The government has appointed Dr Richard Lesiyampe Leserian as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the country’s largest public referral and teaching hospital.
The announcement was made through a statement by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who described Lesiyampe as a seasoned healthcare administrator with the expertise needed to guide KNH through ongoing reforms.
“Dr Richard Lesiyampe brings vast experience to strengthen KNH’s governance, clinical, and administrative systems,” Duale said.
“As the apex national referral facility, Kenyatta National Hospital plays a critical role in advancing health sector reforms and achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
Prior to this appointment, Dr Lesiyampe served as acting CEO at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), where he played a key role in elevating the hospital’s profile and operational capacity.
As part of this leadership transition, Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise has been appointed to act as Chief Executive Officer at JOOTRH.
Duale noted that Okise will be responsible for overseeing a smooth leadership transition and supporting the continued growth of JOOTRH, following its recent elevation to Level 6 status.
KNH, located in Nairobi, is Kenya’s premier referral and teaching hospital. Established in 1901, the hospital has grown into one of the most important healthcare institutions in East and Central Africa.
It boasts a bed capacity of 1,800, including a 209-bed private wing, 50 wards, 22 outpatient clinics, and 24 surgical theaters. The hospital employs over 6,000 staff and provides specialized services such as cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, burns management, and more.
KNH also serves as a key hub for medical training and research, supporting Kenya’s broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage under the government’s health transformation agenda.
Dr Lesiyampe’s appointment is expected to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen clinical delivery, and align the institution with national health priorities.
Other referral hospitals are Moi Teaching and Referral
Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, Mathari
National Teaching and Referral Hospital, and the National Spinal Injury
Referral Hospital.
