Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has made major leadership changes in two of Kenya’s top referral hospitals.
In a statement on Monday, August 18, Duale named Richard Lesiyampe Leserian as the new acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Lesiyampe previously served as acting CEO at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
Duale said Lesiyampe’s long experience in the health sector will help strengthen governance, clinical operations, and administration at KNH.
“Lesiyampe, formerly Acting CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, brings vast experience to strengthen KNH’s governance, clinical, and administrative systems in line with ongoing reforms,” Duale said.
To fill the gap left at JOOTRH, Duale appointed Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise as the hospital’s acting CEO. Ombiri will be tasked with guiding the facility’s transition, especially following its recent upgrade to Level 6 referral status.
“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 added.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the appointments are part of wider government reforms in the health sector, aligned with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The announcement comes barely a month after President William Ruto appointed former Kenya Red Cross boss Abbas Gullet as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the KNH Board.
In a gazette notice dated July 26, President Ruto confirmed Gullet’s appointment, effective July 25, 2025, for a three-year term. He replaced Dr. Samier Muravvej.
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