NAIROBI —Kenya’s leading public referral hospital has launched a high-profile search for its next Chief Executive Officer, a move that signals a fresh push for stability at the helm of one of the country’s most critical health institutions.
The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) announced the vacancy this week, inviting qualified candidates to apply by 24 June. The position is offered on a three-year contract, renewable once based on performance.
In a public notice, the hospital said it was looking for “a strategic leader who can drive innovation and deliver on the hospital’s mandate as a premier national referral facility.”
The timing comes amid a period of interim leadership. Dr Zeinab Gura has been serving as Acting CEO since late last year, following the brief tenure of Isaac Irungu Kamau, who took over in November 2024 after former CEO Ahmed Dagane proceeded on leave. No permanent chief executive has held the post since Dagane’s departure.
According to the job posting, applicants must hold at least a postgraduate degree in a health-related field, hospital management, or business administration. Candidates must also bring a minimum of 15 years’ experience at least five of them in a senior management role within a large organisation.
Equally important, the hospital says, is a proven track record. Candidates are expected to show “demonstrated performance, integrity, and familiarity with public sector operations.”
Those who make the shortlist will be required to present clearance certificates from a suite of oversight bodies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
Applications can be submitted through the hospital’s online portal or sent by post.
The role comes with significant responsibility. KUTRRH is not only a top-tier referral centre but also a key training and research institution. Since its inception, it has served thousands of patients and played a central role in both national health delivery and pandemic response.
Yet leadership instability has been a concern in recent years. Health experts say long-term stewardship is crucial for improving care standards, investing in specialised services, and retaining talent.
“The hospital has massive potential, but that depends on consistent leadership and a clear vision,” said a senior health administrator familiar with the sector, who requested anonymity to speak freely.
As the application window opens, attention now turns to who might take the reins and whether this appointment will bring the steadiness KUTRRH needs to fulfil its ambitious goals.
