As governance disputes threaten the stability of one of Kenya’s premier medical institutions, the government has explained why President William Ruto has taken a direct interest in efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis at the Kenya Hospital Association, the body that owns and manages The Nairobi Hospital.
In a statement issued by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the presidency said the Head of State had received several memoranda from stakeholders — including doctors, association members and patients — raising alarm over governance, financial and operational challenges affecting the hospital.
According to the statement, the appeals warned that the prolonged leadership disputes could undermine patient care, clinical governance and the hospital’s operational stability if not addressed urgently.
At the centre of the conflict are disagreements over the management of the Kenya Hospital Association, including disputes surrounding membership, board elections and the conduct of Annual General Meetings.
Stakeholders also cited allegations of conflict of interest, claims of financial mismanagement, persistent leadership wrangles and a surge in litigation that has complicated internal efforts to resolve the disputes.
State House noted that the concerns carry significant weight given the hospital’s central role in Kenya’s healthcare system.
Founded in the 1950s, Nairobi Hospital treats more than 290,000 patients annually, operates six satellite centres and works with more than 700 specialist doctors. The facility also trains health professionals who serve across Kenya and the wider region.
Officials said the president’s involvement is partly linked to his role as Patron of the Kenya Hospital Association, a position he accepted in 2023 following his nomination by the association.
According to the presidency, stakeholders briefed the president in both his capacity as patron and as Head of State after appeals for intervention intensified amid fears that the disputes could destabilise the institution.
Over the past year, Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, has convened at least 14 consultative meetings with board members, doctors and other stakeholders in a bid to facilitate dialogue and find a lasting solution.
The engagements resulted in the reconstitution of the hospital’s Board of Management, with different stakeholder groups nominating representatives to ensure broader representation within the association.
Stakeholders also agreed on a Five-Point Reform Agenda aimed at restoring stability and rebuilding confidence in the institution.
The reforms include verification of the association’s membership register, withdrawal of proxy litigation cases affecting hospital operations, strengthening governance structures and establishing internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
The agenda further proposes the appointment of an independent forensic audit firm to review financial concerns raised by stakeholders and preparations for a transparent Annual General Meeting.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor invoked Section 800 of the Companies Act to appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of the Kenya Hospital Association.
The probe was conducted by a multi-agency team comprising the Business Registration Service, Asset Recovery Agency, Kenya Revenue Authority, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, National Intelligence Service and the Financial Reporting Centre.
The team submitted its report to the Attorney General on March 6, 2026, after which relevant agencies were directed to take further action in accordance with the law.
State House said the president has also held meetings with senior doctors at Nairobi Hospital and patients receiving long-term care at the facility to gain first-hand insight into the challenges facing the institution.
During the engagements, President Ruto directed that the investigation findings be concluded and implemented without delay in order to safeguard the interests of patients, medical professionals and hospital staff.
The government emphasised that Nairobi Hospital remains a critical pillar of Kenya’s healthcare system and that resolving the governance and financial challenges affecting the Kenya Hospital Association is in the national interest.
Officials added that the state will continue supporting lawful and transparent processes aimed at restoring stability and ensuring the hospital continues delivering high-quality healthcare to Kenyans and patients across the region.
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