JOOTRH Staff to Receive Salaries by Friday, Transition Committee Assures

Nairobi, Kenya — September 25, 2025

The Transition Committee overseeing the handover of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to the national government has assured staff that delayed salaries will be cleared by Friday. Committee Chair James Ntabo said the national government has already released the required funds to JOOTRH. 

The Latest

• Speaking in Kisumu after a staff engagement forum, Ntabo said the human resources subcommittee had put in place mechanisms to ensure that salary delays would no longer recur. 

• He confirmed that “the staff will receive their salaries at the end of this week from the national government. The funds have already been released to JOOTRH.” 

• Ntabo acknowledged ongoing uncertainties among employees—especially contract staff whose agreements expire soon—and promised consultations to clarify their status. 

• He also noted that patient numbers have surged since JOOTRH’s elevation to Level Six national referral status, signaling a need to scale staffing if demand continues. 

Context & Importance

• JOOTRH’s elevation to a national referral hospital (Level Six) entails transferring payroll and administrative functions to the national government. 

• During the transition, staff have faced uncertainties about their terms of service, employer changes, and payroll continuity. 

• JOOTRH had previously assured staff of a 40–50% salary increment for many contracted casual workers, effective with its new status. 

Risks, Challenges & What’s Next

• Delivery risk: Even after assurance, delays or administrative bottlenecks could still hinder the disbursement.

• Clarification for contract staff: Those with expiring contracts may push for clear status (renewal, absorption, retention).

• Scalability pressure: If patient demand keeps rising, the hospital may need to hire additional staff, especially in critical care units.

• Accountability and oversight: Staff and stakeholders will expect transparent processes in payroll, asset transfer, and liability assumption.