NAIROBI, Kenya- In a strategic move to transform healthcare leadership, President William Ruto has named retired General Robert Kibochi as the new Chairperson of the Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital Board in Nyeri’s Othaya town.
The appointment grants Kibochi a three-year term, per a recent Gazette Notice.
General Kibochi’s leadership pedigree, honed over decades in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), aligns with the government’s mission to elevate healthcare governance.
General (Rtd.) Kibochi is no stranger to leadership. His storied military career began in 1979 when he joined KDF as an officer cadet, culminating in his tenure as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) from 2020 to 2023.
His ascent was marked by roles such as Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Kenya Army Commander, and Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Operations and Training.
In addition to strategic defense planning, Kibochi played a pivotal role in international peacekeeping as the Commander of the Kenyan contingent in the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone from 2000 to 2001.
His expertise in technology also shone during his time as Commander of Communications and Information Systems at the Defence Headquarters.
Beyond the barracks, Kibochi boasts a robust academic portfolio. He holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Management, alongside Master’s degrees in International Studies and Computer-Based Information Systems.
His engineering background includes a Bachelor’s in Communication and Electronics Engineering.
Kibochi’s commitment to professional development saw him complete advanced courses such as National Security Studies at Kenya’s National Defence College and the Army Command and Staff Course in the UK.
These credentials position him as a transformative leader for Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital, which is pivotal in delivering specialized healthcare in the region.
President Ruto’s confidence in Kibochi reflects a broader vision for healthcare reforms. With Kibochi’s proven expertise in strategy, operations, and innovation, stakeholders are optimistic about his ability to strengthen the hospital’s governance and service delivery.
As Kibochi steps into this new chapter, the focus will likely be on leveraging his leadership acumen to tackle systemic challenges and enhance the hospital’s reputation as a center of excellence.