Kisumu's premier hospital is poised for a historic transformation after its management and the national doctors' union signed a pivotal agreement to guide its upgrade to a Level 6 facility.

This pact solidifies the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) as a key stakeholder in the transition of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). The move is critical for Western Kenya, promising to bring highly specialized healthcare closer to millions and bolster the working conditions for medical staff.

The agreement, signed by KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah and JOOTRH CEO Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, establishes a formal framework for engagement on matters of human resources and service delivery.

A New Era for Lake Region Healthcare

The elevation to a Level 6 facility places JOOTRH in the same league as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). This status means the hospital will be managed as a state corporation under the national government, unlocking significant funding and administrative independence. For the average Kenyan in the region, this translates to:

• Access to Specialists: The upgrade will enable JOOTRH to offer a wider range of advanced services, including specialized surgeries, oncology, renal care, and high-level diagnostics, reducing the need for patients to travel to Nairobi or Eldoret.
• Improved Staffing: With the ability to recruit more specialists and a planned expansion of its workforce from 954 to 2,500, the quality of care is expected to rise significantly.
• Better Doctor Welfare: A key part of the new pact is a commitment to conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within 120 days to improve remuneration and address job security, particularly for doctors on locum terms.

Navigating the Transition

The journey is already underway, with the hospital's elevation having been approved by the Cabinet in March 2025 and gazetted in June 2025. Dr. Okise noted that February 2026 is the target for completing staff transitions and harmonizing salary structures.

Dr. Atellah described the agreement as a “timely milestone,” emphasizing that the union's strategic involvement will serve as a model for other county hospitals slated for similar upgrades. "Safeguarding the welfare of healthcare workers ultimately translates into superior patient care," Atellah stated.

As JOOTRH embarks on this ambitious path, all eyes in the Lake Basin are on whether this new partnership can deliver a future of accessible, top-tier medical care close to home.