Serious concerns have emerged regarding the governance, legality, and continued operations of the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB), following claims that the Board has been operating without a legally constituted board since the expiry of its term in February 2025.
According to statements shared with this publication by insiders within KMLTTB, the Board’s tenure ended in February 2025 and has allegedly never been renewed or replaced, effectively rendering it non-existent under the law, despite continued administrative and regulatory actions being undertaken in its name.
The complainants allege that Principal Secretary for Health, Ms. Muthoni Muriuki, has continued to rely on the expired Board structure to influence decisions within the medical laboratory sector.
“In order to manipulate the laboratory sector, PS Muthoni Muriuki has resorted to using KMLTTB whose board term expired in February 2025 and has never been replaced,” the statement alleges.
Questions Over Legality of Acting CEO Appointment
The statement further raises concerns regarding the status of Mr. Kisabei Patrick Maleth, who is currently serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Registrar of KMLTTB. The complainants allege that Mr. Kisabei holds the position without a substantive or lawful appointment, given the absence of a legally constituted Board.
“By the KMLTTB Act, the CEO is an appointee of the Board, and the KMLTTB Board is non-existent,” the complainants state.
They further allege that Mr. Kisabei is under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), a situation they claim renders him vulnerable to external influence. These claims have not been independently verified.
Alleged Use of Office to Contravene Court Decisions
According to the complainants, the alleged irregularities extend beyond governance issues and are linked to ongoing disputes involving senior Ministry of Health officials and the interpretation of court rulings.
“It is through this illegal office holder that PS Muthoni used to initiate the letter that she based her advice on Dr. Kingwara, which we have established is contrary to the court decision on the same matter,” the statement reads.
The complainants also reference a specific piece of correspondence they claim to have received, alleging that Mr. Kisabei authored a letter to the Acting Director General of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI).
“In a letter that we have received, Mr. Kisabei purports to write to the Acting Director General, KNPHI, on 9th December 2025 through a letter referenced KMLTTB/MOH.CORR/18VOLV/20,” they allege.
Call for Immediate Intervention
The complainants are now calling for urgent intervention by the Ministry of Health, demanding a clean-up of KMLTTB and the reconstitution of its Board in accordance with the law.
“We are requesting the Ministry of Health to clean up KMLTTB, which is currently being used by PS Muthoni as a tool to manipulate laboratory officers to fulfill her corrupt dealings,” the statement claims.
Right of Reply
This publication has sought comment from the Ministry of Health, KMLTTB, PS Muthoni Muriuki, Mr. Kisabei Patrick Maleth, and KNPHI regarding:
- The status of the KMLTTB Board following the expiry of its term in February 2025
- The legal basis for the appointment of the Acting CEO/Registrar
- The authenticity and implications of the letter dated 9 December 2025 (Ref: KMLTTB/MOH.CORR/18VOLV/20)
At the time of publication, no responses had been received.
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