Former Nairobi Hospital Chairman Dr Chris Obura, the first African doctor to treat patients at the institution, has died.
In a condolence message on October 16, Kenya Hospital Association Chairman Barcley Onyambu announced that Obura had died on October 13, 2026.
The Kenya Hospital Association said his legacy at The Nairobi Hospital would continue to serve generations.
“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 W Obura on 13th October 2026,” read part of the statement.
“Dr. Chris Obura was the pioneer African doctor to care for patients at The Nairobi Hospital where he later rose to the position of Chairman of the Board of Management.”
During his tenure, he oversaw governance reforms, operational modernization, and capital expansion projects to strengthen the hospital’s position as a leading healthcare institution in Eastern and Central Africa.
Profile of the Late Dr Chris Obura
Dr Obura began his education at Alliance High School in 1952 before joining Makerere University College in Uganda, where he graduated in 1958.
He later enrolled at Guy’s Medical and Dental School in London and obtained his dental qualifications in 1963.
Between 1964 and 1966, he undertook postgraduate training in dental surgery and the treatment of facial and jaw injuries in the United Kingdom.
In 1967, he received a French government study grant to pursue further training at the Institute of Stomatology in Paris.
Upon returning to Kenya, Obura served as Chief Dental Officer at the Ministry of Health from 1965 to 1971.
He also worked as a consultant dental and oral surgeon at Kenyatta National Hospital and served as an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi Medical School.
He maintained a private dental practice in Nairobi from 1968 to 1995 and held several professional leadership positions, including president of the East African Dental Association from 1970 to 1974 and chairman of the Kenya Dental Association from 1977 to 1981.
Also Read: Nairobi Hospital Announces New Changes to Its Board
Legacy Beyond Medicine
Beyond medicine, Obura built a career in corporate leadership, serving as a director of Kenya Airways in two periods, from 1978 to 1980 and from 1997 to 2005.
He also chaired Olympia Capital Holdings from 1998 and served as chairman of Express Kenya and other organisations.
His tenure as chairman of The Nairobi Hospital and the Kenya Hospital Association from 2002 to 2012 marked a significant chapter in his career, spanning healthcare, education, professional associations, and corporate governance.
Also Read: Who Owns The Nairobi Hospital?
History of the Hospital
The Nairobi Hospital was established in 1954 as the Nairobi European Hospital to serve the European community during Kenya’s colonial period.
Following independence, the institution expanded its services to cater to a broader population.
The hospital is owned by the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), which was established to oversee its development and operations. Its first patron was Sir Evelyn Baring, who served as Governor of Kenya during the colonial era.
After independence, the association’s patronage transitioned to Kenya’s presidents, beginning with Jomo Kenyatta, followed by Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and the current President, William Ruto.
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