Kenyatta Hospital’s new boss shares plan to revamp emergency section
By Luke Oluoch, September 1, 2025Kenyatta National Hospital has embarked on plans to transform the hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department to better address the growing demands that the facility has to meet.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe, on Monday, September 1, 2025, stated that the plan is a wider strategy of the hospital to enhance emergency response and ensure patients are accorded the best possible and timely treatment
Speaking during a visit to the hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) alongside the hospital’s Management Committee, the official revealed that part of the transformation involves digitising the unit for better workflow and service delivery.
“We reviewed operations, engaged with staff, and identified areas to strengthen efficiency and patient experience. A&E remains a vital pillar that defines the speed, safety, and quality of care we deliver.
“As part of our modernisation agenda, we announced plans to fully digitise the A&E unit. This transformation will streamline workflows, enhance patient safety, optimise resources, and improve service delivery,” he stated.
Lesiyampe further noted that changes would enable the highly dependent medical facility to provide patients a far better experience.
“We remain committed to innovation and excellence in emergency care to ensure every patient receives timely, world-class treatment,” his statement added.
Lesiyampe returns to KNH
The reforms form part of the hospital’s latest initiative following the arrival of the former CEO of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) at KNH.
Lesiyampe was appointed on Monday, August 18, 2025, as the acting chief executive officer of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in new leadership reforms targeting the health sector in Kenya.
According to a communication from the Ministry of Health and signed by Health CS Aden Duale, the CS termed the changes as critical for the health sector reforms and achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“As the apex national referral facility, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) plays a critical role in advancing health sector reforms and achieving Universal Health Coverage. To support this mandate, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe Leserian has been transferred to act as the Chief Executive Officer of KΝΗ,” the statement read in part.
The Health CS says the changes are part of the ministry’s strategy of strengthening the major hospital governance and administrative systems.
“Dr. Lesiyampe, formerly Acting CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), brings vast experience to strengthen KNH’s governance, clinical, and administrative systems in line with ongoing reforms.”
Following Lesiyampe’s redeployment, Joshua Clinton Okise has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Kisumu-based medical facility.