NAIROBI, Kenya – Prof. Olive Mugenda has resigned as Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) board.
Her resignation, accepted by President William Ruto on Tuesday, follows mounting tensions at the institution, where staff protests over suspended medical cover highlighted governance concerns.
The hospital staff, angered by the suspension of their medical benefits, had demanded the reinstatement of the cover and reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
They warned of withdrawing their services if their demands were not met, plunging the facility into a potential crisis.
In a statement, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed confirmed that the President had not only accepted Prof. Mugenda’s resignation but had also disbanded the entire hospital board.
This includes revoking the appointments of board members Kavinya Mwendwa and Gladys Ogallo.
The move, described as essential for “restoring stability and effective governance,” marks a significant overhaul in the hospital’s leadership.
“The President acknowledges Professor Mugenda’s significant contributions to the growth and development of KUTRRH during her tenure and extends his gratitude for her service,” read the statement.
Simultaneously, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa has sent the hospital’s CEO, Ahmed Dagane, on indefinite leave.
In his place, Dr. Zainab Gura has been appointed Acting CEO, succeeding Isaac Kamau, whose recent board appointment was also revoked.
Kamau has been directed to report to the Ministry of Health headquarters, where he is expected to await redeployment.
These changes underscore the government’s intent to address systemic issues at one of the country’s premier medical institutions.
However, the staff protests signal broader challenges in the health sector, as workers demand better support and accountability.
This shake-up comes amid rising tensions in Kenya’s healthcare landscape, with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issuing a 21-day strike notice over unmet demands.
The developments at KUTRRH are likely to add to the urgency of resolving ongoing sector-wide grievances.
The government has pledged to expedite the reconstitution of the hospital board to stabilize operations at the facility, but for many, the recent unrest has cast a spotlight on deeper governance and resource allocation challenges in public health.
Her resignation, accepted by President William Ruto on Tuesday, follows mounting tensions at the institution, where staff protests over suspended medical cover highlighted governance concerns.
The hospital staff, angered by the suspension of their medical benefits, had demanded the reinstatement of the cover and reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
They warned of withdrawing their services if their demands were not met, plunging the facility into a potential crisis.
In a statement, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed confirmed that the President had not only accepted Prof. Mugenda’s resignation but had also disbanded the entire hospital board.
This includes revoking the appointments of board members Kavinya Mwendwa and Gladys Ogallo.
The move, described as essential for “restoring stability and effective governance,” marks a significant overhaul in the hospital’s leadership.
“The President acknowledges Professor Mugenda’s significant contributions to the growth and development of KUTRRH during her tenure and extends his gratitude for her service,” read the statement.
Simultaneously, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa has sent the hospital’s CEO, Ahmed Dagane, on indefinite leave.
In his place, Dr. Zainab Gura has been appointed Acting CEO, succeeding Isaac Kamau, whose recent board appointment was also revoked.
Kamau has been directed to report to the Ministry of Health headquarters, where he is expected to await redeployment.
These changes underscore the government’s intent to address systemic issues at one of the country’s premier medical institutions.
However, the staff protests signal broader challenges in the health sector, as workers demand better support and accountability.
This shake-up comes amid rising tensions in Kenya’s healthcare landscape, with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issuing a 21-day strike notice over unmet demands.
The developments at KUTRRH are likely to add to the urgency of resolving ongoing sector-wide grievances.
The government has pledged to expedite the reconstitution of the hospital board to stabilize operations at the facility, but for many, the recent unrest has cast a spotlight on deeper governance and resource allocation challenges in public health.
