country's response to sickle cell disease through expanded newborn screening, healthcare worker training, improved treatment access, and a National Sickle Cell Disease Registry.

    19 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Saturday 13 June

  1. Government plans sickle cell centre of excellence at JOOTRH

    The national government announced plans to transform Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital into a Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease in Africa, as part of efforts to improve care for patients with the condition. The announcement was made ahead of World Sickle Cell Day, with the PS noting that sickle cell disease affects nearly two per cent of the population in Nyanza, Western and Coastal regions.

    13 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 12 June

  1. Kenya, US confirm July 2026 health partnership rollout on track

    Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening health sector cooperation, with key milestones on track for a July 1, 2026 implementation deadline under their joint health partnership framework. The progress review emerged during a meeting between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and a US delegation led by US Chargé d'Affaires Susan Burns.

    12 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. PS Oluga urges counties to accelerate UHC reforms implementation

    Kenya's Principal Secretary for Medical Services has challenged county health leaders to speed up Universal Health Coverage reforms, stating the country has moved from policy formulation to implementation. As of June 8, 2026, 31.39 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority, which has paid Sh147.37 billion in healthcare claims since October 2024 and contracted 11,034 health facilities nationwide.

    12 June 2026 · Capital News

Thursday 11 June

  1. Kenya divided over planned Ebola quarantine facility

    Kenya's government, backed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, says the country is prepared to host an Ebola quarantine facility announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in late May; doctors' unions and a majority of Kenyans oppose the plan, with street protests resulting in at least one death and a High Court injunction filed.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. PS Oluga leads county health chiefs meeting on UHC reforms

    County Chief Officers of Health from all 47 counties met in Kisumu for a two-day forum organised jointly by the Ministry of Health and Council of Governors to review Universal Health Coverage reforms and address bottlenecks including delayed SHA reimbursements, digital health integration, medicine shortages, and emergency service operationalisation.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Health budget rises to Sh175.5 billion despite donor cuts

    Kenya's health docket has been allocated Sh175.5 billion in the 2026/27 Budget Estimates, a Sh37.5 billion increase from the current year, as the government accelerates Universal Health Coverage rollout amid reductions in donor support.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Deputy President says Kenya ready for Ebola response

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the government is alert and ready to handle any reported Ebola case, with adequate resources allocated for surveillance at entry points, isolation centres, equipment, and personnel training. He warned against politicization of preventive measures.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. WHO donates Ksh43 million medical equipment to Kenya

    The World Health Organization has donated Ksh 43 million in equipment to Kenya's Ministry of Health, comprising 108 electric obstetric theatre beds for 45 health facilities across 11 priority counties and cancer screening and treatment equipment for eight facilities in Bungoma and Nyandarua counties, to strengthen maternal, newborn and women's health services.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 8 June

  1. Bungoma Assembly leads blood donation drive to tackle shortages

    The Bungoma County Assembly is spearheading a blood donation campaign to boost reserves at the county's hospitals, where shortages threaten maternal and newborn healthcare. The county needs 1,400 pints monthly but collects only about 1,000 pints, leaving a monthly deficit of approximately 400 pints.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 4 June

  1. Kenya health ministry admits shortfall in facility communication

    The Health Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary acknowledged the government should have better explained the proposed Kenya-US agreement to construct an Ebola isolation and testing facility at Laikipia Air Base. They pledged to improve communication on the project, which is funded by $1.7 billion from the United States, while defending President Ruto's decision to proceed.

    4 June 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Kenya commits to Africa CDC collaboration on drug procurement

    Kenya has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to support the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism and promote African-made medicines, vaccines, and health products. Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga said Kenya remains committed to supporting continental initiatives that improve access to affordable, quality, and essential health commodities.

    2 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenya experts urge more funding for mental health services

    Health experts meeting in Mombasa say mental health is an urgent public health priority in Kenya, citing that many people lack timely access to care and treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression and psychosis. The Medical Services Principal Secretary said Kenya has elevated mental health as a national priority and strengthened service delivery and workforce capacity over the last decade.

    2 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 29 May

  1. U.S. commits $13.5 million to Kenya's Ebola preparedness

    The United States government has committed $13.5 million toward Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President William Ruto discuss the ongoing regional outbreak and public health response, with the U.S. also providing $112 million in bilateral assistance to the regional response.

    29 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 28 May

  1. PS Oluga affirms Kenya ready for possible Ebola cases

    Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga has defended Kenya's capacity to handle Ebola cases amid reports of a possible arrangement whereby Americans exposed to Ebola in Africa may be sent to Kenya for treatment. Dr. Oluga said the country is well-equipped to manage infectious disease outbreaks and has strengthened its capacity, particularly following COVID-19 pandemic investments.

    28 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Saturday 23 May

  1. Government expands health infrastructure to strengthen Universal Health Coverage

    The Principal Secretary for Medical Services said the government is intensifying investments in health infrastructure and county healthcare systems to strengthen Universal Health Coverage, including inpatient wings and maternity facilities. He urged Kenyans to register under the Social Health Authority, saying increased enrolment is critical in sustaining healthcare services and strengthening public hospitals.

    23 May 2026 · Capital News

  2. Health ministry holds free medical camp in Vihiga County

    Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga visited Ivona Primary School in Chavakali, Vihiga County, for the Maragoli Hills Marathon Free Medical Camp to offer residents essential health services and support the government's push to strengthen primary healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage.

    23 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 21 May

  1. Kenya and WHO discuss Africa-Europe health workforce partnership

    Kenya's Principal Secretary for Medical Services and the WHO Regional Director for Europe held talks on healthcare workforce development, focusing on addressing global shortages, retention strategies, and ethical mobility frameworks for healthcare workers between Africa and Europe. The discussions included a Health Workforce Collaboration Framework aimed at improving retention, social inclusion, and protection of healthcare workers from violence and burnout.

    21 May 2026 · Capital News

Wednesday 20 May

  1. PS Oluga discusses health worker retention with WHO Europe chief

    Kenya's Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga met with WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Kluge to discuss strengthening health workforce collaboration between Africa and Europe through retention strategies and ethical mobility frameworks for healthcare workers. The discussions focused on addressing global staff shortages, improving retention, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening protections against violence and burnout.

    20 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Ouma Oluga — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute