The government has appointed Dr Richard Lesiyampe Leserian as acting chief executive of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya’s largest public referral and teaching hospital.
The announcement was made by the health cabinet secretary, Aden Duale, who praised Lesiyampe as an experienced health administrator capable of steering the institution through reforms aimed at strengthening service delivery.
“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.”
Lesiyampe previously served as acting CEO at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, where he is credited with raising the hospital’s profile and improving its operational capacity.
As part of the reshuffle, Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise has been named acting CEO at JOOTRH. Duale said Okise will focus on ensuring a smooth leadership transition and consolidating the institution’s recent elevation to Level 6 status.
Established in 1901, KNH has grown into a cornerstone of East and Central Africa’s health system.
The hospital has a bed capacity of 1,800, including a 209-bed private wing, and operates 50 wards, 22 outpatient clinics, and 24 surgical theatres. It employs more than 6,000 staff and provides specialist services in areas such as cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedics and burns management.
KNH also functions as a hub for medical training and research, serving as a teaching partner for universities and playing a central role in the government’s push to achieve universal health coverage.
Dr Lesiyampe’s appointment is expected to enhance efficiency, strengthen clinical delivery, and align the hospital’s operations with national health priorities.
Other key referral hospitals in Kenya include 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.
