Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is undergoing a landmark transition after the Cabinet, on March 11, 2025, approved its elevation to a national corporation.
This move, anchored in Article 187 of the Kenyan Constitution, will transfer its management and funding from Kisumu County to the national government, with full implementation targeted by June 30, 2025.
Focus of the transition
During a recent visit, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga assessed JOOTRH’s service delivery, staffing, infrastructure, equipment, and financial liabilities to ensure a smooth transition.
The hospital, now classified as a Level 6A facility by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Council and the Kenya Health Professionals Oversight Authority, is set to receive direct national funding, which is expected to significantly enhance its capacity for specialized care, training, and research.
Expansion of specialized services
Dr. Oluga assured hospital leadership that the government will prioritize introducing radiotherapy and cardiology services-two critical specialties currently unavailable at JOOTRH.
The completion of the Cancer Centre is being fast-tracked to reduce the need for patients to travel to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for radiotherapy, a move that aligns with the government’s broader strategy to decentralize cancer care and improve access in the Nyanza region.
Strengthening Healthcare Delivery
Plans are underway to bolster maternal and child health, neonatal care, and training and research capacity at JOOTRH.
The government has committed to bridging funding gaps resulting from the withdrawal of USAID support and will leverage the Social Health Authority (SHA) structured financing model, which is projected to support up to 90% of the hospital’s revenue.
Regional Impact and Next Steps
The hospital’s elevation is expected to decongest national referral hospitals and improve healthcare access for residents of Kisumu and surrounding counties by offering more localized specialized treatments.
Kisumu County, in turn, plans to redirect resources to upgrade other local health facilities, further strengthening the region’s healthcare system.
JOOTRH is now preparing for a 14-day public participation process before the issuance of a legal notice that will formalize this historic milestone, marking a significant step toward equitable and advanced healthcare in western Kenya.
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