President William Ruto has moved to address growing concerns surrounding Kenya Hospital Association, following months of complaints over governance, financial management, and operational stability at The Nairobi Hospital.
According to a statement from the Executive Office of the President, the Head of State received multiple petitions from stakeholders, including doctors, patients, and association members, highlighting long-standing disputes that risk affecting patient care and the hospital’s stability.
The concerns presented to the President paint a troubling picture of internal wrangles at one of Kenya’s most prestigious healthcare institutions.
Key issues raised include disputes over membership and board elections, allegations of mismanagement, conflicts of interest, and persistent leadership challenges.
The statement further noted that ineffective dispute resolution mechanisms and increasing litigation have compounded the crisis, raising fears about the hospital’s ability to maintain its high standards of care.
The government emphasized that the hospital plays a critical role in advancing national health priorities, including Universal Health Coverage, making its stability a matter of national interest.
Government-Led Efforts to Restore Stability
Efforts to resolve the ongoing disputes have been underway for months, led by Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, who convened at least fourteen consultative meetings involving board members, doctors, and other stakeholders.
These engagements resulted in the reconstitution of the hospital’s Board of Management and the adoption of a five-point reform agenda.
The reforms include cleaning up the membership register, strengthening governance structures, conducting a forensic audit, resolving legal disputes, and preparing for a transparent Annual General Meeting scheduled for December 2025.
In addition, the Attorney General invoked provisions of the Companies Act to investigate the affairs of the association, leading to a multi-agency probe involving key government bodies. The investigation report was submitted on March 6, 2026, with further action expected.
President Ruto, who also serves as Patron of the association, has directed the timely implementation of the investigation’s findings to protect patients, staff, and the institution’s future.
“The hospital remains a vital pillar of Kenya’s healthcare system… it is in the national interest that these challenges are resolved through lawful, transparent, and sustainable processes,” the statement emphasized.
Nairobi Hospital Assures Public of Continued Operations
Amid the ongoing legal and governance challenges, The Nairobi Hospital has reassured patients and stakeholders that its services remain uninterrupted.
In a separate statement, Board Chairman Barcley Onyambu confirmed that the hospital is “stable, fully operational, and open to the public as normal.”
The hospital noted that all clinical and support services continue to run across departments, with staff committed to maintaining quality healthcare delivery.
However, the institution declined to comment on specific governance disputes, stating that the matters are currently before the courts and therefore sub judice.
It also clarified that official communication is only issued through the offices of the Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano.
As investigations and court proceedings unfold, the Nairobi Hospital saga continues to attract national attention, raising broader questions about governance in the institution.
About the Author
