What does it take to revolutionize healthcare in Africa—and what can we learn from a leader who’s doing it on the front lines?
In this compelling episode of Once Upon a Leader in Africa, host George Nuthu sits down with Dr. Nick Okumu for an in-depth conversation about leadership, innovation, and impact in the health sector. Dr. Okumu traces his journey from his first leadership role as a class prefect in primary school—where he practiced servant leadership before he even knew the term—to his current positions as head of the orthopedic oncology unit at Kenyatta National Hospital and managing partner at Jasmine Dental and Medical Center. Listeners will hear how Dr. Okumu’s leadership style has evolved to become adaptive, shaped by experiences ranging from university student government to founding multiple businesses and spearheading subspecialty units in orthopedics. He candidly discusses the challenges of leading in Africa’s public health sector, including bureaucratic inertia, underfunding, resistance to innovation, and the personal toll of professional setbacks. The episode also explores Dr. Okumu’s advocacy for surgical access, highlighting the staggering statistic that 30% of the global disease burden requires surgery. Yet, millions of procedures go unmet each year—leading to preventable deaths and economic hardship. Dr. Okumu shares how he’s leveraging technology, such as AI-driven prosthetic design and cancer screening tools, to bridge gaps in care and make healthcare more accessible and efficient.
Dr. Nick Okumu is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and healthcare leader in Kenya. As head of the orthopedic oncology unit at Kenyatta National Hospital, he leads a team dedicated to treating bone cancer and improving patient outcomes. He is also the managing partner of Jasmine Dental and Medical Center, a growing outpatient facility he co-founded with his wife, and a global surgery advocacy fellow with Operation Smile and the University of Global Health Equity. Dr. Okumu’s work spans clinical care, entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and policy advocacy, making him a transformative figure in African healthcare.
By tuning in, listeners will gain rare insights into the realities of healthcare leadership in Africa—from the importance of integrity, honesty, and adaptability, to the need for strategic thinking and system-building. Dr. Okumu’s story offers practical lessons on overcoming adversity, embracing technology as a tool for progress, and the power of leading by example. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, aspiring leader, or changemaker, this episode will inspire you to pursue purpose-driven leadership and believe that change is possible—even in the most challenging environments.
If you found value in Dr. Okumu’s journey and insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Once Upon a Leader in Africa, leave us a review, and share this episode with your network.
