KUTRRH Names Acting CEO as Dagane Proceeds on Leave Amid Operational Concerns

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Board has appointed Simon Irungu as Acting Chief Executive Officer following a decision to allow CEO Ahmed Dagane to proceed on leave.

The announcement was made in a letter from Board Chairperson Prof. Olive Mugenda, dated November 28, 2024.

“Following a resolution by the Board…you are hereby appointed to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect,” the letter read, confirming Irungu’s appointment.

Prof. Mugenda noted that Irungu’s tenure would remain in effect until further notice, with appropriate allowances allocated for the acting role.

Previously, Irungu served as the Director of IMIC and Hospital Operations at the Sh8 billion facility.

While the official reason for Dagane’s leave was not disclosed, Mugenda hinted at operational issues, including unresolved concerns about the hospital’s procurement process for staff medical cover for 2024-2025.

Additionally, she noted that critical board resolutions had not been implemented, impacting service delivery.

“In compliance with government circular Ref: OP/CAB.2/1 of September 27, 2023, the board deemed it prudent for Mr. Dagane to proceed on his accumulated annual leave for the FY 2023-2024, totaling 25 working days,” Mugenda said.

Dagane, who assumed office in July 2022, faced scrutiny in September 2023 from the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education for not being a medical doctor, despite heading the high-profile facility.

Prof. Mugenda defended his qualifications, citing his nursing background and an MBA.

KUTRRH, established as a state corporation under the Health Ministry in 2019, is the third parastatal of its kind after Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

It is governed by a CEO and a board of management, with the chairperson appointed by the President.