Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has urged medical students to look beyond traditional career paths and use their training to address some of Kenya’s most urgent healthcare challenges.
Speaking during the Medical Students Association of Maseno University Class of 2026 finalists’ dinner in Kisumu, Oluga challenged the graduating students to turn their knowledge and skills into practical solutions that can improve healthcare delivery across the country.
He encouraged the finalists to venture into areas such as research, innovation, entrepreneurship, genomics, precision medicine and local manufacturing, saying these fields offer significant opportunities for young healthcare professionals.
“Go where the problem is hardest, not where the title is biggest,” Oluga told the students.
The PS said effective leadership in healthcare requires more than professional qualifications, urging the students to develop courage, competence, empathy and a strong commitment to serving society.
“Leadership is built through courage, competence, empathy and a commitment to solving society’s problems,” he said.
Oluga also called on the graduates to take responsibility for shaping their own careers rather than waiting for opportunities to come their way.
He urged them to embrace emerging technologies and explore innovative approaches that can help extend quality healthcare services to communities that remain underserved.
“Your medical training should be a tool for creating solutions and expanding access to quality healthcare, especially for those who need it most,” Oluga said.
The PS further highlighted ongoing reforms in health financing and the broader health sector, saying the changes provide young professionals with opportunities to contribute to a more sustainable and responsive healthcare system.
He encouraged the finalists to remain adaptable as technology continues to transform healthcare and to use their expertise to support Kenya’s long-term health goals.
Oluga said the country needs a new generation of healthcare professionals who are willing to combine medical knowledge with innovation, research and entrepreneurship to tackle emerging health challenges.
The Class of 2026 finalists were urged to view their graduation not simply as the completion of their studies, but as the beginning of a career dedicated to improving lives and strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
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