Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced two key leadership changes at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
In a statement on Monday, August 18, the health boss appointed Richard Lesiyampe Leserian as the acting Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital.
According to Duale, Lesiyampe’s extensive experience in the health sector will be vital in streamlining the governance, clinical, and administrative systems of the country’s largest referral health facility.
“Lesiyampe, formerly Acting CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), brings vast experience to strengthen KNH's governance, clinical, and administrative systems in line with ongoing reforms,” Duale stated.
Duale has, on the other hand, appointed Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise to replace Lesiyampe as the JOOTRH CEO.
According to Duale, Ombiri will be responsible for ensuring a seamless transition at the hospital, especially after its recent elevation to a Level 6 health facility.
Duale noted that the reforms at the two facilities are in line with the government’s broader aim of steering the country towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as well as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“Following this transition, Mr. Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise has been appointed to act as Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH. He will oversee a smooth leadership transition and support the JOOTRH's continued growth following its recent elevation to Level 6 status,” Duale stated.
The announcement comes almost a month after President William Ruto appointed former Red Cross chief Abbas Gullet as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the KNH Board.
In a gazette notice dated Saturday, July 26, the Head of State said that Gullet, whose appointment was effective July 25, 2025, would serve in the role for three years.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Abbas Gullet to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Kenyatta National Hospital, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 25th July, 2025. The appointment of Samier Muravvej (Dr.) is revoked,” the notice read.
