In a significant development at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), Irungu Kamau has been named the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. This move comes after the hospital’s Board of Directors placed the former CEO, Ahmed Mohammed Dagane, on compulsory leave. The decision was made following concerns raised about the procurement process for the staff medical cover for the fiscal year 2024-2025, as well as unresolved critical board resolutions that have impacted hospital operations.
The announcement of Kamau’s appointment was made by the Board Chairperson, Prof. Olive Mugenda, in a letter dated November 28, 2024. The letter outlined that the decision was reached during a board meeting held the day prior, on November 27, 2024. Kamau’s appointment as Acting CEO is expected to be in place until further notice, allowing the board to address the pressing issues facing the hospital’s management.
Key Concerns Leading to the Leadership Change
The decision to send Dagane on leave follows a series of concerns that have been raised about the management of KUTRRH under his leadership. Specifically, the procurement process for the staff medical cover from Jubilee Health Insurance Limited for the FY 2024-2025 was flagged as problematic. The board indicated that this issue had raised serious questions about the hospital’s ability to maintain transparency and efficiency in its procurement processes.
In addition to concerns over procurement, the board highlighted that several key resolutions, which were critical to the hospital’s functioning and delivery of services, had not been implemented during Dagane’s tenure. This failure to act on important directives was said to have negatively impacted patient care, service delivery, and the overall achievement of the hospital’s core mandates. The board’s frustrations with Dagane’s management led to the decision to place him on leave and appoint Kamau as the Acting CEO to oversee the hospital’s operations during this transitional period.
Prof. Mugenda’s letter also emphasized that Dagane’s temporary exit was in compliance with a circular (Ref: OP/CAB.2/1) from September 2023. According to this directive, Dagane was entitled to take his accumulated annual leave for the fiscal year 2023-2024, which totals 25 working days. The board’s decision to send him on leave is seen as a move to give space for an evaluation of the hospital’s operations, with the goal of ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
Irungu Kamau’s Appointment as Acting CEO
As the new Acting CEO, Irungu Kamau faces the task of leading the hospital through this challenging period. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh approach to the hospital’s operations, with a focus on addressing the concerns raised by the board and restoring the hospital’s standing as a leading institution in Kenya’s healthcare system.
Kamau’s appointment comes at a critical time, as KUTRRH has been at the forefront of offering specialized medical services, teaching, and conducting research. With the hospital playing a vital role in Kenya’s healthcare system, the board has made it clear that they expect Kamau to restore order and ensure that key policies and resolutions are implemented effectively. The emphasis on improving service delivery and patient care will likely be a central focus for Kamau as he takes on the role of Acting CEO.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Rebuilding Trust
The board’s decision to temporarily relieve Dagane of his duties signals their determination to address the internal challenges that have been affecting KUTRRH’s performance. In the interim, the board will likely work closely with Kamau to streamline hospital operations, rebuild trust, and ensure that staff medical cover and other critical healthcare services are effectively managed.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both the hospital and its new Acting CEO. The hope is that under Kamau’s leadership, KUTRRH will overcome the challenges it faces, setting a positive course for its future operations. With the board’s backing and the necessary changes in place, there is potential for the hospital to regain its momentum and continue serving the public effectively.
Ultimately, the leadership transition at KUTRRH highlights the importance of accountability and efficient management in ensuring that Kenya’s healthcare institutions deliver on their promises to patients and the wider community.
