Health CS revokes appointment of KUTRRH board members in wake of workers' unrest
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo Barasa speaks during the launch of the Social Health Assurance (SHA) at Central Primary School in Uasin-Gishu County on October 1, 2024. CS Barasa said the initiative aims to expand health care access across the country by providing an inclusive and equitable health insurance option for all residents. Photo/Jeremiah Choge
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has revoked the appointments of two(2) members of the board of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
In a gazette notice dated December 3, 2024, Ms Barasa announced the removal of Kavinya Mwendwa and Gladys Ogallo from their positions as KUTRRH board members with immediate effect.
"[By] the powers conferred by section 6 (1) (e) of the State Corporations Act, as read together with Paragraph 6 (1) (k) of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital Order, and section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, revokes the appointment of Kavinya Mwendwa and Gladys Ogallo, as members of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, with effect from the December 3, 2024," the gazette notice reads.
The revocations come amid protests by medical and support staff at KUTRRH, which disrupted operations on Monday.
The health workers voiced their frustration over poor working conditions, including allegations of sexual harassment, long working hours and a lack of medical bill waivers for staff in critical care units.
The protests were also fuelled by the recent suspension of the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Dagane, who was placed on forced leave by the board of directors.
The industrial action led to the cancellation of services, leaving hundreds of patients stranded.
On Tuesday, KUTRRH board chair Olive Mugenda resigned, with State House spokesman Hussein Mohamed confirming that President William Ruto had accepted her resignation.
Hussein also acknowledged Mugenda's significant contributions to the development of KUTRRH during her tenure.
In the wake of these developments, Health CS Barasa instructed CEO Ahmed Dagane to take an indefinite leave of absence, while Zainab Gura was appointed acting CEO of KUTRRH.
Mr Isaac Kamau, who had recently been appointed as acting CEO, was reinstated.
