President William Ruto has appointed renowned humanitarian Abbas Gullet as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The appointment officially began on July 25, 2025, and Gullet is expected to serve in this position for a term of three years.
The news was made public through a Gazette Notice issued on the same day, which also announced the end of Dr. Samier Muravvej’s term as the former chairperson.
The notice stated, “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.”
Abbas Gullet is a respected figure both in Kenya and globally for his outstanding humanitarian work. He served as the Secretary-General of the Kenya Red Cross Society for nearly 20 years until 2020. During his leadership, the organization grew significantly in scope and efficiency.
One of his biggest achievements was launching E-Plus, which is currently the largest private ambulance service provider in Kenya.
In his new role as KNH Board Chair, Gullet will be responsible for offering strategic leadership and guidance to the hospital’s management team. His duties include ensuring that the hospital operates efficiently, manages its finances wisely, and fulfills its healthcare mission to the public.
His leadership is expected to play a critical role in improving patient care and setting long-term goals for the hospital.
Apart from his new role at KNH, Gullet continues to serve as the Vice President for Africa at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. His lifelong dedication to humanitarian work has earned him many awards and recognitions over the years.
In 2007, he was named the United Nations Person of the Year in Kenya. The Kenyan government has also honored him with prestigious national awards, including the Order of the Golden Warrior and the Moran of the Burning Spear.
In addition, Gullet was listed among Forbes Africa’s Top 100 Most Influential Africans, solidifying his place as a respected leader and changemaker on the continent. His journey in humanitarian work started back in 1973 when he joined the Kenya Red Cross while still a student at Mombasa Technical High School, inspired by the President’s Award Scheme.
Meanwhile, outgoing board chair Dr. Samier Muravvej has been redeployed to lead the Board of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, another important body in Kenya’s public health system.
Gullet now takes the reins at KNH, the country’s largest referral and teaching hospital, where he is expected to steer reforms, improve patient services, and help shape the future of healthcare in Kenya.
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