Former Nairobi Hospital chair, Dr Chris Obura, dies

Former Nairobi Hospital chair, Dr Chris Obura, dies - Former Nairobi Hospital chair, Dr Chris Obura. (Photo: Courtesy)

Obura was remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers at The Nairobi Hospital, where he later rose to become chairperson of the board.

Former Nairobi Hospital chair Dr Chris Obura, who made history as the institution’s first African doctor, has died.

Dr Obura died on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, according to a condolence statement issued on Friday by Kenya Hospital Association (KHA) board chair Dr Barcley Onyambu.

Onyambu conveyed condolences on behalf of the Association’s board, management and the Nairobi Hospital fraternity, describing Obura’s death as a moment of profound sorrow.

“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 Obura on October 13, 2026,” the statement read in part.

Obura was remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers at The Nairobi Hospital, where he later rose to become chair of the board.

According to Onyambu, he played a key role in governance reforms, operational modernisation and capital expansion projects that strengthened the institution.

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“His legacy at The Nairobi Hospital shall live to serve generations of mankind,” Onyambu said.

Beyond hospital leadership, Obura had a career spanning dentistry, public healthcare, medical education and corporate governance. He trained at Makerere University before undertaking further studies in the United Kingdom, including dental training at the University of London’s Guy’s Medical and Dental School.

Dr Obura also obtained the Licentiate in Dental Surgery qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, according to ICEA Lion’s 2018 Integrated Report. After returning to Kenya, Dr Obura served as Chief Dental Officer in the Ministry of Health from 1965 to 1971.

He also worked as a consultant dental and oral surgeon at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and served as an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s medical school between 1968 and 1971.

His leadership roles included serving as chair of the Kenya Hospital Association and The Nairobi Hospital from 2002 to 2012, according to the ICEA Lion report.