By Isaac Esitika
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu has officially been upgraded to a Level 6 national referral hospital, following a gazette notice issued by President William Ruto on June 18.
The announcement was officially made through a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated June 18, 2025, after the Cabinet approved the proposal back on March 11 this year.
This significant elevation marks a pivotal moment for healthcare in the Nyanza region, Western region and across Kenya.
The upgrade, sees JOOTRH transition from a county-managed facility to a state parastatal under the Ministry of Health.
This move is expected to unlock substantial national funding, enhance service delivery, and increase the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized care.
Kisumu county Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o lauded the decision and commended President Ruto, emphasizing its potential to transform healthcare accessibility and quality in the Lake Region and beyond.
“I am thrilled to share the incredible outcomes. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Ruto for his unwavering commitment and positive reception to our proposals,”
The Governor also promised of the continued support of the facility in development projects.
JOOTRH will now join the ranks of elite national referral hospitals in Kenya, such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
As a Level 6 facility, JOOTRH is poised to offer a wider range of advanced medical services, including specialized surgeries, trauma care and high-level diagnostics.
With a bed capacity of 900 and 954 workforce,the CEO JOOTRH Dr. Richard Lesiyampe revealed that the facility is pushing to raise staff number to 2500 to clamp shortages across departments.
“It will allow us to improve care quality, expand our capacity, and recruit more specialists to meet growing patient needs.” he stated.
The transition mirrors the milestone that the healthcare sector is taking in ensuring better healthcare services and facilities are accessible across the nation.
