The governance turbulence surrounding The Nairobi Hospital has taken a new turn following the resignation of board member Lekek Chebii, who has stepped down with immediate effect, citing personal reasons that he says now limit his ability to discharge his duties effectively.

His departure comes at a time when the institution remains under intense public scrutiny over leadership disputes, regulatory battles, and allegations of political interference in the management of one of Kenya’s most prominent private hospitals.

In a resignation letter addressed to the Board of the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), which owns and operates The Nairobi Hospital, Chebii formally communicated his exit as “a member of the Board of The Kenya Hospital Association T/A The Nairobi Hospital, effective immediately.”

He stated that personal circumstances had made it impossible for him to devote the time and attention required to fulfil his responsibilities.

Chebii expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, noting that it had been a privilege to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the Association and to work alongside what he described as a dedicated team.

His resignation comes against the backdrop of a prolonged governance crisis at the hospital, which has in recent months drawn in the courts, regulatory agencies, and even the Office of the President.

Reports from multiple outlets indicate that the institution has been grappling with internal disputes over board composition, allegations of coercion, and competing claims about attempts to influence the hospital’s leadership.

Earlier this month, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi alleged that senior government officials had exerted pressure on board members to resign, claims that have intensified public debate about the autonomy of private health institutions and the boundaries of state involvement in their governance.

Chebii’s resignation adds to the uncertainty surrounding the stability of the board at a time when the hospital is navigating both internal and external pressures.

Public buildings in Mombasa are excluding Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Senators have said, as the Ministry of Lands admitted enforcement gaps, weak county capacity and funding constraints continue to undermine accessibility laws.

The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Sen Julius Murgor (West Pokot), heard that at least seven buildings — including Bima Towers, the Mombasa County Assembly, the Office of the Deputy County Commissioner and Mombasa Law Courts — remain non-compliant, effectively barring access to essential services.

“Persons with disabilities are not accessing any of these buildings, an infringement of their constitutional rights,” said Zedekiah Adika, the lead petitioner.

Appearing before the committee, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome acknowledged the scale of the problem but said enforcement lies with county governments, despite the existence of national standards such as the National Building Code (2024).

“The ministry does not enforce mechanisms for compliance. We prepare standards, but enforcement is not our mandate,” Wahome said.

She said technical teams — including engineers, architects and quantity surveyors — have now been deployed across all 47 counties and will inspect the Mombasa buildings, with a report due by 30 April outlining compliance gaps, remedial works and costs.

Sen Joe Nyutu (Murang’a) questioned the arrangement, citing capacity gaps.

“There is a serious shortage of technical staff in counties,” he said, suggesting ministries take a more direct role.

Officials acknowledged shortages of qualified engineers and planners in counties and said the ministry is “grossly underfunded”, limiting oversight and sufficient technical support. Wahome, however, maintained that building owners bear responsibility.

“Compliance is an owner’s issue,” she said.

Sen Crystal Asige, the committee’s vice-chairperson, pressed for clarity on ownership of the buildings.

Wahome said responsibility is spread across several institutions, including the Ministry of Lands (Bima House), the Mombasa County Government (Betting Control Building), the Judiciary (Mombasa Law Courts), the Ministry of Interior (Office of the Deputy County Commissioner and Uhuru na Kazi Building), and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (NEMA Building).

Senators said the fragmented ownership has contributed to delays and blurred accountability, while petitioners insisted that the judiciary and the ministries of Interior and Environment be invited to the next meeting.

Sen Beth Syengo sought updates on a KSh47.3m tender for lifts at Bima House first raised in December. The ministry said it would verify procurement status and report back.

Ministry officials told the meeting that amendments to strengthen enforcement powers are under review, alongside efforts to align national and county laws.

Some Senators urged legal changes to compel compliance within set timelines.

“There must be a way to compel compliance,” said Sen (Rtd) Justice Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi).

The Cabinet Secretary said a technical report on the Mombasa buildings is expected by 30 April, with senators insisting it must translate into concrete action and funding allocations.

But the Committee warned that without enforcement, legislation alone will not deliver change.

For persons with disabilities, access to public buildings remains out of reach — and until responsibility is clearly defined and enforced, their constitutional rights risk remaining largely theoretical.

By Anthony Solly