Nairobi Hospital Board Defends Stability, Dismisses Financial Claims Amid Governance Dispute
Nairobi, March 20, 2026 — The Kenya Hospital Association has moved to reassure the public over the stability of The Nairobi Hospital, dismissing claims of financial loss and institutional collapse while acknowledging ongoing governance challenges.
Speaking during a press briefing at the hospital, Board of Management Chairman Dr. Barley Onyambu said the briefing was convened to “provide clarity, restore confidence, and set the record straight” following recent developments that have placed the institution under public scrutiny.
Dr. Onyambu strongly condemned the recent arrest and detention of some hospital directors, terming the actions by state investigative agencies as a violation of personal liberty and dignity, particularly given that the individuals had been granted anticipatory bail by the courts.
“The Nairobi Hospital is stable, fully operational, and continues to provide care across all departments,” he said, adding that patient services remain uninterrupted despite the unfolding issues.
Governance Disputes at the Core
The chairman emphasized that the issues facing the hospital are rooted in governance disputes rather than operational or financial collapse. He noted that the institution has experienced recurring governance challenges over the past decade, which have at times exposed it to conflicts of interest and external interference.
He further dismissed claims circulating in the public domain suggesting a breakdown in the hospital’s operations, warning that such narratives risk eroding confidence in one of Kenya’s key healthcare institutions.
CEO: Hospital Financially Stable, No Billions Lost
Hospital Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano reiterated the facility’s operational and financial stability, providing detailed figures to counter widely circulated claims.
Osano reported that the hospital recorded revenues of approximately KSh 12.8 billion in 2024 and KSh 11.8 billion in 2025, noting a slight dip but highlighting signs of recovery, with monthly revenues averaging KSh 1.05 billion in early 2025.
He dismissed reports alleging losses of KSh 9.1 billion and KSh 3 billion as “misleading and unfounded,” adding that audited financial statements available publicly do not support such figures.
Similarly, the CEO refuted claims that the hospital had taken a KSh 4.2 billion loan, clarifying that nearly KSh 8 billion in capital expenditure over the past three years had been financed through internally generated funds.
Improved Liquidity and Operational Growth
Osano said the hospital’s liquidity position has improved significantly, revealing that it has reduced supplier debt by KSh 230 million since January 2026. Staff salaries and payments to doctors are up to date, with KSh 6.3 billion paid to suppliers and KSh 1.7 billion to consultants in 2025 alone.
He added that the hospital is owed approximately KSh 2.4 billion by various payers, including government and private entities, but noted that a plan is in place to recover the funds.
Operationally, the hospital continues to record growth, with admissions rising by about 5 percent year-on-year. Key service areas, including oncology, have seen significant expansion, with bed occupancy currently at 64 percent and recently rising to as high as 80 percent.
Strategic Investments and National Role
The CEO also highlighted a strong investment portfolio valued at KSh 1.34 billion as of February 2026, including government securities and bank deposits, reflecting what he described as prudent financial management.
He noted that the hospital continues to play a critical role in Kenya’s healthcare system, supporting patient overflow from public facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, while also serving beneficiaries under government-linked schemes.
Board Dismisses Claims by Dissident Doctors
Addressing concerns raised by a section of doctors, the board maintained that the views expressed by a small group do not represent the hospital’s established clinical governance structures.
Dr. Onyambu said the institution has over 700 specialist consultants represented through formal leadership channels, and dismissed the dissenting voices as conflicted and pursuing personal interests.
He accused the group of repeatedly using court processes to disrupt governance and operational decisions, including blocking critical investments in medical equipment.
Commitment to Quality Care
Despite the disputes, the board reiterated its commitment to quality healthcare delivery, citing continued investment in modern medical technology and ongoing efforts to secure international accreditation standards.
“The Nairobi Hospital remains a stable, going concern, committed to patient care, financial sustainability, and long-term growth,” Osano said.
The board and management reaffirmed their readiness to engage stakeholders and address governance concerns while maintaining uninterrupted service delivery.
