Phillip Kirwa takes over as Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital CEO

Phillip Kirwa on Saturday assumed office as the new Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer.

Speaking during the ceremony, Kirwa has pledged better services at the facility a day after he was named to take over.

Kirwa has been welcomed by staff and senior management who celebrated his appointment.

President William Ruto appointed Kirwa to take charge as CEO for a period of four years.

He takes over from Wilson Aruasa who had served for eight years as CEO.

"I thank the President for this appointment and promise that I will not let him down. I will do my best to take this hospital to the next level," Kirwa said.

There was song and dance by the staff as Kirwa was welcomed and ushered into his office.

He has been acting as CEO since December 2023 when Aruasa's tenure came to an end.

He said he was taking over as CEO at a time when there were far-reaching reforms in the health sector.

He said his vision was to improve services to a level where there would be no need for patients to seek services elsewhere.

"We will look at improving specialised including surgeries which can be done locally to ensure our people do not travel far what we can offer," he said.

"I know I have the capacity to take this hospital to the next level and make it a sure international facility to serve even our neighbouring countries," Kirwa said.

He said he would closely work with staff of the hospital noting that he had more than 28 years experience in the health sector.

Kirwa said he would continuously work with worker's unions to ensure strikes do not occur to disrupt services.

"I value staff and will consider myself first among equals because I will not succeed without them," he said.

He said he would deal with staff welfare at all levels including ensuring they are comfortable to offer quality services.

Kirwa further said the hospital considers worker's unions as partners to engage in good running of health services.

He said he would also ensure that all government and donor funds are used on intended purposes.