Dr Lesiyambe welcomes his appointment as Acting KNH CEO
Duale said he brings vast experience to strengthen KNH's governance, clinical, and administrative systems in line with ongoing reforms
Dr Richard Lesiyampe has expressed his joy after he was appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Monday.
“Back to my former institution, this time more experienced, more exposed, and more energised. Thank you CS Adan Duale, the Ministry of Health, and the Government of Kenya, for your trust and belief in me. I am grateful. Kenyatta National Hospital, I am coming back,” he posted on social media.
While announcing the appointment of Dr Lesiyampe, formerly Acting CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Duale said he brings vast experience to strengthen KNH’s governance, clinical, and administrative systems in line with ongoing reforms.
“As the apex national referral facility, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) plays a critical role in advancing health sector reforms and achieving Universal Health Coverage. To support this mandate, Dr Richard Lesiyampe Leserian has been transferred to Act as the Chief Executive Officer of KNH,” he said in a statement.
The CS also appointed Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise to act as Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH, adding that he will oversee a smooth leadership transition and support the hospital’s continued growth following its recent elevation to Level 6 status.
Dr Lesiyambe, who holds a degree in political science from the University of Nairobi, was the non-doctor CEO of KNH during the tenure of Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o as minister for Medical Services between 2008 and 2013 and credited with turning around the fortunes of the country’s largest referral hospital.
It is for this reason that Nyong’o persuaded him to postpone his ambitions of becoming Samburu Governor to take over at JOOTRH, which has undergone tremendous reforms resulting in its recent upgrading to a Level 6 hospital.
At KNH, he will, however, be confronted with various challenges that have persisted for long, including financial constraints, leadership and governance issues, and concerns about safety and security following the murder of two patients inside the wards.
A patient who had stayed at the hospital for long has since been charged with the killings.
