Thursday, 1 May, 2025
MPs raise alarm over irregular staffing at Kenyatta University Hospital
Wednesday, 30th April 2025. Bunge Tower, Parliamentary Buildings.
The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA) has questioned Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) over its decision to retain staff beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 and the prolonged appointment of officers in acting capacities beyond the legally allowed six-month period.
Chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), the Committee raised these concerns during its review of the hospital’s audited financial statements for the financial years 2020/2021 to 2023/2024.
According to the Auditor-General’s report, over Kshs. 20.8 million was paid to staff who had surpassed the mandatory retirement age. This contravened Section 14.3.2 (a) of the Hospital’s Human Resource Policy and Procedures Manual of October 2019, which stipulates that the retirement age shall be 60.
“The hospital appears to have disregarded its own human resource policy by keeping retirees on the payroll. This raises serious accountability concerns,” said Hon. Wangwe.
In response, the hospital management stated, “There are currently no employees above the mandatory retirement age of 60 years. The employees referred to by the auditor were engaged on contract and were initially part of Kenyatta University, supporting the hospital’s operationalisation.”
The Director of Human Resources admitted that the hospital had retained staff beyond the retirement age, explaining that most had transitioned from Kenyatta University during the setup phase.
“It was indeed an irregularity. However, during the operationalisation phase, the board found it prudent to retain individuals who were familiar with the hospital’s establishment,” she told the Committee.
She added that employees nearing retirement are now notified three months in advance, subjected to pre-retirement training, and issued timely contract lapse notifications.
KUTRRH CEO Dr. Zainab confirmed the matter had since been resolved and the affected staff were no longer in service. “It was a case of non-compliance, and we acknowledge it went against Section 14.3.2 (a) of our HR policy. The issue has now been addressed,” she said.
The Committee also questioned why certain officers remained in acting positions beyond the six-month limit allowed by law. MPs insisted on strict adherence to staffing policies to promote transparency and meritocracy in public service.