Government Announces Leadership Changes at KNH and JOOTRH

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH)/PHOTO: COURTESY

Ministry of Health (MOH), has announced key leadership changes at Kenya’s top referral hospitals as part of ongoing health sector reforms under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Richard Lesiyampe Leserian has been transferred to act as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the country’s apex national referral facility.

“The move is aimed at strengthening governance, clinical services and administrative systems at KNH to support the government’s push toward Universal Health Coverage,” MOH stated.

Lesiyampe previously served as Acting CEO at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), where he gained experience overseeing the hospital’s operations and recent elevation to Level 6 status.

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)/PHOTO: COURTESY

Following Lesiyampe’s transfer, Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise has been appointed Acting CEO of JOOTRH.

“Okise will oversee a smooth leadership transition while continuing to support JOOTRH’s growth and service delivery as seen in its recent elevation to Level 6 status.,” Health CS, Aden Duale noted.

The Ministry emphasized that the appointments are part of a broader strategy to implement reforms that improve governance and patient services at Kenya’s flagship hospitals, ensuring that both KNH and JOOTRH continue to play pivotal roles in the nation’s health sector.

“Healthcare delivery remains a core pillar of our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. These leadership transitions are aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability, and quality of care at our national referral facilities,” Duale added.