By Nyang’au Araka
Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRH) board chair, Olive Mugenda has resigned.
Prof Mugenda tendered her resignation at a time the facility is facing various challenges.
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This week, medics at KUTRH went on strike, claiming that their medical cover had been withdrawn.
They also claimed that their promotions were long overdue.
President William Ruto received and accepted Prof Mugenda’s resignation on Tuesday.
A dispatch from State House said that Dr Ruto acknowledged the outgoing board chair’s contributions to the growth and development of KUTRH “during her tenure and extends his gratitude for her service.”
The press release that was signed by State House spokesman, Hussein Mohamed said that following Prof Mugenda’s resignation, the KUTRH board had been “disbanded with immediate effect.”
Mohamed said that the process of restructuring the board had commenced.
Also, the facility’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ahmed Degane had been directed to proceed on indefinite leave.
Dr Zainab Gura was appointed as the acting CEO.
Mr Isaac Kamau who had acted for a few days as CEO was released from his duties and directed to report to the Ministry of Health headquarters.
Located at the edge of Kenyatta University, KUTRH is a leading National Referral Hospital with a 650-bed capacity and equipped with state-of-the-art medical amenities.
The facility is known for cancer care, heart surgeries, imaging services, kidney care, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, among other specialties.
Prof Mugenda is a renowned Kenyan academic and former Vice Chancellor (VC) of Kenyatta University.
She made history as the first woman to hold the position at a public university in Kenya, and Kenyatta University made gigantic strides during her tenure.
Prof Mugenda has also held various Board positions in a number of organizations including Chairperson, Association of Commonwealth Universities and Vice-President- International Association of Universities.
