
Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu is one of the most distinguished members of the medical field in Kenya and beyond. In 2024, she reached the peak of her career, effectively earning her 'outlier' status in the world of medicine.
Dr. Kitulu has made her mark in the medical field, particularly in leadership. In 2024, she became the first Kenyan woman to be elected as the President of the World Medical Association (WMA), a prestigious position in many respects.
A family physician with more than 25 years in the medical practice, Dr. Kitulu triumphed over her fiercest competitor, Professor Caldas Alfonso of Portugal, to claim the top seat at the WMA. She will lead the world’s professional body from 2025 to 2026, becoming the second Kenyan to hold the position since the formation of the association in 1947.
The WMA represents over 10 million physicians globally, and Dr. Kitulu’s leadership will focus on advocating for equitable healthcare, especially for underserved regions like Africa.
In addition to her role at the WMA, Dr. Kitulu serves as the President of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the national association of doctors and dentists responsible for promoting the quality practice of medicine in Kenya. She also made history as the first woman to head the KMA.
Her leadership credentials extend further. Dr. Kitulu was the 1st Deputy Governor of the Kenya Red Cross Society from 2019 to 2022. She holds board member positions at Emergency Plus Medical Services, the Safaricom Health Advisory Board, and PATH Kenya. Additionally, she is an advisor for global healthcare initiatives on platforms such as the TechCare for the All Global Advisory Board.
Dr. Kitulu holds an MBA in Healthcare Management from Strathmore Business School, bridging her clinical expertise with effective healthcare policy-making.
In 2024, she championed initiatives to strengthen primary healthcare systems, promote patient safety, and advocate for a better-supported healthcare workforce. She also focused on fostering international collaborations to address health disparities and mentoring young professionals in the medical field.
Through her leadership, Dr. Kitulu has been instrumental in advocating for health sector reforms, particularly aimed at improving healthcare accessibility in Africa. She has emphasized the need for ethical medical practices and strong physician-patient relationships in the evolving global health landscape.
Dr. Kitulu's commitment to advancing healthcare, promoting gender equity in leadership, and addressing global health challenges positions her as a transformative figure in the medical field. This year, she is not only celebrated for her Kenyan roots but also for her vision of an inclusive and collaborative approach to global healthcare.