President William Ruto has appointed renowned humanitarian and former Kenya Red Cross Secretary-General Abbas Gullet as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the country’s largest referral and teaching hospital.
The appointment, which takes effect from July 25, 2025, will see Gullet serve a three-year term, according to a Gazette Notice published on the same date. The notice also confirms the revocation of Dr. Samier Muravvej’s appointment to the position.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Abbas Gullet to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Kenyatta National Hospital, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 25th July, 2025. The appointment of Samier Muravvej (Dr.) is revoked,” the notice read in part.
Gullet, a highly respected figure in the humanitarian sector, is best known for his nearly two-decade tenure as Secretary-General of the Kenya Red Cross Society, where he oversaw massive organizational growth and modernization. One of his most notable achievements was the establishment of E-Plus, Kenya’s largest and most advanced ambulance service.
In his new role as KNH board chair, Gullet will be tasked with strategic oversight of hospital operations, ensuring financial accountability, and strengthening service delivery at the critical national institution. His leadership is expected to play a key role in guiding policy and governance as KNH continues to navigate the evolving demands of public health.
Currently serving as the Vice President for Africa at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Gullet’s career in humanitarian service spans over five decades. His journey began in 1973 as a Form One student at Mombasa Technical High School, where he joined the Red Cross through the President’s Award Scheme.
Gullet has received numerous accolades for his contributions to humanitarian work, including being named UN Person of the Year in Kenya in 2007. He has also been awarded the Order of the Golden Warrior and the Moran of the Burning Spear, and was recognized by Forbes Africa as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans.
Outgoing KNH chair Dr. Samier Muravvej has been reassigned to serve as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, continuing her leadership within Kenya’s health governance structure.
Gullet’s appointment is widely viewed as a move to inject seasoned leadership into the country’s premier hospital, as Kenya seeks to expand access to quality healthcare and strengthen its public health infrastructure.
Written By Rodney Mbua
