On April 22nd, 2025, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, held a key meeting with heads of administrative units within the State Department for Medical Services. The meeting was designed to foster collaboration and enhance the efficiency of service delivery within the Ministry of Health, particularly in the context of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
During the session, Dr. Oluga was briefed on the critical administrative functions that support the Ministry’s operations. These functions are vital to ensuring that health services are delivered effectively across the country, particularly in the face of evolving health challenges. The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth, relies heavily on efficient and streamlined public service delivery, and the Ministry of Health plays a crucial role in this process.
Dr. Oluga emphasized the importance of shared responsibility, discipline, and commitment in fostering a collaborative and high-performing team. He outlined that each administrative head must take ownership of their respective roles to ensure that the collective goals of the Ministry are achieved. In his remarks, he stressed that the success of the Ministry’s programs and policies depends on how well the administrative heads work together, integrating their efforts to meet the diverse health needs of the population.
“The responsibility is shared among us all. We must work together with a spirit of unity and focus to meet our targets. Service delivery must be our collective priority,” said Dr. Oluga. He highlighted that for the Ministry to effectively implement its programs under BETA, all stakeholders within the health sector must align their efforts and resources toward common goals. This alignment is especially important in ensuring that health services are accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all Kenyans, especially those in underserved and rural areas.
In his call for efficiency, Dr. Oluga stressed the need for a results-driven approach, encouraging the administrative heads to work with urgency and purpose. He noted that progress had already begun, and it was essential to keep the momentum going. He reminded the team that the expectations of the public were high, and as public servants, they were obligated to meet those expectations with diligence and speed.
To support this effort, Dr. Oluga assured the administrative heads that all available resources within the Ministry would be fully utilized to ensure effective service delivery. This included both human and material resources, which would be mobilized to support the implementation of health programs and projects across the country. The commitment to utilizing all available resources aligns with the broader goal of strengthening the health system and ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all.
The meeting served as an important reminder of the need for continuous collaboration, communication, and accountability in public service. Dr. Oluga’s call for a functional and efficient team underscores the importance of teamwork and mutual support in achieving the Ministry’s objectives. It also highlights the Ministry’s determination to create a more effective healthcare system that not only meets the needs of the population but also fosters trust and confidence in the public health sector.
As the Ministry of Health works toward fulfilling its mandate under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, Dr. Oluga’s leadership and the commitment of the administrative heads will be critical in ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible, affordable, and of high quality for all Kenyans. The road ahead may be challenging, but with a united approach and a shared sense of responsibility, the Ministry is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and deliver the healthcare that the people deserve.
