Kenyatta University Hospital staff call off strike

By Peter Ochieng

Normal operations are on at the Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), after staff called off their strike.

The two-day strike by medics and other members of staff was called off after the government disbanded the hospital board, ending days of back and forth which started with the board’s move to send Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ahmed Mohammed Dagane on compulsory leave.

The board then appointed Irungu Kamau as acting CEO. Kamau has since been relieved from his duties as acting CEO.

However, Dr Zainab Gura has since been appointed as the acting CEO of KUTRRH in changes made by Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa.

Members of staff complained of interference by the hospital's board in day-to-day running of the institution. Some members of staff who spoke to the press said the hospital’s board suspended their medical cover, leaving them and their dependents at risk.

They demanded the reinstatement of the cover and reimbursement of money they had used to settle medical expenses.

On Tuesday, President William Ruto disbanded the entire hospital board with immediate effect. He also accepted the resignation of Professor Olive Mugenda as the chairperson of the hospital’s board.

“President William Ruto has received and accepted the resignation of Professor Olive Mugenda as the Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Board, with immediate effect,” said State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed in a statement.

President Ruto relieved Isaac Kamau from his duties, directing him to report to the Ministry of Health Headquarters, while Dagane was sent on an indefinite leave.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2019 declared KUTRRH a state corporation alongside Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu is on the verge of becoming a parastatal.