The Kenyan government has committed to bolstering the services at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu County, ahead of its transition to a national corporation. Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, assured hospital leadership that the government would prioritize critical services such as radiotherapy and cardiology, which are currently missing at the facility.
Dr. Oluga’s visit follows assessments by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Council (KMPC) and the Kenya Health Professionals Oversight Authority (KHPOA), which classified JOOTRH as a Level 6A facility, a designation that signifies its capacity to provide specialized healthcare services. The visit focused on evaluating various aspects of the hospital, including service delivery, staffing, infrastructure, equipment, and financial needs, to ensure a smooth transition to national status.
In addition to radiotherapy and cardiology services, Dr. Oluga announced plans to enhance maternal and child health services, improve neonatal care, and increase the hospital’s capacity for training and research. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the regional disease burden and the recent withdrawal of USAID funding, but reassured stakeholders that the government would bridge any funding gaps. JOOTRH will also benefit from the Social Health Authority’s structured financing model, which is expected to support up to 90% of the hospital’s revenue.
The transition, which is grounded in Article 187 of the Kenyan Constitution (2010), is expected to be fully implemented by June 30, 2025. Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the need for additional nursing staff and the introduction of new specialized services to support the transition.
Dr. Gregory Ganda, Kisumu County’s CECM for Health and Sanitation, expressed his support for the initiative, calling it the realization of a long-term vision for healthcare transformation in the region.
JOOTRH will now embark on a 14-day public participation process, ahead of the issuance of the legal notice that will formalize the transition to national corporation status.
