Nairobi Hospital Says It’s Steady, Not Struggling, as Figures Show Slow Recovery

By Aoma Keziah,

The Nairobi Hospital has reaffirmed its financial stability, operational strength, and continued delivery of quality healthcare services, firmly dispelling recent claims suggesting that the institution is collapsing or requires external intervention.

Speaking to journalists at The Nairobi Hospital, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Felix Osano, presented  financial and operational data demonstrating that the hospital remains stable, functional, and on a clear recovery trajectory.

“Our revenues stood at approximately KES 12.8 billion in 2024 and KES 11.8 billion in 2025, with the latter impacted by a temporary insurance suspension. More importantly, we are now seeing recovery, with monthly revenues stabilising at approximately KES 1.03 billion in early 2026,” said Mr Osano.

Year-to-date performance reinforces this recovery, with revenue growing by 8% in early 2026 compared to the same period last year and a KES 33 million surplus recorded, reversing a prior deficit.

Operational indicators remain strong, with admissions up by 5%, oncology services growing by over 100% driven by support to Kenyatta National Hospital under a Ministry of Health MoU, and bed occupancy improving to approximately 59–63%.

“These are not the indicators of an institution in distress. They are the indicators of a hospital that is functioning, serving patients, and strengthening its performance,”  added Osano

He further clarified that figures circulating in the public domain are inaccurate and misleading, noting that reports of a KES 4.2 billion loan are incorrect and that the 2025 deficit has narrowed significantly to KES 815 million, reflecting improved financial management.

“The claim that KES 9.1 billion is missing is not factual. The audited position reflects a KES 2.214 billion deficit in 2024, largely driven by legacy and one-off adjustments that have since been addressed. The Hospital continues to meet its obligations while managing receivables, including KES 2.4 billion owed, largely by public healthcare schemes,” the Nairobi Hospital CEO explained.

Chairman of the Board, Dr Barcley Onyambu, emphasised that the current situation has been mischaracterised as an institutional failure, when in fact it is a governance matter playing out in the public domain.

“The Nairobi Hospital is stable, operational, and continues to provide care across all departments. What is being presented as institutional collapse is not reflective of the reality on the ground. The Nairobi Hospital is not facing a capability problem; it is facing the misuse of governance mechanisms to advance narrow interests,” he remarked.

He reiterated that the Hospital continues to operate strictly within its established governance framework under the Articles of Association of the Kenya Hospital Association.

 “The role of Patron, historically held by sitting Presidents, is purely ceremonial and has never involved operational or governance decision-making,” Onyambu emphasized.

The Board also raised concern over a pattern in which a small group of individuals uses litigation to halt governance processes, escalates selective narratives externally, and disrupts institutional operations to advance personal and commercial interests.

“This is not a broad stakeholder position. It is a concentrated effort by a small group whose actions risk destabilising the institution,” the Board Chair highlighted.

Despite these challenges, The Nairobi Hospital continues to play a critical role in Kenya’s healthcare system, remaining fully operational, supporting national healthcare delivery through partnerships, and investing in advanced medical technology and international quality standards.

The Board and Management reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the integrity of the institution, upholding governance through lawful structures, and ensuring that the hospital serves the interests of all stakeholders.

“We will continue to discharge our mandate responsibly and ensure that this institution remains stable, credible, and focused on patient care,” Dr Onyambu concluded.

The Nairobi Hospital leadership said the  remains operational and committed to transparency, unity of purpose, and the highest standards of patient care. The hospital is also committed to ensuring that the institution serves the interests of all stakeholders, not a select few.