Staff at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) staged demonstrations demanding the reinstatement of Ahmed Dagane as CEO following his forced leave by the hospital’s board.
The workers criticized the board’s decision, citing the abrupt cancellation of their health insurance cover as one of the grievances.
The procurement of the cover through Jubilee Health Insurance had reportedly been a point of contention, with the board alleging irregularities and non-implementation of decisions, which Dagane has denied.
The protests highlighted deeper tensions within the hospital, with employees expressing dissatisfaction over the management’s decisions and alleging that the leadership turmoil has negatively impacted service delivery.
Dagane’s supporters argue that his removal was politically motivated and against employment regulations.
Dagane, for his part, stated that his actions, including the delay in implementing some board resolutions, were to ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
The Ministry of Health later intervened, asking Dagane to remain in office while he takes his scheduled leave in 2025.
Despite this directive, the board had already appointed an acting CEO, citing the need to streamline hospital operations.
This leadership wrangle has raised concerns about governance and accountability at the level 6 facility, which serves a critical role in Kenya’s healthcare system.
KUTRRH staff stage demos at the level 6 facility, demand reinstatement of Ahmed Dagane as CEO and claim that their health cover was cancelled pic.twitter.com/DfL2A6BnBo
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) December 2, 2024
