Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital

21/01/2026

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is seeking the public’s assistance to help identify an unknown adult African male, currently admitted in Ward 2 (Male Surgical Ward).

The patient was admitted through the Accident and Emergency Department. He has limited speech but is able to communicate minimally and write. He has written his name as Nelson Kakururu, stating that he is from Ibanda, South Africa, and provided a phone number (0773667090), which is not going through.

The patient is now clinically stable and due for discharge, but efforts to trace his family or relatives have so far been unsuccessful.
If you believe this could be your loved one, or if you have any information that may help identify him, please contact us immediately on 0725 313 650 or come to the hospital.

21/01/2026

20/01/2026

Rest in Peace, Brand Omega.

The halls of JOOTRH are a little quieter this week as the Corporate Affairs Department leads our staff in mourning the sudden demise of our dear colleague, Brand Omega.

Brand was far more than just a staff member; he was a dependable team player whose creativity brought our hospital’s communications to life. From the professional posters and notices he designed to his helpful presence at the customer care desk, Brand served this institution with excellence and a kind heart.

We joined together today to pen our condolences and celebrate a life well-lived. We will miss your talent, your teamwork, and your smile. Rest in eternal peace, Brand.

20/01/2026

JOOTRH now has a state-of-the-art apheresis machine, marking a historic turning point for sickle cell disease management in Western Kenya and the Lake Region Economic Bloc.

The acquisition, made possible through a strategic partnership with Conrad Science and TERUMO, brings life-saving technology to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, ending years of grueling journeys for patients who previously had to travel to distant facilities for specialized care.

Installed at the JOOTRH Victoria Annex, the machine is designed to perform Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) and Red Blood Cell Exchange (RBC-X). For sickle cell patients, these procedures are critical in managing severe complications, such as stroke and acute chest syndrome, by replacing sickled cells with healthy donor blood.

Speaking at a specialized training session for clinicians, Mr. Evans Oloo, the Senior Director of Finance and Administration representing the CEO, hailed the machine as a symbol of hope. "By bringing these advanced services closer to our people, we are reducing suffering, improving clinical outcomes, and reaffirming our commitment to equitable healthcare," he noted.

To ensure the technology translates into high-quality care, clinical teams at the Victoria Annex are undergoing rigorous training led by Kevin Otieno of Conrad Science. The training focuses on the technical operation of the machine and the meticulous monitoring of patients during procedures.

Dr. Steven Ojuma, Director of the Victoria Annex, emphasized that building staff capacity is as vital as the equipment itself. "Our goal is to ensure this equipment is used safely and effectively to deliver the high-quality care our patients deserve," Dr. Ojuma said.

The impact was immediate. The first procedures were successfully conducted on September 1, 2025, and since then, five patients have undergone treatment with positive results. As only the second public facility in the country to house such technology, JOOTRH is rapidly positioning itself as a regional center of excellence.

By internalizing these services, JOOTRH significantly reduces the financial and emotional burden on families who once faced high referral costs. This milestone represents a major leap forward in specialized medicine, offering thousands of sickle cell warriors across the region a chance at a healthier, more stable life.

20/01/2026

Expectant mothers seeking healthcare at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) are set for a major boost in service delivery as the Maternal and Newborn Health Study, known as PRISMA, transitions into its third phase.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between JOOTRH, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, aims to drastically reduce delivery complications and improve perinatal outcomes through data-driven clinical interventions.

The rollout follows a high-level consultative meeting between the project partners and JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise. They agreed on signing a memorandum of collaboration after a review of ethical issues regarding the study .

The discussions centered on ethical frameworks and research integrity, ensuring that as the study expands, the quality of care remains world-class. Dr. Okise emphasized the importance of data sovereignty, noting that sharing findings in real-time allows the hospital to be an active consumer of its own data to inform immediate decision-making.

Building on the success of PRISMA II—which provided expectant women with comprehensive screenings for conditions ranging from G6PD deficiency and malaria to kidney function and blood lead levels—the third phase introduces even more advanced diagnostics.

New features include point-of-care ultrasound "blind sweeps," confirmatory testing for urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections, and a robust empowerment questionnaire to gauge the social wellbeing of participating women.

Crucially, PRISMA III is set to revolutionize neonatal care at the facility. The study has facilitated the installation of a low-field Hyperfine MRI at JOOTRH, a cutting-edge tool used to monitor neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born to mothers with anemia.

Furthermore, the program will enhance the hospital’s capacity to manage respiratory distress syndrome and hypoxic injury by improving oxygen availability and pulse oximetry monitoring.
Beyond equipment, the partnership focuses on human capital.

Through the Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) program and regular audits by the CHAMPS platform, staff are receiving continuous training to address gaps in care. This holistic approach ensures that mothers are supported from their first antenatal visit through to post-delivery follow-ups in the community.

As the hospital seeks to expand the scope of the study to accommodate its large population, the PRISMA collaboration is a lift , research and clinical practice can merge to save lives and make the region competitive on a global healthcare stage.

19/01/2026

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Department of Corporate Communications and Marketing shares the sudden passing of our colleague and intern, Brand Omega.

The announcement was officially made on the morning of 18th January 2026 by Nereah Ochieng, Director of Human Capital.
Brand had just begun his fourth month following the renewal of his internship, serving at the Main Customer Care Desk. He was at work up to Friday last week, serving diligently as a frontliner, only for tragedy to strike on Saturday.

Beyond his duties at the desk, Brand was a talented designer and photographer, whose visual expertise played a vital role in JOOTRH’s communication strategy. He created impactful health posters, banners, and other communication materials that directly supported the hospital’s health campaigns and awareness programs. Through visual storytelling and graphic design, Brand ensured that JOOTRH’s mission of health promotion and community education was advanced with clarity, creativity, and professionalism, strengthening the institution’s visibility and public engagement.

Brand was known for his polite, respectful, and diligent character, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he worked with. His dedication, humility, and positive spirit made him a cherished member of the JOOTRH family.

Many colleagues have already penned their condolences on WhatsApp groups, reflecting the profound impact he had on all who knew him.

We mourn the loss of a dedicated, creative, and compassionate young professional whose contributions and character will continue to inspire and benefit the hospital and the community he served.
Rest in Peace, Brand Omega.

19/01/2026

Please DO NOT IMPERSONATE.

19/01/2026

At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), we are committed to providing accessible and professional mental health support.

Our Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic is open and ready to serve you. Whether you need a routine check-up or a consultation with a specialist, our team is here to help.

When: Every Wednesday & Friday

Time: Starting from 8:00 AM

Location: JOOTRH Consultants Clinic

How to Book: Don’t wait—secure your appointment date at the consultants' clinic today.

Contact Us:

📞 Call: 0733 888 579

📧 Email: info@jootrh.go.ke

🌐 Visit: www.jootrh.go.ke

16/01/2026

The Final Journey of Dr.George Rae.

A requiem mass held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Cathedral Milimani in Kisumu marked the beginning of the final journey of Dr.George Rae, ahead of the procession to his rural home in Seme, where a night vigil was planned in his honor.

Outpouring tributes were shared about Dr.Rae which described him as honest, visionary and vibrant.

The mass was a moving celebration of a life marked by service, leadership, and compassion. Hymns and prayers filled the church as clergy reflected on Dr. Rae’s commitment to his community and his dedication to transformative work across the continent. The clergy described him as a man driven by purpose, whose faith guided both his professional and personal life. While grief was palpable, the service was equally filled with gratitude for a life that touched many.

Tributes continued to pour in from leaders, colleagues, friends, and family. Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o described Dr. Rae as a visionary leader whose innovative ideas shaped development initiatives in Kenya and beyond. He noted Dr. Rae’s contribution to health sector reforms, including involvement in health planning efforts in South Africa and South Sudan and ‘Universal Health Care’ which has been successfully implemented in Murang’a county.

A close associate, Peter Chun, remembered Dr. Rae as a unifying force. “He was a bridge—someone who connected people, ideas, and opportunities,” Chun said, highlighting his role in facilitating numerous regional and international projects. Professor Kamah Rogo, a longtime friend from their childhood days in Kaloleni, spoke of Dr. Rae’s integrity and character. “He was a man of walking integrity,” Rogo recalled, adding that Dr. Rae opened doors and created opportunities that changed lives.

Family members shared personal memories, describing him as a loving husband, devoted father, and trusted confidant who listened deeply and offered guidance freely. Rhoda Rae, the wife, paid her tribute with a heavy heart “You might be loved by many but you will still be the love of my life.” Colleagues reflected on his professional achievements, particularly his work with the Africa Smart City Alliance and Sickle Cell Zero Foundation. They noted that his final project, the Chung–Nyong’o Cancer Centre, remained incomplete due to his untimely death.

In a significant commitment, Governor Nyong’o and Mr. Chun pledged to ensure the completion of the Chung–Nyong’o Cancer Centre in Dr. Rae’s honor. The facility, envisioned as a cornerstone for improved cancer care, will stand as a lasting legacy of his dedication to building a healthier and more equitable society. Amid mourning, the pledge offered a sense of hope—affirming that Dr. Rae’s vision will live on beyond his passing.

Following the mass, family members led the procession as Dr. Rae’s body was escorted to Seme. Faces in the crowd reflected a collective sense of loss, but also pride in having known or been influenced by him.

16/01/2026

Rae Prints.
As the sun sets over the hills of Seme today, the medical fraternity and the people of Kisumu prepare to lay to rest a man whose visionary leadership didn't just change hospitals—it saved lives across the continent.

Dr. George Rae, the former CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), passed away on December 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy—or "prints"—that are woven into the very fabric of Kenya’s healthcare system.

Dr. Rae’s most significant contribution to the public may well be the Marwa Kisumu Solidarity Health Cover. Developed in partnership with PharmAccess, Marwa was a pioneer social health insurance scheme that made healthcare a mandatory right for all Kisumu residents. Its success was so profound that it served as the national blueprint for the Social Health Authority (SHA) currently being rolled out across the country.

"It is important that Kisumu appreciates the irreplaceable giant that we have lost," noted Prof. Khama Rogo, a lifelong friend of over 70 years, during a moving memorial service at St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral in Milimani today.

During his tenure as CEO of JOOTRH, Dr. Rae’s leadership was defined by "firsts." When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he didn't just react; he built. He established a massive Oxygen Plant at JOOTRH, turning the facility into a regional hub where neighboring counties like Kericho relied on Kisumu for the daily supply of life-saving medical oxygen.

His clinical vision extended to specialized care that was once out of reach for locals. He was a lead architect in setting up the Kisumu County Cancer Center and introduced Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o to partners for the Africa Smart -Cities Alliance – Chun-Nyongo Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr Rae championed the enablement of neurosurgery and brought sickle cell bone marrow transplant initiatives "near home" for the lake region residents.

In reproductive health, his prints remain visible at the KMET/COC facilities in Kombewa and Muhoroni, expanding sexual and reproductive health access to rural populations.

While his heart was in Kisumu, Dr. Rae’s expertise was global. Through organizations like UNICEF, AMREF, and the Kenya Red Cross, he helped transform health systems in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Botswana, and Uganda.

Even in his final days, Dr. Rae was looking toward the future. He was the driving force behind the Med Aditus Pharma manufacturing factory at GLUK University, which is scheduled for ground-breaking this February.

In a poignant twist of fate, Dr. Rae passed away on the birthday of Jowen Peter Chun’s late sister—the very woman in whose honor the new cancer center is being built.

His memorial service saw a gathering of Kenya's health and political elite, including Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o—whom Dr. Rae served as a Senior Advisor on Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal, and current JOOTRH CEO Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise. Peter Chun From Korea among orthers.

To the dignitaries, he was a brilliant strategist. To the community, he was simply "Papa"—a man who was there for everyone.

As Dr. Rae is laid to rest in Seme tomorrow, January 17, 2026, his physical presence departs, but his "prints" remain—in the oxygen flowing through hospital wards, the Marwa beneficiaries and the cancer centers rising to meet the needs of the future.
Fare thee Well Papa.

16/01/2026

Candlelight Vigil Honors Life and Legacy of Dr. George Rae.

A somber mood enveloped the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) as family members, friends, colleagues, and patients gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life and legacy of its former Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Rae, fondly known as “Papa.”

Among those who paid tribute were sickle cell warriors Mitchel Omullo and Nancy Waliaula, who spoke emotionally about Dr. Rae’s unwavering dedication to patients living with sickle cell disease. They described him not only as a brilliant medical professional but also as a compassionate leader and a ‘father figure’, particularly to patients under the Sickle Cell Zero Foundation. They reaffirmed that the foundation’s mission would continue under the stewardship of JOOTRH, inspired by Dr. Rae’s vision and commitment.

Doctors and former colleagues recalled Dr. Rae as one of the most approachable leaders they had worked with. Dr. Oduor described him as “among the easiest people to approach,” noting that his leadership style encouraged open dialogue and teamwork. Several speakers recalled about informal but impactful consultative meetings, often held at Java, where Dr. Rae fostered collaboration, mentorship, and shared problem-solving.

JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Okise recalls theseveral consultative meetings with Dr. Rae in the two months preceding his demise. He noted that Dr. Rae was among the pioneers who played a key role in the elevation of JOOTRH to a Level 6A parastatal.
“He held the office before me, and I held him in high regard. That is why I paid keen attention to the insights we shared,” Dr. Okise said, adding that news of Dr. Rae’s passing deeply moved him.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Rae was remembered for his warmth, humor, and genuine care for people. He inspired many careers within JOOTRH and across the wider health sector. As candles flickered in the night, they symbolized the light Dr. Rae brought into the lives of many—a light that, attendees said, will continue to shine through the people and institutions he shaped.

The vigil concluded with a shared sense of unity and grief, as the JOOTRH community and the wider medical fraternity mourned the loss of a remarkable leader whose legacy will endure.

15/01/2026

The body of Dr. George Rae now lies at the KWEE Farewell Parlour at JOOTRH—the very executive morgue he was instrumental in establishing and which he personally named.

In a somber home-coming, the JOOTRH fraternity joined mourners at the Kisumu International Airport on today to receive the remains of their former CEO and the man who, until his demise, served as the Head of Resource Mobilization for the Department of Medical Services Public Health and Sanitation.

The atmosphere was one of profound grief as the body was wheeled to the KWEE Farewell Parlour, allowing staff a final opportunity to view the remains of a man who transformed their workplace.

Dr. Rae, who served as JOOTRH’s CEO from 2020 to 2024, passed away while undergoing treatment in South Korea after falling ill during an official work-related tour. His return was marked by a solemn ceremony led by Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Matthew Owili and current JOOTRH CEO Dr. Joshua Okise, alongside county officials, family, and friends.

His tenure was defined by more than just bricks and mortar; he was a leader of the heart. His transformative milestones included, The Sickle Cell ZERO Movement,a pioneering initiative that heightened awareness and strengthened patient-centered advocacy, Life-Saving Infrastructure including the establishment of an oxygen plant that provided piped oxygen to wards during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the construction of an ultra-modern kitchen to replace aging facilities and, of course, the executive KWEE Farewell Parlour.

Beyond the titles, Dr. Rae—affectionately known as "Papa"—was a man of immense humanity. Staff members, including Augustine Nyerere, fondly recalled a leader who prioritized staff welfare and possessed a rare gift for humor. He was famous for diffusing high-pressure meetings with a smile and his trademark phrase: “It doesn’t have to be this serious.”

As JOOTRH receives its fallen leader, the community mourns a vibrant, compassionate visionary who led with a light touch but left a heavy, lasting impact on the region's healthcare.