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

10/03/2026

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. 💙

10/03/2026

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10/03/2026

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is set to significantly reduce its operational costs following a conversation on a strategic partnership with the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) aimed at implementing full solarization of the facility.

The initiative targets the hospital’s substantial energy overheads, which currently stand at approximately Sh4.5 million in monthly electricity bills. By transitioning to solar energy, the hospital management intends to repurpose these savings toward expanding specialized medical services that are currently unavailable, further enhancing its core mandate of delivering excellent clinical outcomes.

JOOTRH has already taken the initial steps in this green energy transition, having solarized the outpatient corridors. The next phase of the project involves extending solar power to the inpatient departments and other high-energy consumption areas of the hospital.

Speaking during a consultative meeting at the facility, KCB Health Sector Ecosystems Lead, Ms. Beth Mwaniki, affirmed the bank’s commitment to the project. As a primary step, KCB will cover the costs for a team of engineers to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment. This exercise will determine the full scope and financial requirements for a complete solar installation across the entire hospital complex.

The CEO of JOOTRH, Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, welcomed the collaboration, noting the long-standing banking relationship between the two institutions. He emphasized that the bank's support in this venture would directly contribute to the well-being of the thousands of patients who seek critical care at the referral hospital.

Beyond energy solutions, the meeting explored further areas of cooperation, including potential support for the "JOOTRH Mashinani" project. This community outreach initiative focuses on taking healthcare services directly to the people to facilitate early diagnosis, which is vital for improved recovery rates and long-term health management.

10/03/2026

Malnutrition is a silent but primary driver of child mortality, contributing to an estimated 50% of all child deaths.

A New- research from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network has revealed a deepening health crisis where nutritional deficiencies are claiming the lives of the most vulnerable populations in Kenya and Ethiopia.

The findings, presented during a recent ARM-CHAMPS meeting, which also included a courtesy call to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital where CHAMPS has been working with an aim of reducing child mortality.

CHAMPS has been conducting minimally invasive post mortem to children who have died within the facility to establish the cause of death.

Data collected between 2017 and 2022 during the study shows that 40.9% of all preventable child deaths are directly linked to malnutrition. The crisis is particularly acute among infants aged 1 to 11 months, who represent the largest demographic of malnutrition-related fatalities. Scientists found that as the number of underlying health conditions (comorbidities) increases, the role of malnutrition becomes even more lethal; children with four or more comorbid conditions had a 62.6% likelihood of malnutrition being a contributing factor in their death.

The research highlights a "hidden hunger"—micronutrient deficiencies that are often invisible but fatal. Post-mortem assessments of children under five in Kenya and South Africa revealed staggering levels of Vitamin A deficiency. In some samples, severe Vitamin A deficiency was present in 53.1% of cases, a condition that significantly weakens the immune system and increases the risk of death from common infections.

The struggle begins long before birth. In a study of 2,000 pregnant women across Kenya and Ethiopia, researchers found that anemia and iron deficiency rise dramatically as pregnancy progresses.
By the third trimester, iron deficiency affects nearly two-thirds of pregnant women in Kenya. While iodine levels were found to be adequate, other critical nutrients like folate and Vitamin B12 remain dangerously low in many expectant mothers, particularly in Ethiopia, where folate deficiency is substantially higher than in Kenya.

To combat these trends, health experts are utilizing the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) to track consumption of 16 healthy food groups, such as deep orange vegetables, legumes, and nuts, against "problem" foods like sugar-sweetened beverages and refined grains.

As the medical community moves toward 2025, the focus of the CHAMPS network remains clear: closing the gaps in how malnutrition is measured and ensuring that nutritional interventions are integrated into every stage of maternal and child healthcare to prevent these avoidable tragedies.

10/03/2026

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09/03/2026

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09/03/2026

New Research Sheds Light on Maternal and Newborn Health Risks in Kenya.

A global research initiative is providing a clearer picture of the health challenges facing mothers and infants in Western Kenya. The Pregnancy Risk, Infant Surveillance, and Measurement Alliance (PRISMA) study, a collaborative effort involving the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and George Washington University, recently shared interim findings aimed at improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

The study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, followed more than 2,700 women in Siaya and Kisumu Counties. Researchers tracked participants from early pregnancy—specifically before 20 weeks gestation—through one year after delivery to identify key risk factors for illness and death.

The interim data highlights several significant hurdles for maternal health in the region, approximately 32% of pregnant women in the study suffered from anemia. Other identified conditions include HIV, malaria, helminths (parasitic worms), and syphilis.

Rates of maternal hypertension disorders, including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, are reportedly on the rise. These conditions are closely linked to dangerous complications such as preterm birth, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), and early neonatal death.

While antepartum haemorrhage (APH) affected 1.6% of the overall study group, postpartum haemorrhage was more prevalent, affecting 5.0% of women. The study found that breastfeeding initiation within the first hour of birth—a critical step for infant health—is only slightly above 50% across most monitored facilities.
The research Spanned six facilities , including Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

The data indicates that there was 5.0% Prevalence on postpartum Hemorrage (PPH) , Gestation hypertension had 6.6% , gestation diabetes scored 2.8% , Pre-eclampsia recorded a prevalence of 2.2%, antepartum Hemorrhage (APH) had a prevenance of 1.6% while chronic hypertension has a prevenance of 1.3% .

The PRISMA team is not just collecting data; they are working with county health officials to provide immediate support. This includes providing ultrasound machines, blood pressure monitors, and equipment to check newborn oxygen levels.

Looking ahead to 2026, the next phase of the study (PRISMA v3) aims to expand its reach. Future efforts will integrate AI-enabled imaging, assess environmental exposures, and validate new tools like a point-of-care blood pressure app to better predict and manage risks for mothers and their babies

08/03/2026

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT AT OTONGLO, KISUMU COUNTY

The State Department for Medical Services is deeply saddened by the tragic road accident that occurred on Sunday evening at the Otonglo Molasses area, near Kisumu Airport in Kisumu County.

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident involved multiple vehicles, including two tuk-tuks and a public service matatu, resulting in several casualties and passengers trapped at the scene.

Emergency response teams acted swiftly, and 20 victims were rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) for urgent medical attention.

It is with deep regret that we confirm the loss of three lives: two adult males and one female. One victim was pronounced dead on arrival, while two others succumbed to their injuries while receiving emergency treatment.

Currently, 17 survivors are receiving care at JOOTRH. Among them are nine adult males and five adult females, aged between 22 and 44 years. Notably, three young children aged three, six, and seven years are also among those receiving treatment.

Many of the survivors sustained serious injuries, including femur fractures and significant bleeding, and the hospital is utilizing all available resources to stabilize them. Three patients are currently undergoing emergency surgery, five have been admitted for further management, and twelve are being treated for minor injuries and sutures as they await discharge.

The Ministry of Health wishes to assure the public that all medical expenses for the victims will be fully covered by the Ministry, and JOOTRH will provide treatment to all affected patients free of charge.

The Ministry commends the rapid response of emergency teams, healthcare workers, and first responders who acted swiftly to save lives and provide urgent care.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and we wish the injured a quick and full recovery.

Issued by:
State Department for Medical Services
Ministry of Health, Kenya

08/03/2026

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) deployed a medical team to support the Thanksgiving and Prayer Service in honour of Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, taking place at Okela Primary School in Uyoma, Rarieda Constituency, Siaya County. The hospital’s participation follows a formal request from the Ministry of Health seeking emergency medical preparedness during the event, which is expected to attract a large gathering and will be attended by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto as the Chief Guest.

As part of the support, JOOTRH has positioned ambulance services, paramedics, and medical personnel on the ground to provide emergency medical response and first aid assistance throughout the event. The team remains on standby to promptly respond to any medical needs that may arise, helping ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants attending the ceremony.

This support has been made possible through the JOOTRH Mashinani Initiative, a community outreach program that focuses on bringing essential medical services closer to the people. Through the initiative, JOOTRH continues to extend healthcare beyond the hospital walls by providing emergency response, medical outreach, and health support services directly to communities.

07/03/2026

German Ambassador visits JOOTRH.

The German Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Sebastian Groth, today visited the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to mark the successful implementation of the Green Room Air Conditioning (GRACE) project.

The initiative, spearheaded by GIZ Proklima in collaboration with the National Ozone Unit (NOU), aims to revolutionize cooling technologies in Kenya by transitioning to environmentally friendly and energy-efficient systems.

As part of the demonstration phase, JOOTRH received nine "Green AC" units. These advanced systems utilize the R290 natural refrigerant, which is noted for its minimal impact on the ozone layer and its high cooling efficiency. To ensure the project’s sustainability, two hospital technicians underwent specialized training to manage and maintain the new technology.

Ambassador Groth was received by a senior hospital delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, Senior Director of Nursing Teresa Okiri, and Senior Director of Administration and Finance Evans Oloo.

During a tour of the facility, the Ambassador inspected the newly installed units. Hospital leadership noted that the technology has been instrumental in maintaining the precise environmental conditions required for the facility’s sensitive medical machinery.

"The objective is to support Kenya in transitioning the market toward air conditioning that is both ozone and climate-friendly," Mr Groth noted, noting that the GRACE initiative provides policy advice and technical capacity building to integrate the cooling sector into national climate mitigation strategies.

The GRACE project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and is set to run until February 2028. It operates alongside the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), a long-term strategy funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), which runs through 2031.

While welcoming the green cooling intervention, Dr. Okise appealed for further partnership. He requested GIZ's support in solarizing the referral hospital to help mitigate the high costs of electricity and further the institution’s green energy goals.
Monitoring of the energy savings, cost reductions, and climate impact of the new AC units at JOOTRH is currently ongoing.

06/03/2026

Fistula Camp Restores Hope for Young Mother at JOOTRH.

For a 16-year-old Mary Atieno (not her real name), life changed unexpectedly after the birth of her child on 15 February 2025. What should have been a joyful season quickly turned into months of physical discomfort, emotional distress, and social isolation.

Five days after being discharged from hospital following delivery, Mary began experiencing abnormal symptoms. She found herself unable to control the passage of urine and stool. At times, even gas would pass uncontrollably through her va**na, a condition that left her confused, embarrassed, and deeply distressed.

“I could not move freely,” she shared. “If I had to go somewhere urgently, I had to wear pads. Most of the time, I just stayed indoors because I feared embarrassment.”

The condition affected her daily life significantly. She stopped running errands and avoided social gatherings due to the discomfort and stigma associated with the symptoms.

After opening up to her mother about her struggles, she was advised to seek treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). She attended the General Outpatient Clinic (GOPC), where she underwent screening. Doctors confirmed that she had suffered a third-degree tear during delivery that had not healed properly.

Mary was later contacted by Dr. Atolo, who informed her about the upcoming fistula camp and booked her for corrective surgery.
On March 2nd 2026, she successfully underwent surgery during the ongoing fistula camp at JOOTRH. Now recovering, Mary says she is hopeful and looking forward to returning to her normal daily routines without fear or shame.

She is encouraging other young women facing similar symptoms not to suffer in silence.

“This condition is treatable,” she says. “Let no one hide. Come out and seek medical attention .”

Her story is one of resilience and a reminder that obstetric fistula, though devastating, is repairable, and with timely medical intervention, dignity can be restored.

06/03/2026

JOOTRH Unveils Plans for Staff Housing.

Plans are underway to construct approximately 2,000 housing units for staff of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in a move aimed at improving staff welfare and ensuring healthcare workers live closer to the facility.

The proposed Institutional Housing Project is being pursued through the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development under the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, where the hospital has already submitted its proposal for consideration.

The housing initiative is designed to enable doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to reside within close proximity to the hospital, allowing them to respond swiftly to emergencies and attend to patients in critical situations without delay.

Once completed, staff currently residing in existing staff quarters will transition to the newly developed, better-furnished housing units, a move that will effect removal of asbestos roofing in compliance with regulatory requirements, a move that will improve safety while creating room for future expansion.

Speaking during a staff engagement meeting, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, also informed staff that the hospital’s transition process is in its final stages, with salary harmonization expected to be implemented by the beginning of the second quarter as part of the ongoing institutional reforms to strengthen staff motivation and service delivery.

Dr. Okise further unveiled additional development plans already in progress, noting that the facility is expected to begin construction of an additional 2,000-bed hospital starting in August this year. He also highlighted that the ongoing construction of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Obama Children’s Hospital and the Comprehensive Cancer Centre, alongside other infrastructural upgrades, will support the long-term vision of transforming JOOTRH into a future medical city.

Dr. Okise called on staff to remain professional, responsible, and committed, emphasizing that collective effort and teamwork will be essential in advancing the hospital to the next level of growth and service delivery.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital

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