By Ogega Ondari. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is making significant strides towards offering kidney transplants, a move that promises to revolutionize kidney treatment in the region. This development was highlighted during the hospital’s commemoration of World Kidney Day, where calls for early kidney disease detection were also emphasized. Currently, JOOTRH’s renal care unit provides dialysis to over 60 patients, with plans to expand this capacity to 100. However, recognizing the growing demand, projected to exceed 350 patients requiring dialysis, the hospital is prioritizing kidney transplantation as a long-term solution. The facility has recently acquired advanced kidney...

JOOTRH Reaches New Heights!
By Lorraine Anyango, Sherine Atieno and Ogega Ondari. The recent elevation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to a State Corporation marks a transformative milestone for the institution and its staff. This decision, approved by the Kenyan Cabinet, aligns JOOTRH with other premier referral hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). With this new status, JOOTRH is poised to deliver advanced specialized healthcare services while significantly improving the welfare of its workforce. During a celebration at the facility following the announcement, JOOTRH CEO...
JOOTRH Anesthesiologists to Benefit from New Training Program
By Ogega Ondari. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has partnered with McGaw Medical Centre of Northwestern University to provide advanced training for its resident anesthesiologists. The year-long anesthesiology program will cover the full spectrum of anesthesia, including not only surgical procedures but also crucial soft skills like patient well-being. JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe welcomed Dr. Paul Johnson of McGaw Medical Centre and lauded the program as transformative, emphasizing its focus on patient-centered care. “Actively listening to patients and their families to understand their preferences and expectations is key to achieving excellent clinical outcomes, a core value...

Kisumu County to roll out “Kuwa Kocha” Campaign to Champion Early Childhood Development
by Lorraine Anyango. Multi-sectoral frontline service providers in Kisumu County are discussing the current state of nurturing care for...

18 years of pain ended.
story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ogega Ondari. Photos and details shared with the informed consent of sources quoted. Eunice Adhiambo, a 49-year-old resident of Nyahera, Kisumu, is overwhelmed with gratitude after undergoing a life-changing neurosurgical procedure. After enduring 18 years of debilitating pain, Ms. Adhiambo has undergone successful spinal surgery at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral...

JOOTRH Boosts Healthcare with New A&E, Dialysis Machines, and Ambitious Strategy.
Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ogega Ondari. The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has significantly upgraded its services with the launch of a new Accident and Emergency Unit, advanced dialysis machines, and a comprehensive five-year strategic plan. Kisumu County...

A New Dawn for a 38-year-old man After a Life-Changing Spine Surgery
story by Sherine Atieno and photos by Ogega Ondari. For Francis Muema, 38 years old, from Makueni County, life was a balancing act between pain and perseverance. As a construction worker, every day meant lifting heavy loads, moving materials, and enduring harsh working conditions. For over a decade, he endured devastating effects of spine injury characterized by burning pain, numbness, and limited mobility. His recent successful surgery at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), during the ongoing Neurosurgical camp finally granted him relief and hope for a better future. Muema’s ordeal began in 2011 when a routine day...

JOOTRH Wellness Centre: A Hub of Transformation and Talent Beyond Therapy
Story By Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ogega Ondari. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital’s (JOOTRH) Wellness Centre provides a safe space for individuals recovering from drug and substance use, proving that recovery goes beyond medication. In a session held at the hospital’s main boardroom, clients showcased impressive talents and income-generating activities that help them manage addiction while reintegrating positively into society. Among the skills displayed were artworks, handmade bead crafts, locally produced lavender and passion-flavoured liquid soap, and a woven mat which were presented as gift to the hospital’s CEO, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe. These clients are from diverse...

Neuro camp 2025 solutions .
story By Sherine Atieno and pictures by Ogega Ondari Judith Auma, a 45-year-old resident of Alego, Siaya County, is finally finding relief after a...

Hope for Hope: Five-Year-Old Awaits Life-Changing Surgery
Story by Sherine Atieno and photos by Ogega Ondari. Baby Hope, a jovial five-year-old with a bright smile, is among three children currently admitted to Ward 9 at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), awaiting a life-changing neurosurgical procedure during the ongoing Neuro Camp. Her mother, Ms. Judith Adhiambo, clings to hope as she prays for a successful surgery that will finally bring an end to their daughter’s stressful health journey. “I look forward to a successful surgery ahead for my daughter,” she says, her voice filled with faith. A month ago, Hope was full of energy, eagerly...