Lesiyampe expected to enhance quality of services at KNH, PS Oluga

Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the new acting CEO when he took over the CEO role at KNH grounds on 19th August 2025

Dr. Richard Lesiyampe has been appointed the acting Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), with the government expressing confidence that his leadership will strengthen service delivery at the country’s largest referral facility.

The announcement was made during the official handover ceremony held at the KNH grounds, where Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, oversaw the transition.

Dr. Lesiyampe takes over from Dr. Evanson Kamuri, who has served at the helm of the institution for six years.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Oluga said the appointment comes at a critical time when the government is implementing reforms under the Taifa Care programme, which is anchored on four key areas: sustainable health financing, enhanced service delivery through training and capacity building of the health workforce, ensuring the availability of medicines, and strengthening governance in health facilities.

The PS noted that KNH, as the largest teaching and referral hospital in East and Central Africa, must remain a model institution in the delivery of quality healthcare despite budgetary constraints.

“To realize our goal of providing quality healthcare for Kenyans, we need to strengthen governance systems. Boards must provide strategic vision that ensures hospitals are sustainable and able to generate revenue to support the services patients consume. We believe Dr. Lesiyampe has the requisite potential to ensure this goal is realized at KNH,” Dr. Oluga said.

He further stressed that the hospital’s leadership must align with the government’s broader health priorities, including improving access to services and safeguarding standards of care.

On his part, Dr. Lesiyampe acknowledged the role of his predecessor, commending Dr. Kamuri and his team for their service to the institution.

He pledged to provide leadership that will enable KNH staff to deliver quality healthcare to thousands of patients who seek treatment at the hospital daily.

The Ministry of Health has emphasized that the appointment is aimed at ensuring seamless continuity and reforms at KNH as the government continues to prioritize universal access to healthcare.