The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu has been at the forefront of medical service delivery in the western region of Kenya. Recently, significant developments took place that promise to transform the hospital into a fully functional national health facility, aligning with the government’s broader goals for healthcare improvement.
In March 2025, the Cabinet of Kenya approved the transition of JOOTRH into a national corporation, a critical decision that was intended to enhance the hospital’s capacity, streamline its operations, and improve service delivery. This transition is a part of a larger national strategy to ensure more equitable healthcare services across the country and to address specific challenges that have historically plagued the healthcare system in Kenya, particularly in underserved areas like Kisumu.
A Historic Visit to the Hospital
On April 26, 2025, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, visited JOOTRH to assess the progress of the transition and to evaluate the current state of the hospital’s services. The visit was pivotal in understanding the existing gaps in infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and financial resources, and it underscored the importance of ensuring that JOOTRH is fully equipped to handle the increased responsibility it will have as a national facility.
This visit also served as a platform for discussions between government officials, hospital leadership, and regional stakeholders about the future direction of healthcare in Kisumu and the western region of Kenya. During the visit, Dr. Oluga emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the hospital’s services, particularly in the areas of radiotherapy, cardiology, and maternal and child health.
Government’s Commitment to Strengthening Services
Dr. Oluga outlined several government plans aimed at strengthening JOOTRH’s capacity to deliver high-quality care. One of the primary goals is to introduce radiotherapy and cardiology services, two key specialties that are currently lacking at the hospital. The absence of these services has led to the need for patient referrals to other institutions such as the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, which has put a strain on resources and delayed the provision of care for many patients.
To address this gap, Dr. Oluga called for the fast-tracking of the Cancer Centre’s development at JOOTRH, which would play a central role in providing radiotherapy services to patients. The Cancer Centre’s completion is expected to significantly reduce the need for patient referrals to MTRH, thereby improving access to essential cancer care for the residents of Kisumu and surrounding areas.
In addition to cancer care, the government has committed to bolstering maternal and child health services at JOOTRH. This includes enhancing neonatal care, improving the quality of training for healthcare professionals, and expanding research capacity in the fields of maternal health and child development. These efforts are crucial, given the regional disease burden, which has seen a rise in maternal and child health challenges in recent years.
Addressing Financial Liabilities and Securing Funding
A key component of the transition is ensuring that JOOTRH is financially stable and capable of sustaining its operations as a national facility. Dr. Oluga acknowledged the challenges posed by the withdrawal of USAID funding, which has left a gap in financing for several health initiatives. However, he reassured the hospital leadership that the national government would step in to bridge these funding gaps and ensure that the hospital continues to operate smoothly.
One of the strategies being employed to secure the financial future of JOOTRH is the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) structured financing model. Under this model, the government will provide up to 90% of the hospital’s revenue, ensuring that it has the necessary resources to meet the increasing demands of a growing population.
The SHA model is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable financing in the healthcare sector. By reducing dependency on donor funding and creating a more predictable revenue stream, the government aims to ensure that hospitals like JOOTRH are able to provide consistent and reliable services to their patients.
The Role of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Council and the Kenya Health Professionals Oversight Authority
Prior to Dr. Oluga’s visit, the Kenya Medical Practitioners Council (KMPC) and the Kenya Health Professionals Oversight Authority (KHPOA) conducted a series of assessments on JOOTRH. These evaluations were critical in determining the hospital’s readiness for the transition to national management. Based on their findings, the two organizations categorized JOOTRH as a Level 6A facility, which indicates that it meets the necessary standards for providing specialized medical care.
The KMPC and KHPOA’s assessments also focused on areas such as staffing levels, patient safety protocols, and the quality of care provided at the hospital. These evaluations highlighted some areas for improvement but also confirmed that JOOTRH has the foundation in place to build upon as it undergoes the transition.
The Vision for Kisumu and the Region
The transition of JOOTRH is not just a local matter; it holds significant implications for the broader region of Kisumu and the surrounding areas. The hospital has long been a vital healthcare resource for residents, but its transformation into a national corporation is expected to have far-reaching effects on the healthcare landscape.
Dr. Gregory Ganda, the CECM for Health and Sanitation in Kisumu County, expressed his support for the move, describing it as the fulfillment of a long-term vision for the region. He emphasized that the transition would provide an opportunity to address some of the systemic challenges that have hindered access to quality healthcare in the area, including insufficient healthcare infrastructure and a shortage of specialized services.
The transition is also expected to attract more healthcare professionals to the region, as the expansion of services at JOOTRH will create new opportunities for medical practitioners. Additionally, the improved services will help reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to access specialized care, thus improving overall health outcomes in the region.
Public Participation and the Legal Process
As part of the transition process, JOOTRH is preparing for a public participation exercise that will take place within the next 14 days. This will provide an opportunity for members of the community and other stakeholders to weigh in on the changes and offer feedback on the hospital’s plans for the future.
The public participation process is an essential step in ensuring that the transition is inclusive and transparent. It will allow the government to address any concerns that the community may have and to ensure that the transition aligns with the needs and expectations of local residents.
Following the public participation exercise, the government will issue a legal notice to formalize the transition of JOOTRH into a national corporation. This marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s history and in the broader effort to improve healthcare services in Kisumu and beyond.
Conclusion
The transition of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital into a national corporation represents a major step forward for healthcare in Kenya. With the government’s commitment to expanding services, securing funding, and addressing key healthcare gaps, JOOTRH is poised to become a model facility for the region. The introduction of radiotherapy, cardiology, and enhanced maternal and child health services will provide much-needed support to the local population, while the hospital’s strengthened capacity will serve as a catalyst for broader improvements in the healthcare sector.
As the transition process moves forward, there is hope that JOOTRH will not only meet the immediate healthcare needs of Kisumu residents but also contribute to the broader national vision of equitable and accessible healthcare for all.
