The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has raised concerns over President William Ruto’s appointment of Aden Duale to the Ministry of Health, arguing that the position requires a technocrat rather than a politician.  

In a media interview on March 28, 20205, KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah expressed disappointment with the decision to appoint Duale who was serving in the Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry docket, noting that previous appointments of politicians to the crucial health docket had yielded poor results.  

“We believe that Aden Duale is a politician, but the Ministry of Health doesn’t need a politician. We have tried politicians, and they have failed terribly,” Miskellah stated.  

The union representative drew comparisons to the previous CS, Deborah Barasa, highlighting their preference for medical professionals in leadership positions.

He noted that the medical fraternity had placed high hopes on Barasa, who was the first medic under Ruto’s administration to be appointed to head the ministry.

However, despite criticism of her tenure, Miskellah maintained that she had been highly capable in her role.  

“We had a lot of faith when we saw a medic for the first time ever being appointed at the ministry, Dr Deborah Barasa. People said that she was incompetent, but I say that no, she was a very competent woman,” he added.  

Key changes

On March 26, 2025, President Ruto announced a series of portfolio reassignments and new Cabinet nominations, marking a significant reshuffle in his government.

The change saw Duale take over the health docket, replacing Deborah Mlongo Barasa, who has been moved to head the Environment Ministry.

According to a statement from Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, these changes aim to ensure the Cabinet operates at full constitutional capacity and enhance the government’s ability to drive Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.

“The two nominees are expected to bring to Cabinet not only the knowledge and experience acquired over the course of their illustrious careers but, above all, their wisdom accumulated from their inspiring and diverse life journeys,” the statement read in part.

In a separate gazette notice dated March 20, 2025, the president nominated new Principal Secretaries whose names have been submitted to the National Assembly for approval.

Former KMPDU Secretary General Dr Oluga Fredrick Ouma has been nominated as the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services under the Ministry of Health.

In addition to his role with KMPDU, Dr Oluga previously served as the Chief Officer for Health Services at the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).