Nairobi Hospital, under the management of the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), has assured the public that its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare remains steadfast, despite an ongoing legal challenge that has temporarily impacted some of its governance operations.
The legal dispute stems from a case filed by Samuel Mithamo Muchiri against the hospital’s board of management and trustees. Muchiri claims that the hospital’s governing body failed to file an updated index of members with the Registrar of Companies, an omission that allegedly violates institutional governance standards. He further accuses the hospital’s leadership of engaging in serious malfeasance, including breaching their duty to act in the best interests of the institution. According to Muchiri, these actions have contributed to significant financial losses, including over Ksh.1.5 billion in damages, alongside outstanding supplier debts nearing Ksh.3 billion.
As a result of these allegations, Muchiri sought a legal remedy, leading to a temporary court order on December 4, 2024, which suspended the implementation of a resolution concerning the election of directors to the hospital’s board and the election of trustees for the Kenya Hospital Association. This suspension will remain in place until the case is heard and resolved by the court.
Despite the legal challenges, Nairobi Hospital’s acting CEO, Felix Osano, emphasized the institution’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of patient care. In a statement, Osano reassured the public that the hospital would continue to provide healthcare services without disruption, despite the temporary restrictions placed on its governance and financial operations. He confirmed that while the hospital would comply with the court order, it would also pursue appropriate legal remedies to address the ongoing issues.
“We fully respect the judicial process and will comply with the orders, while seeking appropriate remedies before the court,” Osano stated in the letter.
The hospital’s management remains hopeful that the legal process will not severely affect its ability to serve thousands of patients daily. The assurance comes at a time when many patients rely on the institution’s services, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to patient care despite the internal governance turmoil.
Nairobi Hospital’s ability to navigate these challenges while continuing to offer vital medical services will be crucial as it addresses the allegations and works towards a resolution. The public remains hopeful that the institution will emerge from this legal dispute unscathed, maintaining its standing as one of Kenya’s leading healthcare providers.
