KENYA – The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has named Isaac Irungu Kamau as its Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately.
The appointment follows a decision by the Board of Directors to suspend the current CEO, Ahmed Dagane, over allegations of irregularities in awarding a KSh. 287 million (US$2.22 million) insurance tender.
“Following a resolution by the Board to allow the Chief Executive Officer to proceed on leave, you are hereby appointed to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer (Ag. CEO) with immediate effect,” stated the appointment letter from Board Chairperson, Prof. Olive Mugenda.
Previously serving as the Director of the Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre (IMIC) and Hospital Operations at KUTRRH, Mr. Irungu will now lead the hospital until further notice.
The Board expressed confidence in his leadership, stating, “The Board of Directors looks forward to efficient and effective service delivery under your leadership.”
The decision to suspend Dagane was made during a Board meeting held on November 28, 2024.
According to Prof. Mugenda, concerns arose regarding the procurement process for staff medical coverage for 2024-2025 and the failure to implement several critical board resolutions, which has negatively impacted hospital operations.
Dagane, who became KUTRRH CEO in July 2022, has faced scrutiny for his leadership. In September 2023, the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education questioned his qualifications, noting that he holds a nursing degree and an MBA but is not a medical doctor.
However, Prof. Mugenda defended his appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in the health sector.
In light of the allegations, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been called to investigate Dagane for possible violations of procurement and public finance laws.
His suspension follows heightened oversight of public institutions amid tender-related scandals, including issues at the Kenya Maritime Authority.
KUTRRH, a state-of-the-art medical facility valued at KSh. 8 billion (US$61.8 million), was established as a state corporation under the Ministry of Health in January 2019.
It operates alongside Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret as one of three parastatals under the Health Ministry.
