By The Weekly Vision Team
The leadership dispute at Nairobi Hospital escalated as the management and doctors clashed over a planned strike to protest alleged mismanagement at the institution. On Monday, the hospital’s board of management responded to accusations of malpractice, dismissing them as part of a campaign by a “clique” of doctors and other individuals disgruntled with recent reforms to prevent the theft of hospital resources.
The doctors, through the Admitting Staff Association, had threatened to stop admitting new patients in protest of the alleged mismanagement, among other issues. However, they assured the public that they would continue to care for patients already in the wards, in their private clinics, and emergency cases. The strike notice was part of their effort to pressure the board to resign.
Despite the unrest, Board of Management chair Dr. Chris Bichage maintained that the hospital was operating smoothly, with staff working tirelessly to provide services. In a press conference, Dr Bichage downplayed reports of a strike circulating on social media and in the mainstream press, emphasizing that the hospital’s over 600 specialist consultants and other doctors were still on duty.
He added that the accusations of corruption, conflicts of interest, and poor governance were part of a smear campaign by those frustrated by the hospital’s robust governance reforms. Dr. Bichage noted that significant policy changes had been implemented since 2020 to enhance governance, making the hospital a model institution in East, Central, and Southern Africa.
Regarding allegations of ethnic bias in staff recruitment, Dr. Bichage highlighted that the hospital employs nearly 2,000 people from a wide range of Kenya’s ethnic groups, with Kikuyus making up the largest portion at 617, followed by Luos, Luhyas, Kisiis, and Kambas. He emphasized that recruitment is based on merit, equity, and fairness, which is in line with the hospital’s HR policies.
The hospital’s vice chair, Philemon Mwaisaka, echoed Bichage’s sentiments, stating that the allegations were baseless and rooted in misinformation, lies, and gossip. He assured the public that the truth would soon emerge. Mwaisaka also noted that the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), which owns the hospital, remains fully supportive of the current leadership.
