Olive Mugenda Resigns As Govt Announces Changes At KUTRRH After Protests
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced on Tuesday, December 3 that President William Ruto received and accepted her resignation
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Professor Olive Mugenda has resigned as the board chairperson of Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). This followed protests outside the medical facility on Monday, December 2.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced on Tuesday, December 3 that President William Ruto received and accepted her resignation, with immediate effect.
"The President acknowledges Professor Mugenda's significant contributions to the growth and development of KUTRRH during her tenure and extends his gratitude for her service," the spokesperson revealed in part.
An aerial view of the Kenya University of Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). /KUTRRH
Mohamed announced that following Professor Mugenda's resignation, and in line with efforts to restore stability and effective governance at KUTRRH, the following decisions have been made:
1. Disbandment of the KUTRRH Board
The entire KUTRRH Board has been disbanded with immediate effect, and the process of reconstituting it has commenced.
2. Leadership Changes at the Hospital
As per directives from the Cabinet Secretary for Health:
- The CEO, Ahmed Dagane, has been directed to proceed on indefinite leave.
- Dr. Zainab Gura has been appointed as the Acting CEO of KUTRRH.
"Mr Isaac Kamau, who was recently appointed by the board as Acting CEO, has been released from his duties and is directed to report to the Ministry of Health Headquarters," added the statement.
Kamau was sent on leave on Thursday, November 28 following a resolution by the Board in a meeting held on November 28, 2024, to allow the Chief Executive Officer to proceed on leave. The letter stated that "you are hereby appointed to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer (Ag. CEO) with immediate effect from the date of this letter."
"Your appointment will remain in effect until further notice. You will be paid appropriate allowances as the Ag. Chief Executive Officer. We wish you well and the Board of Directors looks forward to efficient and effective service delivery," stated the board in the letter to Kamau.
In a gazette notice, CS Barasa revoked the appointment of Kavinya Mwendwa and Gladys Ogallo as members of the KUTRRH board with immediate effect.
Staff at KUTRRH on Monday, December 2 staged protests demanding the removal of the hospital’s board chair, Professor Olive Mugenda.Amidst claims of mismanagement at the hospital, the infuriated medics in a video seen by Viral Tea chanting "Haki Yetu" and "Mugenda Must Go".
A statement from the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) made reference to Executive Order No. 5 of 2024, dated July 5, 2024, which established the Presidential Taskforce on Addressing Human Resources for Health (HRH) in Kenya, with the memorandum serving to "bring to your attention several critical issues at KUTRRH that directly impact human resource management, particularly for nurses."
"These concerns highlight significant gaps in compliance with established human resource policies, which, in turn, affect staff welfare, productivity, and service delivery," stated KNUN in part.
Read more: Protests As Kenyatta University Hospital Staff Present 6 Issues
