Dagane is known to be trained as a nurse, but his educational background has raised concerns. Reports suggest that he scored a D+ in his O-level exams at County High School in 1993, a grade considered below the threshold for higher educational programs. This subpar academic performance raises immediate questions about how he was able to advance in a competitive field like healthcare, especially to the position of CEO at a leading institution such as KUTRRH
By Mdadisi Mmoja
The appointment of Ahmed Dagane as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenyatta University Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH), which was recently followed by his suspension, has raised serious questions about how he was selected for the role in the first place. On Tuesday, December 3, the State placed Dagane on indefinite leave and appointed Zainab Gura as the acting CEO, while also disbanding the Hospital Management Board.
Dagane’s appointment has come under intense scrutiny following revelations about his qualifications, prompting questions about the transparency and integrity of his rise to the top of one of Kenya’s most prestigious public health institutions. His professional and academic credentials have been called into question, with several discrepancies highlighted by sources, including members of the Parliamentary Health Committee.
Academic Concerns: A Low Start And Unclear Credentials
Dagane is known to be trained as a nurse, but his educational background has raised concerns. Reports suggest that he scored a D+ in his O-level exams at County High School in 1993, a grade considered below the threshold for higher educational programs. This subpar academic performance raises immediate questions about how he was able to advance in a competitive field like healthcare, especially to the position of CEO at a leading institution such as KUTRRH.
Another troubling aspect of Dagane’s qualifications is the status of his nursing registration. Although he was registered as a nurse in Minnesota, USA, in 2009, his nursing license expired in 2016. This raises questions about his continued eligibility to practice as a nurse, particularly in Kenya, where the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) mandates that all practising nurses must be registered with the council.
Despite his initial registration in the U.S., Dagane is not listed as a registered nurse with the NCK, and there is no evidence that he sought local registration after his U.S. license expired. Given the legal requirements for practising nursing in Kenya, this absence of local registration casts doubt on his professional standing. During an official visit by the Parliamentary Health Committee to KUTRRH, questions about his qualifications were raised, but the hospital’s Board, led by Professor Olive Mugenda, defended his credentials, asserting that he was qualified to lead the institution.
Dagane’s Troubled History At Garissa Level 5 Hospital
Dagane’s previous tenure as CEO at Garissa Level 5 Hospital adds further complexity to the picture. He was removed from this role before being appointed to KUTRRH, reportedly due to management issues and concerns over his leadership effectiveness. This troubled history should have raised red flags when he was considered for the CEO position at KUTRRH. His performance at Garissa, combined with the lack of clarity regarding his qualifications, raises questions about why he was selected for such a high-profile role. The absence of rigorous scrutiny in his appointment remains a significant concern.
Professor Olive Mugenda, who was the Chairperson of the KUTRRH Board at the time of Dagane’s appointment, played a pivotal role in the decision. Mugenda, a respected academic and former Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, had a reputation for transforming KUTRRH into a state-of-the-art medical facility. Under her leadership, the hospital achieved significant strides in medical infrastructure and service delivery. However, her decision to defend Dagane in the face of growing concerns about his qualifications has raised eyebrows.
Despite explicit concerns raised by the Parliamentary Health Committee, the Board continued to support Dagane, asserting that he had the necessary qualifications for the role. This defence has been questioned by healthcare professionals, who argue that the Board overlooked serious red flags, which reflects a lack of oversight and accountability in the hospital’s leadership.
The Role Of Politics In Leadership Appointments
It is also possible that political considerations played a role in Dagane’s appointment. Leadership positions in Kenya’s state-run institutions, including KUTRRH, are often influenced by political networks and patronage. This raises the possibility that Dagane’s appointment was politically motivated, which could explain why concerns about his qualifications were ignored.
Political connections are often a key factor in the selection of senior leaders within Kenya’s public sector. If Dagane’s appointment was driven by political patronage rather than merit, it underscores a systemic issue within the public service that may undermine the effectiveness of critical institutions like KUTRRH.
Lack Of Accountability And Transparency
The controversy surrounding Dagane’s appointment, along with the Board’s defence of his qualifications, highlights a broader issue of transparency and accountability in the management of public healthcare institutions in Kenya. The public deserves to know the qualifications of individuals leading major institutions, especially one like KUTRRH, which is intended to serve as a model of excellence in healthcare provision.
Concerns about Dagane’s qualifications were not only raised by parliamentary committees but also by hospital workers, who questioned his competence. The failure to address these concerns in a transparent and timely manner suggests a deeper issue within the leadership of KUTRRH. This lack of accountability emphasizes the need for more robust systems to ensure that only qualified individuals are entrusted with such critical roles.
Conclusion: How Did He Manage To Get The Top Job?
Ultimately, the question of how Ahmed Dagane managed to secure the CEO position at KUTRRH, despite his questionable qualifications, remains unanswered. His academic and professional background, combined with his performance at Garissa Level 5 Hospital, should have disqualified him from consideration for such a prestigious role. However, political influence, coupled with a lack of due diligence from the hospital’s Board, may have played a significant role in his appointment.
The unfolding drama at KUTRRH serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for more transparent and accountable leadership selection processes within Kenya’s public healthcare system. As investigations into Dagane’s tenure continue, it is hoped that this incident will prompt the government and healthcare sector to prioritize merit and integrity in the appointment of top-level leaders.
