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

02/03/2026

The free obstetric fistula repair camp is currently ongoing at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and will run until 6th March 2026, offering specialised corrective surgery and comprehensive care to women and girls affected by fistula.
The camp, supported by M-PESA Foundation in partnership with Flying Doctors Society of Africa, aims to restore dignity to women suffering from this debilitating condition.
Obstetric fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and the va**na or between the re**um and the birth canal, resulting in uncontrollable leakage of urine or stool. In about 90 percent of cases, it is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour where timely medical intervention is not accessed. Ms. Caroline Magire, a fistula consultant with the Flying Doctors Society of Africa, explained the underlying cause: “When a mother goes into prolonged obstructed labour, the baby’s head presses between the pelvis and the bladder. The tissues lose oxygen; they die and eventually form a hole. That is what we call a fistula.” She added that many affected women face stigma and isolation, stressing the importance of timely repair and community reintegration.

Dr. Paul Mitei, obstetrician and trained fistula surgeon at JOOTRH, noted that Kenya records approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new fistula cases annually. However, increased access to antenatal care and skilled delivery services has significantly reduced the number of childbirth-related cases over the years. Currently, the hospital is also seeing iatrogenic fistulas — injuries occurring during surgical procedures.
Since screening began, more than 60 women have been assessed, with several already admitted for surgery. The team targets to operate between 60 and 70 patients during the five-day surgical camp. Each procedure takes about two to three hours, depending on severity, and hospital stay ranges from a few days to several weeks.
All services during the camp are offered free of charge. Beyond surgery, patients receive counselling and reintegration support to help them return confidently to their families and communities.

27/02/2026

The Chief Executive Officer of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise unveiled five hemodiafiltration (HDF) machines in the Renal Unit, bringing the total number of dialysis machines to 13 and significantly enhancing capacity for advanced kidney care. The new units are set to improve treatment outcomes through superior toxin removal and increased session efficiency.
Other machines unveiled include a fully automated blood screening analyser as well as the Orthopantomogram (OPG) dental X-ray machine.

At the Renal Unit, the newly acquired hemodiafiltration (HDF) machines are designed to enhance dialysis outcomes for patients living with kidney failure. The hospital currently operates 13 dialysis machines, including five newly installed HDF units, with five more expected to further expand capacity. Presently, the unit conducts 36 dialysis sessions daily, a figure projected to increase to 50 sessions per day once the additional machines are fully integrated. Hemodiafiltration technology offers superior clearance of both small and larger molecular toxins, improving patient stability and overall quality of life. The system utilises ultra-pure water processed through an advanced treatment plant, significantly lowering bacterial and endotoxin levels and enhancing patient safety. Plans are underway to expand dialysis chair capacity to 20 to streamline workflow and reduce patient waiting time.

In Blood Transfusion Services, the CEO launched a fully automated immunoassay analyser that will dramatically reduce turnaround time in blood screening. The machine, which operates on highly sensitive antigen-antibody reaction principles, detects transfusion-transmissible infections including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C within 20 to 35 minutes. With the ability to process multiple samples simultaneously, the analyser strengthens emergency response capacity in critical areas such as ICU, renal and maternity units. While screening at the regional blood bank continues, the in-house system ensures continuity during reagent shortages and high-demand periods, safeguarding uninterrupted patient care.

The Dental Department also marked a significant milestone with the operationalisation of the Orthopantomogram (OPG) dental X-ray machine, enabling same-day imaging and reporting. Together with expanded periodontology, which focuses on prevention and treatment of gum disease, paediatric dentistry and oral and maxillofacial services, JOOTRH now stands as the only public hospital in the region offering a fully-fledged, integrated dental clinic under one roof.

27/02/2026

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. 💙

27/02/2026

The M-Pesa Foundation, in partnership with Jaramogi Oginga Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital , Amref Health Africa, The Flying Doctors' Society of Africa, and Ramogi TV/Radio and the County Government of Kisumu and JOOTRH, is organizing a Free Fistula Camp to support women and girls across Kenya.
Fistula is a condition where a hole forms between the birth canal and the bladder or re**um, leading to the uncontrollable leakage of urine or stool. If you or someone you know is affected, help and healing are available at no cost.
Key Dates
Screening Dates: 18th February – 6th March, 2026
Camp Dates: 27th February – 6th March, 2026.
Main Venue
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
Where to go for Screening (18th Feb - 6th March):
You can visit any of the following facilities in your Sub-County for screening:
Nyakach: Nyakach County Hospital
Muhoroni: Muhoroni County Hospital
Nyando: Ahero County Hospital
Kadibo: Rabuor Sub County Hospital
Kisumu Central: JOOTRH
Kisumu East: Gita County Hospital
Kisumu West: Chulaimbo County Hospital
Seme: Kombewa County Hospital
📞 Need more information?
Call TOLL FREE: 0800 722 600

25/02/2026

Tune in to Radio Wach Maber 88.3 FM tomorrow, 26th February at 9:10 AM, as Dr. Joshua Okise, CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), will be present for a conversation on the hospital’s journey, growth, milestones, and continued commitment to delivering quality and specialized healthcare services.

Kindly tune in and listen to the conversation tomorrow morning. Don’t miss it!

25/02/2026

A Turning Point for Cancer Care in the Lake Region

For years, the absence of a fully operational comprehensive cancer centre in the Lake Region has meant that nearly half of patients who require radiotherapy are referred to facilities 350 to 500 kilometres away in Eldoret and Nairobi. Many never complete treatment. Distance, cost, long queues and navigation challenges have contributed to treatment interruption and loss to follow-up.

However, that trajectory is now changing. At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), construction of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre will now go on , with radiotherapy services targeted for operationalisation within the year. Backed by approximately KSh 500 million from the national government, the facility will significantly reduce referrals and ensure patients receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical oncology services under one roof — a critical shift for a region that has long struggled with fragmented cancer care.

The progress was reinforced during a high-level visit led by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, accompanied by Mr. Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, and Professor Graham Lord of King's College London, Executive Director of King’s Health Partners, who visited as part of a strategic partnership focused on strengthening oncology services, research and academic collaboration. The delegation also included Mr. Joel Owino from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCIK) and James Ntabo, Director of Administration in the State Department for Medical Services.

Beyond infrastructure, the partnership with King’s College London aims to build sustainable capacity through oncology fellowships, academic exchange, development of a regional research and clinical trials hub, expansion of diagnostic capability, and exploration of a sickle cell research centre in Kisumu. The collaboration is anchored on strengthening local data, research output and specialist training to match the region’s disease burden.
Data presented by the Director oncology and palliative care, Dr Phiona Adagi, is exposing the escalating cancer crisis in Kisumu County, revealing that thousands of residents have been diagnosed with the disease over the last decade, with women bearing a disproportionate burden.

According to the Angaza Dashboard, which tracks cancer cases in the region from 2011 through 2025, Kisumu has recorded a total of 4,394 cases. The data highlights a stark gender disparity, with 64.1% of cases occurring in females compared to 35.9% in males.

The dashboard identifies the ten most prevalent cancer sites in the county, with reproductive and digestive system cancers leading the list , on top is cervical cancer, it remains the most dominant threat with 1,038 cases. oesophageal cancer, ranks second with 596 cases. Breast cancer, follows closely with 524 cases, while prostate cancer, is the leading cancer among men in the region, accounting to 339 cases.

Other significant sites include colorectal cancer (167), Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (125), and Kaposi sarcoma (116).
The report shows a steady rise in "years of contact," with cases peaking in recent years. In 2024, the county recorded 720 new cases (478 female and 242 male), a significant jump from earlier years like 2018, which saw only 292 cases.

The data also reveals critical health intersections and systemic barriers, HIV Co-infection: Approximately 32% of cancer patients in the registry are also HIV-positive. Concerning late diagnosis, a staggering 75% to 80% of patients are diagnosed at advanced Stage III or IV, when treatment options are limited.

Despite the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA), which now offers oncology benefits up to Ksh 800,000, many patients still face high out-of-pocket costs for essential diagnostics like CT scans and biopsies.

"Lost To Follow Up" (LTFU) patients—those who drop out of treatment—who currently account for nearly 59% of cases within the first year of care. By leveraging this real-time data, the hospital aims to improve survival rates and ensure that early detection becomes the new standard for cancer care in the lakeside region.

25/02/2026

Thank you.

25/02/2026

Advanced, specialized and super-specialized care is now closer than ever. As a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital, JOOTRH has expanded its capacity to manage complex cases, deliver cutting-edge interventions, and strengthen referral services across the region.

Watch the reel to see how JOOTRH is redefining specialized healthcare and raising the standard of treatment for our communities.

24/02/2026

The Theatre Sterile Supply Unit (TSSU) at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is a critical support department that underpins safe surgical practice across the institution.
The unit is responsible for sterilizing and supplying all surgical instruments and consumables used in the Main Theatre and Maternity Theatre, where both major and minor procedures are performed. Its services extend beyond the two theatres to Accident and Emergency, special clinics, all inpatient wards, and the hospital’s sister facilities, Prime Care Centre and Victoria Annex.
The department operates under the leadership of Ms. Scholastica Appida, the In-Charge, who oversees daily sterilization processes, quality assurance, and coordination with user departments. Every instrument used for surgery or delivery within the hospital passes through TSSU, placing the unit at the center of infection prevention and control efforts. The department functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring uninterrupted support for routine and emergency procedures.
With a staff establishment of 13 personnel, TSSU manages a high workload despite limited human resources. Core functions include folding and cutting gauze using a gauze cutter, preparing surgical gowns, assembling maternity packs, suture packs, biopsy packs, and packaging all surgical materials. After thorough sterilization, instruments are wrapped in linen and stored in a designated sterile area awaiting dispatch to the respective departments.
Workload increases significantly during specialized medical camps such as neurosurgical and laparoscopic camps, which demand rapid instrument turnover and strict adherence to sterilization timelines. Emergency cases similarly intensify operational pressure, requiring efficient coordination to prevent delays in patient care.
Although supplies are sourced from the main hospital store, sterilization, packaging, and distribution remain the sole responsibility of TSSU. The department’s performance directly affects theatre efficiency, clinical outcomes, and overall patient safety at JOOTRH.

24/02/2026

“I didn’t expect to feel this normal again,” says Mr. David Ochieng, his voice steady but reflective as he rests in the surgical ward at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). “I’m ready to get back on my feet.”

For eight years, David lived with a spine injury sustained during a freak accident while on a fishing expedition. The pain had been intermittent, manageable at times, until late last year when it intensified sharply.

By 1st of January 2026, he was completely immobile. He could not walk, sit, or stand. Even basic human functions had to be managed within arm’s reach.

For a man whose livelihood depended on fishing and fish trading, both labour-intensive activities, the condition brought life to a standstill.

His search for treatment began at a local facility in Mbita, where an X-ray revealed abnormalities around his hip. He was referred to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital for further evaluation. An MRI exposed deeper complications involving his lower lumbar sacrum.

Doctors advised that his case required specialized spinal and neurosurgical care, leading to his referral to JOOTRH.
When he first visited the consultant clinic on 29th January, he learned about the upcoming Neurosurgical Camp scheduled for 16th February to 20th January.

He returned on the said date and was admitted for surgery. Though initially anxious, especially after his blood pressure spiked on the eve of the procedure due to fear, the medical team stabilized him and successfully performed the operation.

Now recovering, David expresses gratitude to the surgeons and nurses for their professionalism and attentiveness. He notes that since admission, he has received treatment, medication, meals and accommodation without financial strain under the Social Health Authority framework.

Supported by his elder brother at the hospital and his family back home, David is optimistic. He encourages others living in fear of spinal surgery to seek help. “Technology has advanced. Don’t suffer in silence. Let specialists examine you. I was afraid, but they made it look easy.”

David is among the beneficiaries of the Neurosurgical Camp organized in partnership with the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative, offering specialized brain and spine procedures to patients across the region. For him, the surgery represents more than medical intervention. It is a restoration of dignity, mobility and the ability to provide once again.

24/02/2026

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. 💙

23/02/2026

Join us tonight on Sky FM from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM for an important discussion on Female Ge***al Fistula.

The session will feature Phenny Oketch, Nurse at JOOTRH, who will share insights on causes, prevention, treatment, and available services.

Stay tuned!

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital

02/03/2026

27/02/2026

27/02/2026

27/02/2026

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