•Stakeholders Hail the Move as ‘Strategic’ to Bolster Healthcare Reforms
In a pivotal development for Kenya’s healthcare landscape, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe Leserian has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the nation’s premier referral facility.
The announcement, made on August 18, 2025, by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, signals a renewed focus on governance, efficiency, and patient-centered reforms amid ongoing challenges at the hospital.
This appointment marks a homecoming for Dr. Lesiyampe, who previously led KNH from 2009 to 2013, and comes at a time when the institution grapples with leadership controversies and security lapses.
A Seasoned Leader with a Remarkable Journey
Dr. Lesiyampe’s story is one of resilience and ascent, embodying the transformative potential of Kenya’s public service. Born into a pastoralist community in Samburu County, he began his life as a herdsboy, tending to livestock in the arid landscapes of northern Kenya.
Defying the odds, he pursued higher education, earning a PhD in Business Administration from Kenya Methodist University and an MBA from the University of Nairobi.
His professional trajectory spans diverse sectors, starting with roles at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), where he honed his management skills in conservation and resource allocation.
Dr. Lesiyampe’s foray into healthcare leadership began in 2009 when he was appointed as KNH’s first non-medical CEO, a groundbreaking move that challenged traditional norms in hospital administration.
During his initial tenure, which lasted until June 2013, he implemented bold reforms, earning acclaim for his “Rhino Philosophy”—a metaphor for charging forward with determination to overcome obstacles and drive institutional change.
Following his time at KNH, he transitioned to high-level government positions, serving as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and later in the State Department for Agriculture within the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. In these roles, he spearheaded initiatives in sustainable development, food security, and policy reforms, showcasing his versatility as a strategic manager.
Most recently, Dr. Lesiyampe served as the Acting CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, where he navigated the facility through its elevation to Level 6 status—a significant upgrade that positioned it as one of Kenya’s national referral hospitals.
This elevation, officially gazetted earlier in 2025, enhanced JOOTRH’s capacity for specialized care, research, and training, aligning with national goals for decentralized healthcare services.
His leadership there was marked by efforts to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes, experiences that Cabinet Secretary Duale highlighted as invaluable for his new role at KNH.
Government’s Vision: Healthcare as a Pillar of National Transformation
In his statement to newsrooms, Cabinet Secretary Duale emphasized KNH’s critical role as the apex national referral facility in advancing health sector reforms and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“The Government of Kenya has identified healthcare delivery as one of the core pillars of its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” Duale stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to equitable and accessible medical services.
Duale further noted that Dr. Lesiyampe’s appointment aims to fortify KNH’s governance, clinical, and administrative frameworks in line with these reforms.
The Ministry of Health has been actively outlining hospital upgrades, focusing on quality care, sustainability, and patient safety—priorities that Dr. Lesiyampe is expected to champion.
This move is part of a broader shake-up in public health institutions, reflecting the government’s proactive stance on addressing systemic inefficiencies.
Addressing Turbulence at KNH: From Leadership Rows to Security Concerns
The appointment comes amid a turbulent period for KNH, Kenya’s oldest and largest hospital, established in 1901 and serving as a cornerstone for specialized treatments across East Africa.
Recent months have seen the facility embroiled in controversies, including a bizarre “twin CEO” saga where Dr. Evanson Kamuri, the substantive CEO since 2019, co-existed with Dr. William Sigilai as acting CEO, leading to accountability lapses and parliamentary scrutiny.
MPs in June 2025 demanded clarity on this dual leadership, highlighting potential governance voids that could compromise decision-making.
Compounding these issues were grave security breaches, including the murders of two patients within hospital premises.
In February and July 2025, patients Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni and Edward Maingi Ndegwa were killed, with a former patient arrested in connection to the incidents. These events sparked public outrage and calls for enhanced safety protocols.
KNH has a history of leadership instability, including the 2019 dismissal of former CEO Lily Koros over a botched brain surgery on the wrong patient, which led to Dr. Kamuri’s appointment.
Dr. Lesiyampe’s return is seen as a stabilizing force, leveraging his prior experience to navigate these challenges. Staff at KNH have reportedly welcomed the change, expressing optimism for renewed focus on patient welfare and operational excellence.
Smooth Transition at JOOTRH: Enter Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise
To ensure continuity, Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise has been appointed as the Acting CEO of JOOTRH, replacing Dr. Lesiyampe.
Okise, a seasoned administrator, is tasked with overseeing a seamless leadership handover and supporting the hospital’s growth trajectory post its Level 6 elevation.
This upgrade has equipped JOOTRH with advanced capabilities, including specialized units for oncology, cardiology, and renal care, reducing the burden on facilities like KNH.
Duale praised Okise’s role in steering JOOTRH toward sustained development, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Kenya’s referral network.
Broader Implications for Kenya’s Healthcare Future
Dr. Lesiyampe’s appointment underscores the government’s dedication to UHC and BETA, aiming to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations.
As Kenya pushes for digital health innovations, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce training, leaders like Dr. Lesiyampe—known for their reformist zeal—are pivotal in realizing these ambitions.
Experts anticipate that his “Rhino Philosophy” will inject fresh momentum into KNH, potentially leading to enhanced collaborations with international partners, improved funding allocation, and stricter accountability measures.
With healthcare remaining a top priority, this leadership shift could herald a new era of resilience and excellence in Kenya’s public health system.
As the nation watches, Dr. Lesiyampe’s second stint at KNH promises to be a chapter of redemption and progress, transforming challenges into opportunities for a healthier Kenya.
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