Ruto disbands KU hospital Board as Chair Olive Mugenda resigns

Prof. Olive Mugenda has resigned as the Chairperson of the Board of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).

This comes just a day after the institution’s staff staged a demonstration over poor working conditions.

While announcing Mugenda’s exit from the helm of the hospital, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed also announced major changes in the leadership of the hospital.

“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,” Hussein’s statement reads in part.

Further, Ruto has also ordered the disbandment of KUTRRH Board, sent the current acting Chief Executive Ahmed Dagane on indefinite leave.

In Dagane’s place, Health CS Deborah Mulongo has recommended the appointment of Dr. Zainab Gura as the new CEO on interim.

“Mr. Isaac Kamau, who was recently appointed by the board as Acting CEO, has been released from his duties and is directed to report to the Ministry of Health Headquarters,”

Ruto has also gazetted the revocation of Prof. Mugenda's appointment to the position.

Staff at the hospital had raised issue when the board suspended their medical cover, and demanded the reinstatement of the cover and reimbursement of money they have used to settle medical expenses.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Olive Mugenda as the Chairperson of KUTRRH in April 2019, and extended her term after completing the three-year term

Mugenda was the Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University (KU) for 10 years up until March 2016. 

She has also served in many other boards and commissions such as being a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Chairperson of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and most recently she was appointed as the board chair of the HF Group.