Dr. Sharon Oginda is redefining what it means to be a modern surgeon. A consultant general surgeon, researcher, educator, and healthcare leader, she has built a career that extends far beyond performing life-saving operations.
Her mission is to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system, improve patient outcomes, and inspire more women to pursue careers in surgery.
Today, Dr. Oginda serves as the Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Women Surgeons (KAWS), where she leads initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of women in one of medicine’s most demanding specialties. Through mentorship, advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities, she is helping create an environment where aspiring female surgeons can thrive.
A Surgeon with a Vision for Systemic Change
For Dr. Oginda, surgery is not simply about treating disease,it is about transforming healthcare systems. She believes that every surgical procedure presents an opportunity to improve quality of care, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.
Driven by this vision, she has pursued leadership development alongside surgical excellence, participating in management programmes, quality improvement initiatives, and healthcare leadership training. Her work demonstrates that the future of healthcare depends not only on skilled clinicians but also on leaders capable of improving the systems that support patient care.
Championing Medical Education and Mentorship
Education is one of the defining pillars of Dr. Oginda’s career.
She serves as a lecturer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and mentors surgical residents through the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) programme. She also serves as the COSECSA Programme Director at Kakamega County General Hospital.
Recognising the importance of mentorship in shaping future healthcare leaders, Dr. Oginda dedicates herself to helping young doctors develop not only technical excellence but also compassion, professionalism, integrity, and ethical leadership.
Her belief is simple: great surgeons should also become great mentors.
Leading from the Front
Dr. Oginda’s leadership extends across several respected medical institutions.
In addition to chairing KAWS, she represents the association on the Executive Council of the Surgical Society of Kenya (SSK). She has also served as Consultant General Surgeon and Head of the Accident and Emergency Department at Kakamega County General Hospital and has practiced at Three Care Surgical Centre, with a particular interest in colorectal surgery.
Whether in clinical practice or policy discussions, she consistently advocates for evidence-based medicine, patient-centred care, and continuous quality improvement.
National Recognition for Outstanding Impact
Dr. Oginda’s remarkable contributions have earned her national recognition.
In 2026, she was named among Kenya’s 50 Most Influential Women, honouring her work in medical research, healthcare leadership, global surgery initiatives, and patient advocacy. She was also recognised in Business Daily Africa’s Top 40 Under 40 Women, celebrating her as one of Kenya’s most influential young leaders making a difference across multiple sectors.
These accolades reflect years of dedication to advancing surgery, strengthening healthcare systems, and creating opportunities for future generations of women in medicine.
Advancing Women in Surgery
For decades, surgery has remained one of the most male-dominated medical specialties worldwide. Across Africa, however, women are steadily breaking barriers and proving that excellence in surgery knows no gender.
As Chairperson of KAWS, Dr. Oginda is helping accelerate this transformation by advocating for mentorship, leadership development, gender equity, and professional support for women surgeons.
Her work contributes to a broader movement across Kenya, where women increasingly occupy leadership positions in healthcare, medical research, hospital management, and specialist clinical practice. Today, women hold approximately 40–42% of senior and mid-level leadership positions within Kenya’s health sector, reflecting encouraging progress toward greater gender inclusion.
Standing Among Kenya’s Medical Trailblazers
Dr. Oginda joins a distinguished group of Kenyan women who have broken barriers in medicine.
These pioneers include Prof. Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi, the University of Nairobi’s first female Professor of Medical Microbiology; Dr. Sylvia Shitsama, Kenya’s first female neurosurgeon; Dr. Carol Nthiwa, the country’s first locally trained female urologist; and Dr. Elizabeth Wangari Itotia, Kenya’s first female radiopharmaceutical scientist.
Together, these remarkable women are reshaping healthcare, expanding opportunities for young professionals, and demonstrating that African women continue to lead innovation in medicine, research, education, and public health.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Dr. Sharon Oginda’s influence reaches far beyond the operating theatre.
Through surgery, research, education, mentorship, leadership, and advocacy, she is helping shape a stronger healthcare system for Kenya while opening doors for the next generation of women surgeons.
Her career serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is measured not only by personal achievement but by the lives improved, the professionals mentored, and the systems transformed.
As Kenya continues to strengthen its healthcare sector, leaders like Dr. Sharon Oginda are proving that investing in quality care, innovation, and women’s leadership is essential to building a healthier future for all.
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