Ministry of Health (Kenya)

History

The Ministry of Health traces its roots back to colonial times in British Kenya. Post independence, in the inaugural cabinet, the ministry was originally named the Ministry of Health and Housing. The inaugural holder of the post was Dr. Njoroge Mungai.

In 2008, the coalition government was formed and the Ministry of Health was divided into the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Medical Services. However, this lasted for only four years, and the ministries merged into the unified Ministry of Health in 2013 after the formation of the Unity government.

The United States suspended their $21 million funding of the ministry over allegations of corruption on 9 May 2017.

Child agencies

The Ministry of Health has 6 departments within the organization which focuses on their respective sector who are under the supervision of the Director of Medical Services, Principal secretary and Cabinet secretary.

Department of Preventive and Promotive Health

Department of Curative and Rehabilitation Health Services

Department of Standards and Quality Assurance and Regulations

Department of Planning and Health Financing

Department of Health Sector Coordination and Inter Government

Department of Administrative Services

Historical list of ministers

Bernard Mate (1961–1963)

Dr. Njoroge Mungai (1963)

Joseph David Otiende (1965)

Samuel Ole Tipis (1963-?)

Ministry of Health

Mwai Kibaki (1988–1991)

Charity Kaluki Ngilu (2003–2007)

Ministries of Public Health and Medical Services (created in 2008)

Ministry of Public Health

Beth Mugo (2008-2012)

Ministry of Medical Services

Peter Anyang Nyong'o (2008-2012)

Ministry of Health

James Wainaina Macharia (2013-2015)

Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu (2015-2017)

Sicily Kariuki (2018-2020)

Mutahi Kagwe (2020- 2022)

Susan Nakhumicha Wafula (2022 - 11 July 2024)

Deborah Mlongo Barasa (August 2024- March 2025)

Aden Bare Duale (March 2025-present)