Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital to have a new boss
Former Mediheal group of hospital vice President Devaraj Santosh, PGH Medical Superintendent Dr James Waweru among the five candidates who were shortlisted for CEO Position.
The curtain has come down on the interview process for one of the most consequential appointments in Nakuru County's health sector, a Hospital Director.
Five candidates sat before the County Public Service Board last month, each allocated thirty minutes to make their case for the top seat at the Nakuru Level Five Referral and Teaching Hospital (NCRTH), and by all accounts, the board did not leave that room undecided.
As of May 5, the county had hinted, during what was to be an official handover, a preferred pick from among the five shortlisted names, whose name is still under wraps from the public.
According to the board’s shortlisting, the five who faced them include Dr James Munene Waweru, Dennis Akumu Habil, Santosh Devaraj, Wenseslaus Kuria Kienyere, and Charles Munyori Itegi.
The successful candidate will inherit responsibility for the day-to-day administration of NCRTH, overseeing financial planning, clinical governance, performance contracting, and strategic partnerships — all under the watch of the Hospital Management Committee and the County Executive Committee Member for Health Services.
The job is also a three-year contract that demands the candidate have a Master's degree in a health-related field, at least ten years of relevant experience, and an unblemished standing with a professional body.
Any time in the near future, expect an official gazette notice confirming the appointment as well as the fate of incumbent Medical Superintendent Dr. James Waweru, who was among the interviewees shortlisted.
Whether the incoming director signals continuity or a change in direction at the facility is a sight to behold; however, this change in leadership comes at a crucial time when the NCRTH has been faced with trepidations since this administration took over.
It is key to note that the health docket in Nakuru county is among the dockets that make headlines year in year out for the right or wrong reasons, and with this leadership, pray tell that those wrong reasons cease completely.