Bold Leadership in Action

My journey in healthcare has been filled with twists, challenges, and moments that shaped my commitment to transforming Kenya’s health system. It all began during my internship in public hospitals, where the strain on resources was palpable. Overcrowded wards, limited supplies, and overworked staff created a system where, to cope, I had to detach from my emotions and approach each day almost robotically. Ultimately, I realized this wasn’t the environment in which I could make the impact I envisioned, so I transitioned into private practice. But leaving public service also left me with guilt and a strong desire to make a difference.

Driven by the need to address systemic issues, I began to pursue leadership roles, particularly in policy. I joined founding efforts of the Kenya Association of Family Physicians, pushing for structured family medicine and advocating for training that could bolster our healthcare infrastructure. This move not only allowed me to influence policy but also laid the foundation for other platforms where I could voice the need for effective healthcare systems.

Later, as a presidential appointee on the National Economic and Social Council during the Kibaki government, I was one of only three women among 43 members. At the time, health was an afterthought within policy discussions, overshadowed by economic priorities. I was often referred to as “Madame Social Issues” for continuously bringing attention to health and social concerns, but I wore this title with pride, knowing that someone needed to be a voice for these issues. Through six years on this council, I learned the importance of speaking the language of policymakers. This realization led me back to school at Strathmore, where I studied healthcare management, leadership, and economics to bridge the communication gap between health professionals and policymakers.

I was also among the founding members of the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF), envisioning a space where the private and public sectors could engage for mutual benefits. KHF has grown into a vital organization that represents private sector interests, advocating for partnerships that improve healthcare outcomes for all Kenyans. It’s a privilege to see the milestones KHF has reached and the role it plays in strengthening healthcare in our country.

In every position I have held—whether with Kenya Red Cross, NHIF, or Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council—I’ve remained grounded in my clinical practice. Seeing patients reminds me why we need better policies. These real encounters keep me aware of the tangible effects our work has on people’s lives, allowing me to advocate more effectively at the policy level.

Mentorship has also become central to my work. I am grateful for the male allies who have championed my efforts, speaking up for me in rooms where I wasn’t present. In turn, I mentor and sponsor young women, especially in fields where gender balance is lacking. I’m especially proud of the Young Doctors Network in the Kenya Medical Association, an initiative I championed to ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders in healthcare.

Ultimately, my journey has taught me to step boldly into areas that align with my purpose, even if it means embracing the unknown. I live by Theodore Roosevelt’s words: “It is not the critic who counts… but the one who is actually in the arena.” For every role I take on, I am committed to putting in the work, facing challenges head-on, and, ultimately, creating lasting change in healthcare and beyond.

Article by Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu, Alumna – The Effective Director Programme, LEHHO and MBA Healthcare Management Programme