Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital is yet again on the spot over a recent recruitment of at least 40 non-medical staff at the facility.
On the spot is the board chairperson Dorcas Kemunto and Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Obwanda.
On the receiving end are 40 finance officers and potters who now have been rendered jobless after the hospital board decided not to renew their contracts.
The hospital had on 24th September 2025 issued a memo to the staff indicating intend to end their services,with another internal memo dated 1st October 2025 automatically ending their services.
The letter directed to all contracted finance officers and potters appreciated them for their three months’ service as new recruits took over office almost immediately.
” The management extends its appreciation to the above mentioned teams for the commitment and support you have provided in the finance department and portering unit,”
It further reads: ” As part of the restructuring effective 1st October 2025,your engagement has been concluded.This transition is a result of organisational adjustments and does not diminish the value of your contribution,”
While the hospital has assured to clear all their pending payments,questions have now arisen as to why and how the board hired their replacement without advertising.
When contacted for comment, the CEO Fredrick Obwanda said the contracts ended under the three months arrangement but declined to respond to the arbitrary hiring of their replacements.
” The institution is going in a different direction,and thus not obligated to renew their contracts,” he said.
On the hiring he said: ” Boss,I don’t discuss institution matters on socials write officially through the right channels,”
However,investigations by the Times can reveal that news was already on duty and no clear circumstances.
The board is now under scrutiny for what insiders describe as “unprocedural and politically motivated” terminations at the busy Level Four facility, which has been battling allegations of mismanagement and poor service delivery in recent months.
The move has reportedly sparked discontent among hospital workers, who accuse the management of intimidation and favoritism. “This is not reform — it’s retaliation,” another employee claimed, alleging that some of those dismissed had raised concerns about irregular procurement and overtime pay.
Union officials representing the non-medical staff have condemned the move, calling it a violation of labor laws and public service regulations. “Any replacement of county hospital staff must follow due process, including notices, hearings, and approvals from the County Public Service Board,” said a Nairobi County health union representative. “This looks like a purge, not a restructuring.”
The controversy adds to a growing list of challenges facing Mama Lucy Hospital — from chronic staff shortages and delayed supplies to public outcry over poor patient care. Recent reports also suggest that the hospital’s financial management systems have been under audit following allegations of misappropriation of funds.
