State elevates JOOTRH to Level Six, unlocking funding and better care

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu has officially transitioned into a Level Six national referral hospital and State Corporation, marking a historic shift in its operations and staffing.

This follows a Special Gazette Legal Notice signed by President William Ruto, effective from June 18, 2025, formally upgrading the hospital from a county-managed facility to a national parastatal under the Ministry of Health.

During a celebration held yesterday on the hospital’s grounds, CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe confirmed that all staff employed at JOOTRH have automatically moved into the new State Corporation structure.

This includes medical and support staff previously under the Kisumu County Government payroll, as well as contract and locum workers who have served the facility over the years.

“One of the clauses in the legal order is very clear: those who were employees as of June 18 automatically transition, with their pensions intact, to become employees of the State Corporation,” said Dr Lesiyampe.

He noted that JOOTRH, once strained by underfunding, is now positioned as one of the most financially stable hospitals in East Africa.

Monthly revenues have risen to Sh30 million, driven by expanded services and improved patient confidence.

“We used to turn away over 80 per cent of our lab patients to go across the road. That is changing. JOOTRH is no longer a struggling facility; it is now a national powerhouse,” he added.

The hospital has hired 144 new staff in the past year alone to meet growing demand.
The transition to national status is expected to unlock more funding, enable the purchase of equipment worth Sh90 million, and bring in critical reforms, including enhanced HR policies, better pay structures, and upgraded infrastructure.

Dr Lesiyampe urged staff to remain patient during the three- to six-month transition period, but assured them that the new structure will provide job security, better compensation, and a clearer career path.

Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o hailed the upgrade as transformative for Lake Region healthcare.