State Department for Medical Services

11/10/2026

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga addressed JOOTRH staff on service delivery.

10/10/2026

10/10/2026

Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, today led the planting of 10,000 trees at Pap Kakan in Alego Usonga, Siaya County.

The exercise builds on the distribution of 20,000 fruit tree seedlings in Siaya County with H.E. First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, EGH, on 8 September 2026—supporting conservation and household livelihoods.

Dr. Oluga called on Kenya Forest Service officers and National Government Administrative Officers to strengthen conservation of the Got Abiero and Got Ramogi natural forests and restore indigenous tree cover on the gazetted hills.

The initiative contributes to the national target, led by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH, to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years.

10/10/2026

Today at JOOTRH, the PS Dr. Ouma Oluga met with the Board, management and staff from every cadre.

He directed the Board, management and staff to streamline clinical governance and business operations to ensure that Kenya’s health reforms are defined by the outcomes delivered and the dignity with which every patient is treated.

JOOTRH remains a beacon of healthcare in Kenya and must continue to provide stellar services while addressing the concerns of the society it serves.

Kenya’s health reforms through SHA, DHA, KEMSA and specialized hospitals such as JOOTRH are aimed at protecting Kenyans from financial ruin and preventable deaths.

10/10/2026

H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH, this morning inspected the construction and equipping of a 26-bed Maternal Ward and a 54-bed Newborn Ward at Endebess Sub-County Hospital in Trans Nzoia County.

The KES 248.8 million National Government investment will expand access to safe maternal and newborn care closer to home.

Through the National Equipment Support Programme, Endebess Sub-County Hospital now has an ultrasound machine and a laboratory, enabling mothers to access scans and tests locally. Kijana Wamalwa Level 5 Hospital and Bondeni Health Centre have also received installed equipment worth KES 40 million. Further support can be considered upon requests from the County Government.

The Social Health Authority has paid KES 2.36 billion to health facilities in Trans Nzoia to support service delivery. However, SHA registration in the county stands at 43.5%, compared with 69.7% nationally. More than 559,000 residents are not yet registered.

Families, leaders, Community Health Promoters and residents are encouraged to make SHA registration a priority. Dial *147 # today.

09/10/2026

Protect your sight when working with chemicals. If they get into your eyes, rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical care immediately.

09/10/2026

The Ministry of Health has presented its proposed budget priorities for the 2027/2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), outlining strategic investments aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, sustaining ongoing reforms and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The proposals were presented by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, during the Health Sector Public Hearings on the Proposed FY 2027/2028 and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Budget held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

The hearings provided a platform for public participation and stakeholder engagement in the Government’s budget-making process, allowing citizens and sector players to provide input on priorities for the health sector.

Dr Oluga highlighted that the proposed investments are focused on translating health reforms into improved access to quality, affordable and equitable healthcare services for Kenyans.Key priorities outlined include strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) as the foundation for UHC, expanding social health protection through the Social Health Authority (SHA), investing in the health workforce, improving access to essential medicines and medical supplies, and accelerating digital health transformation.

The Ministry also prioritized strengthening health infrastructure, expanding specialised healthcare services, promoting local manufacturing of health products and technologies, enhancing disease prevention and preparedness, and supporting research and innovation to address emerging health challenges.

Dr Oluga emphasised the importance of sustainable health financing, efficient resource utilisation and accountability to ensure that available resources deliver measurable improvements in health outcomes.

The presentation highlighted a projected financing gap in the medium term, noting that addressing the shortfall will be critical to sustaining priority health programmes, advancing ongoing reforms and ensuring continuity in the delivery of essential healthcare services.

The proposed priorities are aligned with the Government’s UHC agenda, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Kenya Vision 2030 and the constitutional commitment under Article 43 on the right to the highest attainable standard of health.Through the MTEF process, the Ministry seeks to align budgetary allocations with strategic health priorities and strengthen the delivery of people-centred healthcare across the country.

During the public hearing, participants shared positive feedback, experiences and examples of how health sector reforms have contributed to improved access to services and enhanced healthcare delivery for Kenyans.

The proposals will inform budget planning for the medium-term period as the government continues efforts to build a more accessible, responsive and sustainable health system for all Kenyans.

The session chaired by Dr Joel Gondi, was attended by Ministry of Health officials including CEO Sagas, representatives from the National Treasury, Mr Boaz Amunga, Policy Analyst at the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), development partners ,civil society organizations, community-based organizations, Persons with Disabilities, and members of the public

09/10/2026

The Ministry of Health today joined the Nakuru County Department of Health in commemorating the 2026 World Mental Health Day at Gilgil Sub-County Hospital in Nakuru County, under the theme, " Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

Speaking during the event, Head of the Mental Health Division, Dr. Mercy Karanja, underscored the critical role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and primary healthcare providers in the early identification, support, referral and treatment of mental health conditions. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to mental health services at the community level.

Dr. Karanja also emphasized the need to address stigma, encourage help-seeking behaviour and strengthen community support for people with lived experiences of mental health conditions. She called for their meaningful involvement in policy development to promote inclusive, patient-centred mental health services.

The event was attended by Nakuru Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Stanley Langat; Gilgil Sub-County Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Samson Kuria; Nakuru County Director of Planning and Administration Dr. Joy Mugambi; Director of Medical Services Dr. Kelvin Awere; and other stakeholders.

09/10/2026

As Kenya strengthens its response following confirmation of an imported Ebola case, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has emphasised the need to protect the country while maintaining uninterrupted medical services, including specialised clinics.

Addressing the Ebola Virus Disease Taskforce today, he stressed the need to provide health workers with adequate training and relevant information to protect themselves and the patients they serve.

The Ministry of Health has intensified contact tracing and monitoring, surveillance at points of entry, public communication and preparedness at designated isolation and treatment facilities.

09/10/2026