Former Nairobi Hospital Chairman and retired dentist Dr. Chris Wallice Obura has died at the age of 87.
According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), Board of Management Dr. Barcley Onyambu, said Dr Obura died on October 13.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that, on behalf of the Board of Management of the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), Management, and the entire Nairobi Hospital fraternity, I convey our deepest condolences following the passing of Dr Chris W Obura on 13th October 2026,” the statement read.
He was the first African doctor to treat patients at The Nairobi Hospital where later he served as its Board Chairman.
During his tenure, he oversaw governance reforms, operational modernization and capital expansion projects that strengthened the hospital’s position.
“Dr. Chris Obura was the pioneer African doctor to care for patients at The Nairobi Hospital where he later rose to the position of Chairman of the Board of Management. His legacy at The Nairobi Hospital shall live to serve generations of mankind,” Onyambu stated.
Dr Obura began his education at Alliance High School in 1952 before joining Makerere University College in Uganda, where he graduated in 1958.
He later enrolled at Guy’s Medical and Dental School in London and obtained his dental qualifications in 1963. He served as Chief Dental Officer at Ministry of Health from 1965 to 1971.
He also worked as a consultant dental and oral surgeon at Kenyatta National Hospital and served as an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi Medical School.
His death comes just months after veteran gynecologist Job Obwaka died, who also served the institution for many years.