NAIROBI HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP STANDOFF LEAVES HUNDREDS OF PATIENTS STRANDED

A leadership wrangle at Nairobi Hospital has left hundreds of patients stranded, following the withdrawal of more than ten major insurance providers over a dispute on treatment charges.
Patients seeking critical services, including maternity, oncology, and scheduled surgeries, have been turned away or forced to pay out of pocket, with many opting for alternative hospitals. Several of the hospital’s satellite centres, including those in Karen, Runda, Galleria, and Roselyn Riviera, have either suspended services or are operating at minimal capacity.
The crisis stems from a boardroom power struggle between factions led by Dr. Barcley Onyambu and Prof. Herman Manyora, each claiming leadership of the hospital. The dispute has now spilled into court, with the facility seeking legal intervention to resolve the deadlock.
The Kenya Hospital Association, which oversees the facility, is also facing allegations of mismanagement, irregular tenders, and questionable financial dealings, with some members pushing for the removal of the board.
Despite a temporary reduction in treatment charges, insurance companies have maintained their suspension, leaving patients without cover and staff grappling with reduced operations. No clear timeline has been set for the resolution of the standoff.