Dr. Alex Oketch, PhD., OGW

Kenya National Hero _ 2023. Top 40 Under 40 Award Winner 2021. Committed to improving lives in moments that matter!

[Ministry of Health @MOH_Kenya]

Kenya is strengthening partnerships with global health innovators to accelerate the delivery of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and build a resilient, technology-driven health system under the Fifth Administration.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale held bilateral talks with Dr. Konstantinos Deligiannis of GE Healthcare to explore strategic collaboration in health financing, digital transformation, advanced medical technologies, healthcare infrastructure and health workforce development.

The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the Government’s ongoing health reforms anchored on the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund are expanding equitable access to quality healthcare while strengthening financial protection for all Kenyans.

The meeting reviewed progress under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP), which is being implemented in partnership with the Council of Governors through Fee-for-Service arrangements for Level 4–6 facilities, a Framework Agreement for Levels 2 and 3 facilities, and Lease-to-Own models. The programme has deployed more than 420 specialised medical equipment units valued at KSh 10 billion across over 240 health facilities in all 47 counties.

As Kenya scales up the Framework Agreement for Levels 2 and 3 facilities, the Cabinet Secretary invited GE Healthcare to partner with the Government in expanding access to affordable medical technologies through innovative financing, preferential pricing for public health facilities, technology transfer, local assembly and maintenance, equipment support for underserved counties, and capacity building for biomedical engineers.

Discussions also explored integrating NESP with Kenya’s Digital Health Superhighway to enable real-time equipment tracking, predictive maintenance and enhanced accountability through linkage with the Social Health Authority, further strengthening the country’s digitally enabled public health system.

The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to transparent, mutually beneficial partnerships that improve health outcomes, noting that collaboration with GE Healthcare in oncology, cardiology, radiotherapy, neurosurgery and other specialised fields will strengthen local clinical capacity, establish centres of excellence and expand access to advanced, affordable healthcare technologies.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, and senior Ministry of Health officials.

[Musalia W Mudavadi @MusaliaMudavadi]

Strong healthcare systems are built through innovation, strategic partnerships and a shared commitment to improving lives.

Held productive discussions with Dr. Konstantinos Deligiannis, President & CEO for the Middle East, Northeast & Sub-Saharan Africa, Türkiye, Russia and CIS Countries at GE HealthCare, in the presence of H.E. Susan Burns, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Kenya, together with Dr. Haroun Mohamed, CEO of GE HealthCare Africa, and Dr. Alex Oketch, OGW, General Manager of GE HealthCare East Africa.

Our engagement focused on strengthening the partnership between the Government of Kenya and GE HealthCare to accelerate the adoption of advanced medical technologies and innovative healthcare solutions. We explored opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery in critical areas including oncology, cardiology, and maternal and child health, in support of Kenya's Universal Health Coverage agenda.

Partnerships such as these are essential to modernising our healthcare system, strengthening clinical capacity and expanding access to quality, affordable and timely healthcare services. They also support skills development, technology transfer and investment in Kenya's health sector, ultimately improving health outcomes and the quality of life for millions of Kenyans.

Together, we remain committed to building a healthier, more resilient future for our nation.

[Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang'ula @HonWetangula]

Earlier today, I received a copy of A Shepherd Among Nations a book chronicling the life and ministry of Archbishop Bert van Megen, the former Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and current Apostolic Nuncio to Germany.

Authored by Dr. Alex Oketch, the book traces Archbishop Van Megen’s legacy of faith, diplomacy, humility, servant leadership as well as highlighting his contributions to peace, dialogue and the growth of the Church across East Africa.

It also features a collection of his homilies, pastoral reflections, and messages, offering insights into his theological vision and leadership philosophy.

[Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang'ula @HonWetangula]

This morning, I bid farewell to H.E. Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, as he concluded seven years of distinguished service as the representative of the Holy See in our nation.

His tenure will be remembered for strengthening the Catholic Church in Kenya through the appointment of 26 bishops, whose leadership brought renewed spiritual vision and pastoral vitality to the faithful. I commended his consultative approach, which enabled us to work together throughout his tenure.

In our conversation, I expressed my heartfelt concern about the gradual erosion of the social mission of some Catholic schools and health institutions, whose sacred calling must forever remain anchored in service to humanity, compassion for the vulnerable, and the pursuit of justice over profit.

I also reaffirmed the Church's important role as a moral compass in society — a voice of conscience, peace, unity, and hope — steadfast, impartial, and always guided by truth and the common good.

As Archbishop van Megen begins his next assignment, I extend my deepest gratitude and prayers to him. May the Lord continue to guide his ministry and abundantly bless him for his dedicated service to Kenya and the Catholic faithful.

[William Samoei Ruto, PhD @WilliamsRuto]

Bid farewell to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, following the successful conclusion of his tour of duty as the representative of the Holy See in Kenya.

Over the past seven years, Archbishop van Megen has played a significant role in strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Kenya and the Holy See.

During his tenure, Kenya took the historic step of appointing, for the first time, a resident ambassador to the Vatican, further elevating the cordial relations between our two states.

Conveyed best wishes to the Apostolic Nuncio as he embarks on his next assignment, and expressed appreciation for his dedicated service and contribution to the enduring partnership between Kenya and the Holy See.

[The Standard Digital @StandardKenya]

Former Avenue Hospital Chairman Nilesh Patel, MoH Director of Curative and Nursing Services Dr. Andrew Toro, and GE HealthCare East Africa General Manager Dr. Alex Oketch are taken through the process by Dr. Swaleh Breik during the launch of the advanced Catheterization Laboratory (Cath-lab) at Avenue Hospital Parklands on December 4, 2025. The facility marks a major step forward for cardiac and neurovascular care in Kenya.

Photos by Boniface Okendo.

[The Standard Digital @StandardKenya]

Avenue Hospital has launched an advanced Catheterization Laboratory

[CEO East Africa Magazine @CEOEastAfrica]

#LeadershipUpdate

@GEHealthCare has appointed Dr. Alex Oketch as General Manager for East Africa, following his successful tenure as Interim GM.

With over two decades of leadership experience and a proven track record in MedTech and healthcare transformation, @aoketch99 is charged with driving strategy, partnerships, and innovation to unlock the region’s full potential.

https://t.co/3jtjlQizE8

#GEHealthCare #Leadership #EastAfrica #HealthcareInnovation #MedTech

[William Samoei Ruto, PhD @WilliamsRuto]

We are upgrading and modernising equipment at our health facilities to ensure they are equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies accessible to everyone.

Through this innovative and transformative programme, we are shifting from a fragmented and costly medical equipment supply to a smart and pay-for-service method of healthcare delivery.

This new, cost-effective and sustainable model furthers our agenda of health being a right rather than a privilege for all Kenyans.

At State House, launched the National Equipment Service Project that will revolutionise healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.

[Musalia W Mudavadi @MusaliaMudavadi]

GE HealthCare continues to stand out as a trusted and strategic partner to the Government of Kenya. I engaged in insightful discussions with Dr. Alex Oketch, OGW, Acting General Manager for East Africa at GE HealthCare, where we explored critical areas of collaboration, notably the ongoing National Equipping Support Program, which is transforming healthcare infrastructure and services nationwide.

We also reflected on the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed in London between the Ministry of Health, academia, industry stakeholders, and global partners such as GE HealthCare. This milestone embodies our collective resolve to strengthen and reimagine healthcare delivery for the people of Kenya.

I took a moment to acknowledge Dr. Oketch’s leadership and conveyed the Government’s appreciation for GE HealthCare’s unwavering commitment and partnership in driving Kenya’s health agenda forward.

[William Samoei Ruto, PhD @WilliamsRuto]

Kenya and the United Kingdom are deepening their longstanding partnership in health through collaboration in research, innovation and capacity building.

Witnessed the signing of MoUs with the University of Nottingham and King’s College London to join the Kenya-UK Health Alliance in establishing Centres of Health Education and Research Excellence in Kenya, one of the three in Africa.

Also signed was an MoU with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to support local manufacturing through the BRITE initiative at the BioVax Institute.

These initiatives are building local expertise, advancing research, and ensuring equitable access to care, key pillars of Kenya’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.

[Dr. Alex Oketch, PhD., OGW @aoketch99]

Mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant, fearless moral leader, and global voice for peace, justice, and compassion. His legacy will forever inspire a more united and humane world. May he rest in eternal peace. #PopeFrancis #LegacyOfLove

[PS Harry Kimtai @KimtaiHarry]

1/4 This morning, I had the privilege of hosting a delegation from @GEHealthCare, led by Dr. Haroun Mohamed, Africa CEO of @GEHealthCare, alongside Jean Fawzi, General Manager, Service Sales Division, EAGM, and Dr. Alex Oketch @aoketch99, General Manager, GE Healthcare, E. Africa

[PS Harry Kimtai @KimtaiHarry]

3/4 We explored opportunities to leverage technology-driven healthcare solutions, emphasizing the critical role of advanced medical equipment, AI-driven diagnostics, and capacity-building initiatives in transforming Kenya’s healthcare landscape.

[Musalia W Mudavadi @MusaliaMudavadi]

Earlier today, had a productive engagement with Dr. Haroun Mohammed, GE HealthCare Africa’s CEO, centred on the firm’s strategic initiatives and potential collaboration with Government.

Discussed how GE can help improve Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure, expand access to cutting-edge medical technologies, and strengthen service delivery in line with the Government health sector priorities.

A robust partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing quality healthcare for all Kenyans through innovation, investment, and capacity building.

Also present were Ms. Irene Kamuri, GE HealthCare Africa’s Chief Finance Officer, and Dr Alex Oketch, GE HealthCare East Africa’s acting General Manager.

[Dr. Alex Oketch, PhD., OGW @aoketch99]

“Honored to receive the Order of Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) from H.E. the President of Kenya a recognition of dedication to healthcare excellence. Also proud to have earned an MBA from @unibirmingham. Grateful to almighty God!

[Prof. Olive Mugenda Ph.D., EBS, CBS, MGH @OliveMugenda]

Today I joined Dr. Alex Oketch family and friends to celebrate his milestone of attaining his PhD in Social Transformation and also soon to be awarded MBA (in two weeks).
Dr. Oketch, who is in senior leadership at GE East Africa, is a brilliant and hardworking professional, very good at pitching great transformational and innovative ideas. We worked with Dr. Oketch on the Molecular Imaging Centre project which was implemented by GE East Africa and he was very instrumental in the success of the project.

Congratulations @aoketch99 for this key milestone in your professional career and I'm sure the knowledge gained will help you in the transformational agenda you have in healthcare.
I wish you all the best and thanks for inviting me to celebrate with you and your family.

[The National Heroes Council @Heroes_Kenya]

Congratulations to Dr. Alex Oketch, a distinguished National Hero and healthcare champion, who has achieved another milestone in his remarkable journey – attaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Transformation from Tangaza University's Institute of Social Transformation!

[Dr. Alex Oketch, PhD., OGW @aoketch99]

Honored!

[Musalia W Mudavadi @MusaliaMudavadi]

GE HealthCare has long been a valued and trusted partner of the Government of Kenya, playing a pivotal role in transformative initiatives, including the establishment of Kenya’s first public-sector comprehensive cancer center at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), among other critical projects.

I held a bilateral meeting with the GE HealthCare delegation, led by Dr. Haroun Mohammed, CEO for Africa, and Mr. @aoketch99, Acting General Manager for East Africa, at the Railways HQ office.

The Government of Kenya remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships with the private sector through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Together, we aim to drive sustainable growth and significantly enhance healthcare services across the country.