KU hospital staff down tools over medical cover, sacking of CEO

Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital staff hold a demonstration. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

Operations at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) were brought to a standstill on Monday as employees staged demonstrations, citing “urgent” issues that need to be addressed.

The strike left patients stranded, with many leaving without receiving care. Among them was Pamela Karimi, a resident of Meru.

“I have been here unattended to since morning. I am in pain. I am worried my condition may deteriorate,” said Karimi.

The issues raised by the employees include the reinstatement of their medical cover, claims of interference in day-to-day operations by the hospital’s Board of Management and revocation of the board chair’s directive to send Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Dagane on forced leave.

“We have been compelled to speak out in order to defend the hospital and protect it from imminent collapse,” said Dr Vincent Ongoye, who read the statement on behalf of his colleagues.

He said they had learnt that the Board had suspended their medical cover without prior notice to employees. As a result, employees and their dependents who sought medical assistance in hospitals had been turned away.

“How can we continue to serve others when we cannot afford basic medical care ourselves? We demand the immediate reinstatement of the medical cover. Failure to do so, will result in the withdrawal of our services. We demand reimbursement for those who incurred medical expenses during the period the cover was suspended,” said Dr Ongoye.

The staff accused the Board of meddling in the institution’s daily operations, citing the directive to send Dagane on leave.

“The decision to replace Mr Dagane with Isaac Kamau, who lacks the required qualifications, was not only procedurally flawed but also detrimental to the hospital’s operations,” Dr Ongoye added.

The workers called for the dissolution of the Board, citing a decline in staff morale, increased resignations and a culture of victimization under its leadership.

“The Board’s actions appear to serve the interests of a few individuals rather than prioritizing the well-being of employees and patients,” said Dr Ongoye.