NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has explained why President William Ruto has been involved in efforts to resolve the ongoing governance crisis at the Kenya Hospital Association, the body that owns and manages The Nairobi Hospital.
In a statement released by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the Presidency said the Head of State had received several memoranda from stakeholders, including doctors, association members and patients, raising concerns about governance, financial and operational challenges affecting the hospital.
According to the statement, the appeals warned that the prolonged disputes could negatively impact patient care, clinical governance and the hospital’s operational stability.
Governance disputes at the centre of the Crisis
Stakeholders reportedly raised concerns over disputes involving membership of the Kenya Hospital Association, board elections and Annual General Meetings.
Other issues highlighted include allegations of conflict of interest, claims of mismanagement, leadership wrangles and growing litigation that has complicated efforts to resolve disagreements internally.
State House noted that the concerns are significant because Nairobi Hospital remains one of the country’s leading healthcare institutions.
Established in the 1950s, the hospital serves more than 290,000 patients annually, operates six satellite centres and works with over 700 specialist doctors while also training health professionals who serve across Kenya and the wider region.
Statement regarding the ongoing developments at Kenya Hospital Association (Nairobi Hospital):
Ruto’s role as patron of KHA
The presidency explained that President Ruto’s involvement is partly linked to his role as Patron of the Kenya Hospital Association, a position he accepted in 2023 following nomination by the association.
Officials said the president was therefore briefed in both his capacity as patron and as Head of State after stakeholders appealed for intervention to help stabilise the institution.
Efforts to resolve disputes
State House revealed that Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, convened at least 14 consultative meetings with board members, doctors and other stakeholders over the past year in a bid to facilitate dialogue and resolve the disputes.
These engagements led to the reconstitution of the hospital’s Board of Management, with stakeholders nominating representatives to accommodate different interests within the association.
Stakeholders also agreed on a Five-Point Reform Agenda aimed at restoring stability at the hospital.
The reforms include verification of the Kenya Hospital Association membership register, withdrawal of proxy litigation cases affecting operations, strengthening governance structures and establishing internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
The agenda also proposes the appointment of an independent forensic audit firm to review financial concerns raised by stakeholders and preparations for a transparent Annual General Meeting.
Multi-agency investigation
Meanwhile, Dorcas Oduor, the Attorney General of Kenya, invoked Section 800 of the Companies Act to appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of the association.
The investigation was conducted by a multi-agency team comprising the Business Registration Service, Asset Recovery Agency, Kenya Revenue Authority, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, National Intelligence Service and the Financial Reporting Centre.
The team submitted its report to the Attorney General on March 6, 2026, after which relevant agencies were directed to take further action in accordance with the law.
Protecting a key health institution
State House said President Ruto has also held meetings with senior doctors from Nairobi Hospital and patients receiving long-term care at the facility to better understand the challenges facing the institution.
During the engagements, the president directed the timely conclusion and implementation of the investigation findings to safeguard the interests of patients, staff and medical professionals.
The government emphasised that Nairobi Hospital remains a critical pillar of Kenya’s healthcare system and that resolving the governance and financial challenges affecting the Kenya Hospital Association is in the national interest.
Officials said the state will continue supporting lawful and transparent processes aimed at restoring stability and ensuring the hospital continues to provide high-quality healthcare services to Kenyans and patients across the region.
