Counties to Benefit from Closer Collaboration with National Government, Says Health PS Oluga

Counties can significantly improve healthcare delivery through closer collaboration with the national government, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has said.

Speaking during the Keera Show on Inooro TV, Dr. Oluga noted that stronger coordination between the two levels of government is key to expanding capacity, improving service delivery and addressing persistent challenges in the health sector.

Addressing frequent demonstrations by health workers, Dr. Oluga said his approach is anchored on consultation and engagement, noting that he understands the sector well.

He said the Ministry of Health listens to concerns raised through formal petitions, written memoranda and even street protests. According to the PS, dialogue remains central to resolving disputes and ensuring stability in the health sector.

Dr. Oluga praised the government for ensuring that all medical interns are paid KES 206,000 per month, adding that the government is steadily expanding health facilities across the country.

He said these efforts are supported through collaborations with China, the United States, local leaders and other government agencies, aimed at creating capacity and absorbing more health workers into the system.

On healthcare financing, the PS said the government has steadily built and strengthened Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage, with over 28.7 million Kenyans registered so far. He cited Nyeri County as a standout example, noting that more than 65 per cent of residents are registered, placing the county fourth nationally. He added that the momentum remains strong, with over 30,000 new members registering daily.

Dr. Oluga further explained that the government has allocated about KES 21 billion to support free treatment at Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities. Under the arrangement, registered members can access services at these levels even before paying premiums. Once premiums are paid, members become eligible for services at Level 4 facilities, while specialised services and referral hospitals require active premium payments, he clarified.

The PS also highlighted Kenya’s partnership with the United States, describing it as the country’s closest health sector ally. He noted that the cancellation of USAID support had negatively affected service delivery, prompting President William Ruto to secure a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US government. According to Dr. Oluga, the MOU unlocked about KES 200 billion, although implementation has been slowed by a court case.

He said health facilities expected to benefit include Bildad Kaggia Hospital in Murang’a and JM Kariuki Hospital in Nyandarua. Dr. Oluga also noted that Mwai Kibaki Hospital has been elevated to a Level 6 parastatal, now serving 13 counties, with the President directing KES 500 million in additional support.

On medical equipment, Dr. Oluga explained that under the user-pay medical equipment model, neither the national nor county governments bear the cost of purchasing or maintaining equipment. Instead, the equipment owner is paid by SHA when a patient receives treatment. He said the model ensures hospitals access critical machines while citizens receive essential services, without governments incurring heavy upfront costs.

Dr. Oluga said the reforms underway are aimed at building a more responsive, accessible and sustainable healthcare system, anchored on collaboration, expanded coverage and innovative financing models.

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