Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu/Kakamega Road, Kisumu (2026)

16/04/2026

Family, friends, colleagues, and staff gathered at JOOTRH’s Graduation Square for a solemn requiem service and body viewing in honor of the late Everline Osano, whose sudden passing has left a deep void within the hospital community.

Everline served as a Medical Social Worker at the Accident and Emergency Unit, where she was widely respected for her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to patient care. In a fast-paced and often challenging environment, she remained a steady source of support to both patients and colleagues, always offering kindness and reassurance.

The JOOTRH management, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Okise, alongside senior directors and staff, joined family and friends in paying tribute to a colleague whose service embodied empathy and commitment. The Medical Social Work Department, under the leadership of the in-charge Ms. Eunice Gor, expressed profound grief at the loss of a committed team member whose contribution to the department and the hospital at large was invaluable.

Many described Everline as intelligent, kind and diligent, noting that she faithfully carried out her duties up to 17th March. Her sudden passing on the morning of 18th March came as a shock, as she had shown no signs of illness and was in good health.
Her family remembered her as prayerful, supportive, and devoted to the growth and wellbeing of her children. Beyond her professional role, Everline was a pillar of strength at home and a source of encouragement to many.

She was also a skilled sign language interpreter, playing a crucial role in supporting deaf patients and promoting inclusive care within the hospital. Tributes from colleagues, friends, and family consistently highlighted her kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication.

Everline joined JOOTRH through the CIHEB program and was later transitioned into the hospital workforce, where she continued to serve with distinction until her passing.

16/04/2026

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is strengthening its commitment to improving clinical care and patient outcomes by exploring strategic partnerships in mental health.

The hospital is prioritizing efforts to expand access to mental health services, address stigma and discrimination, and advance advocacy around mental health financing and patient rights in Kenya.

In an introductory meeting with TINADA Youth Action Africa, JOOTRH initiated discussions to formalize a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the youth-led organization.

The discussions were led by JOOTRH CEO Dr. Joshua Okise and TINADA Partnerships Lead Arthur Onyango. Both acknowledged that JOOTRH’s recent elevation has increased demand for specialized services, particularly in mental health, stressing the need for innovative and collaborative approaches.

Dr. Okise commended TINADA for its impactful work in the mental health space, noting that the proposed partnership comes at a critical time for the hospital. He emphasized JOOTRH’s shift toward preventive and community-based care, highlighting the importance of partnerships in extending services beyond the hospital setting and creating meaningful impact at the grassroots level.

TINADA’s Arthur Onyango outlined their focus on four key intervention areas: prevention, response, referrals, advocacy, and research. He noted that these pillars are designed to strengthen community systems and improve mental health outcomes through integrated and sustainable initiatives.

TINADA Youth Action Africa has previously collaborated with JOOTRH by providing psychological support services, participating in training programs, and supporting community mental health awareness initiatives, including International Mental Health Day activities.

JOOTRH aims to build on this foundation by deepening collaboration with TINADA to enhance mental health service delivery and ultimately improve health outcomes for the communities it serves.

16/04/2026

JOOTRH MANAGEMENT ASSURES DOCTORS OF FAIR PLACEMENT AND CAREER PROGRESSION.

The management of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has issued a firm assurance to medical staff through their union, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), that no staff member will be incorrectly placed or disadvantaged during the ongoing institutional transitions.

Speaking during a meeting attended by KMPDU officials, JOOTRH CEO Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise stated that while the horizontal placement of staff has already been completed, the critical process of vertical conversion is scheduled to commence next week.

The management emphasized that these processes are part of a broader commitment to harmonize salaries for all medical officers. Dr. Okise explained that while the hospital awaits final approval from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for a revised structure, they have moved forward with harmonization based on current job group scales to ensure immediate fairness. This is intended to eliminate disparities where medical officers at the same level were receiving different compensation.

Addressing long-standing concerns regarding career stagnation, the CEO noted that the vertical conversion process starting next week will focus on career progression. Management acknowledged the need to review how specialists and senior medical officers are placed, ensuring that those who have attained higher qualifications or served for many years are not held back by outdated job descriptions.

"We have to look at this thing holistically," Dr. Okise told the union officials, noting that the hospital is reviewing guidelines to ensure that progression is both fair and transparent.

KMPDU officials welcomed the commitment, stressing that proper placement is vital for staff morale and the retention of highly skilled specialists. The union highlighted that doctors often face challenges when their specialized skills are not reflected in their official designations, which can impact their professional credibility.

The hospital management reiterated that by providing a clear and just career path, JOOTRH aims to remain a premier destination for medical talent in the East African region.

16/04/2026

Security officers at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) have pledged to serve as Care Ambassadors in a renewed effort to strengthen customer care and enhance patient experience across the facility.

This commitment marks a strategic shift in how frontline staff engage with patients and visitors in a busy public referral hospital, where high patient volumes demand not only efficiency but also empathy, clarity, and professionalism. By positioning security officers—often the first and last point of contact—as champions of compassionate service, JOOTRH reinforces a culture where safety and patient-centered care go hand in hand.

The pledge was made during a customer care sensitization session organized by the Corporate Communications Division, aimed at equipping security personnel with practical skills to improve daily interactions with patients and visitors. In a high-traffic hospital environment, officers play a critical role in managing crowds, maintaining order, and ensuring smooth flow of movement within the facility. From the main gate to the wards, they are responsible for guiding patients to appropriate service points, offering clear directions, and preventing unauthorized access to restricted areas—all while maintaining a calm and professional presence.

Led by Ms. Lorraine Opondo, Head of the Corporate Communications Division, the session emphasized the importance of effective communication and professionalism in service delivery. Officers were taken through the “do’s and don’ts” of customer engagement, with key reminders to consistently greet, guide, respect, and assist all clients. The training also highlighted the need to balance firmness in enforcing hospital rules with courtesy and empathy, particularly when dealing with patients and families who may be anxious or distressed.

The sensitization forms part of an ongoing Corporate Communications campaign that will be rolled out across all departments to embed a culture of excellent customer care. As part of the initiative, the hospital will also introduce a “Care Ambassador of the Week” program to recognize and motivate staff who demonstrate exemplary service.

14/04/2026

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) today hosted a delegation from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network, including a visiting team from Nigeria, on a courtesy call aimed at strengthening collaboration and promoting knowledge exchange.

The team was received by the Senior Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Paul Mitei, where discussions focused on shared learning, exchange of best practices, and ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes across CHAMPS-supported countries.

The five-day visit is designed as a learning exchange, providing an opportunity for both teams to share experiences, align processes, and identify areas of mutual improvement. The delegation is expected to tour key departments within JOOTRH, including the Obama Children’s Hospital, the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratories, and the mortuary, to gain deeper insights into service delivery and research integration.
JOOTRH remains a key CHAMPS implementation site, contributing significantly to child mortality surveillance through strong collaboration with clinical and pathology teams. The partnership continues to support data-to-action initiatives, staff capacity building, and innovations in maternal and newborn care.

The engagement was led by Dr. Hellen Muttai, CHAMPS Principal Investigator, alongside a visiting delegation from Nigeria headed by Prof. Bashir Muhammad Faruk, Principal Investigator. The team also included Dr. Aishatu Zaida Musa, Mortality Surveillance Lead and MITS Physician, Ahmad Faizu Saleh, Senior Research Scientist, and Asmau Bello, VASA Coordinator, among other experts in laboratory science, pathology, and clinical data management.

14/04/2026

Join us tomorrow 15th April 2026 at 5:00 PM at the Administration Block (Fish Pond), Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), as we gather to honor Everline Osano. Kindly bring a candle.
A memorial service will be held at JOOTRH on Thursday, 16th April 2026, and the burial will take place on Friday, 17th April 2026 in Karachuonyo.

13/04/2026

Service to people is service to humanity. In line with its commitment to delivering excellent clinical outcomes, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), through its Mashinani Initiative, extended vital healthcare services to residents of Gem during a free medical camp held at Sawagongo Boys High School in Siaya County.

The camp, organized by the Kenya Medical Association in partnership with Dr. Joseph Aluoch, brought together various healthcare stakeholders committed to improving access to quality and affordable medical care at the grassroots level. The outreach recorded an overwhelming turnout, with over 3,000 patients receiving a wide range of medical services.

JOOTRH played a leading role in the success of the camp by deploying a strong multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Odumbe Camillus. The team included Paediatrician Dr. Joy Muyonga, alongside dedicated nurses, clinicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who ensured efficient service delivery throughout the day.

During the camp, residents were able to access comprehensive care ranging from general medical consultations and pediatric services to maternal and child health support. Screening for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes was also conducted, alongside eye and dental check-ups, laboratory testing, and on-site pharmacy services where patients received prescribed medication. In addition, the team provided health education and counselling to promote preventive care, with patients requiring specialized attention being referred for further management.

The community response was overwhelmingly positive, with residents expressing gratitude for the opportunity to access free, quality healthcare services closer to home. Many noted that the initiative significantly reduced the cost and time associated with seeking treatment in distant facilities, while also enhancing awareness on preventive care and healthy living.

The JOOTRH Mashinani Initiative continues to play a critical role in reaching underserved communities and transforming lives through timely and compassionate medical services.

13/04/2026

RESTORE A SMILE. CHANGE A LIFE.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), in partnership with the Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (KSPRAS) and Smile Train, is hosting a FREE Cleft Lip and Palate Medical Camp from 25th – 27th May 2026.
This is a life-changing opportunity for children and adults living with cleft lip and cleft palate to receive FREE expert surgical care.
Early bird screening is ongoing!
Screening takes place Monday to Friday at the Dental Clinic, JOOTRH.
Do not wait until the last minute — early assessment helps our teams plan better care and ensures you secure a slot.
Cleft conditions are treatable. With timely surgery, patients can experience improved feeding, speech, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Visit the Dental Clinic at JOOTRH
Call: 2547 33 888 579
www.jootrh.go.ke
Spread the word. Share widely. Let’s bring back confident smiles together.

10/04/2026

Kisumu Flags Off Parkinson’s Awareness: JOOTRH CEO Leads Call to Bridge Care Gap.

In a practical move to address neurodegenerative health the World Parkinson’s Day commemorations awareness was marked today in Kisumu.

The event incorporated an awareness walk flagged off by JOOTRH’s Ag CEO Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise from KCRH to Mama Grace Onyango Social hall, The event brought together health officials from the County Department of Health, Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH), and the Parkinson’s Support Group of Kenya (PSGK). Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

The commemorations come at a pivotal time for JOOTRH, which was officially elevated to a National Level 6 Hospital on June 18, 2025. This transition is part of a broader mandate to provide technologically-driven and client-centered health services to the Great Lakes region.

Early Detection and Stigma Parkinson’s Disease remains largely under-recognized, leaving many to suffer in silence due to limited awareness. Dr. Ogolla Don Sunday, County Director of Medical Services, noted that while the disease has no cure, early medical intervention is vital. He highlighted that individuals aged 60 and above are at a higher risk, with roughly one percent of this population affected. Symptoms such as tremors, poor coordination, and difficulty in writing or walking should not be ignored.

The urgency of this message is emphasized by data showing that 19.5% of adults in Kisumu report functional difficulties, with 7.8% specifically facing mobility challenges.
Expanding Specialized Care.

Dr. Okise reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting patients through its Specialized Neurology Clinic, which has achieved its 100% operation and expansion target. "Do not wait until you attain the age of 60 for screening," Dr. Okise urged. "You can visit any of the wellness centers across the county at any time."

The Kisumu County Government has prioritized the establishment of wellness clinics, currently operating in several sub-counties, to screen for non-communicable diseases, including Parkinson’s. This initiative is crucial for a county where the general poverty index stands at 60%, and those with functional difficulties are significantly more vulnerable to multidimensional poverty.

The celebrations were anchored on the theme bridging the care gap through greater awareness The celebrations moved to the Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall, where the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) integrated Parkinson’s into its disability mainstreaming initiatives. This alignment allows patients to access formal support services and assistive devices.

10/04/2026

Family Reunited with Missing Daughter After Months of Uncertainty at JOOTRH.

After weeks of anguish and continuous searching, a family from Kajulu has finally been reunited with their 29-year-old daughter, Jackline Toya, who had been missing since January 25th 2026.

Jackline, who lives with speech difficulties and occasional memory lapses, had gone missing before; but always found her way back or reached out. This time for her family, including her mother Mildred Nyaresa and father Daniel Sitiabai, the days that followed were filled with fear and unanswered questions.

“We knew her condition, but she had never stayed away this long,” the family said. “Each day felt heavier than the last.”
Jackline had been gone for nearly three months, at the time of her reunion wuth the family she had spent 11 weeks out their sight and reach.

The family spent days moving from one police station to another and checking hospitals, hoping for any sign of her. Despite their efforts, no leads emerged.

Financial hardship made the search even more difficult. The family considered placing radio announcements but could not afford the cost. Instead, they took up menial jobs to survive, all while continuing to search whenever they could.

“We would go out to look for work, but our hearts were not at peace,” they recalled. “We kept thinking, what if she comes back and finds no one? Or what if she is somewhere waiting for help?”
With no access to an internet-enabled phone, the breakthrough came when a neighbour alerted the family after work when he spotted information about Jackline on social media post by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). That tip led them to where Jackline had been admitted.

The Medical social work department headed by Mrs Eunice Gor needed to reunite Ms Toya with her family after her treatment, hence they worked together with the communication department to spread the word abroad to aid in locating her kin.

At the hospital, she had been under care, receiving attention from dedicated staff who ensured her safety. Among those credited for their support are Nurse-in-Charge Brian Okinda and Nurse Jecinta Chepkorir, whose compassion stood out during Jackline’s stay. The family also expressed gratitude to Patient Attendants: Rose Aluoch, Felix Denzel, Mary Juma, and security guard Hellen Chebet for their role in safeguarding and assisting her.

The reunion was emotional, marked by tears, relief, and gratitude. For the family, seeing Jackline alive and in proper care was nothing short of a miracle.

“We were happy to find her,” they said.”
For this Kajulu family, the search may be over; but the responsibility of care continues, guided by love and hope

09/04/2026

Asante sana #

09/04/2026

In a quiet halls of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Room 16 has become more than just a clinical space—it is a place of reassurance, courage. At the heart of it stands a devoted patient attendant, Berlin Aketch, 40, whose compassion has, for the past two years, transformed the experience of women seeking cervical cancer screening.

Every Tuesdays and Thursdays morning, before the patients walk in, she prepares the room with a quiet sense of purpose. The tools are arranged, records reviewed, and the space made as welcoming as possible. But her real work begins the moment a patient hesitates at the door—often anxious, sometimes afraid, and occasionally overwhelmed by the unknown.

She meets each one with a warm smile and a gentle voice, aware that many of the women arriving in Room 16 carry not just physical concerns, but emotional burdens as well. Cervical cancer screening, while lifesaving, is still clouded by fear, and misinformation in many communities. For some patients, just showing up is an act of bravery.

“I tell them they are already strong for being here,” she says softly.
Her role goes far beyond routine assistance. She has become a counsellor and confidant. She takes time to explain procedures in simple, reassuring language, ensuring patients understand what to expect. For those who are nervous, she listens—really listens—allowing them to express their fears without judgment.

Over the past two years, she has seen it all. Most women coming in for their first screening, unsure and shy. Mothers worried about what a diagnosis might mean for their families. And, at times, patients receiving difficult news that changes their lives in an instant.
Those moments, she admits, are the hardest.
Despite the emotional toll, she remains steadfast. She draws strength from the very patients she serves—their resilience, their gratitude, and their willingness to keep going even in the face of uncertainty. Small victories keep her motivated: a patient who returns for follow-up care, another who encourages a friend to come for screening, or someone who leaves the room visibly lighter after being reassured.

Her colleagues describe Berlin as exceptional, noting her patience and unwavering dedication. She has developed a unique ability to connect with patients from all walks of life, adapting her approach to meet each individual’s needs. Whether it is calming a frightened teenager or supporting an older woman navigating a late diagnosis, she approaches every case with the same level of care and respect.

Yet, the challenges remain significant. Long queues, limited resources, and the emotional demands of the job can be overwhelming. Still, Berlin shows up—day after day—driven by a deep sense of purpose.

For her, Room 16 is not just a workplace. It is a space where lives are touched in profound ways. Where early detection can mean survival. Where a kind word can ease fear. And where one attendant’s dedication can make all the difference.

In Room 16, healing begins long before any medical procedure—and often, it begins with her.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital

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