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 Dr. Richard Lesiyampe emphasized that the elevation will bring several benefits to staff. Among the most anticipated changes in staff reward across all levels, ensuring staff compensation reflects their dedication and aligns with national standards. The new parastatal status also opens up opportunities for job promotions, allowing employees to advance their careers and take on leadership roles as the hospital expands.
The elevation also signals a shift towards more stable employment for casual and contract workers. Dr. Lesiyampe highlighted that permanent and pensionable terms will now be available, ensuring job security and improving the lives of workers who have previously been on short-term contracts. This move is expected to foster a better working environment by addressing the needs of all employees, from healthcare professionals to support staff.
In his remarks, Dr. Lesiyampe also acknowledged the staff who have dedicated years of service to JOOTRH despite receiving minimal pay. He recognized their resilience and commitment, emphasizing that the elevation brings hope for better days ahead. With the new parastatal status, long-serving employees can expect improved compensation, career advancement opportunities, and more favourable working conditions.
In addition to improving staff welfare, the hospital plans to expand its services to reach more communities. A key focus of JOOTRH’s community engagement strategy involves establishing satellite clinics at the grassroots level. These clinics will extend healthcare services closer to the population, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care. To manage the increasing demand, JOOTRH also plans to recruit additional staff, easing the workload and improving the delivery of quality healthcare services.
The hospital’s elevation paves the way for the introduction and enhancement of critical medical services. While JOOTRH currently offers a comprehensive range of specialties, it is preparing to develop cardiac transplant and radiotherapy services—two essential units that have been missing. With the improved status, these specialized treatments will become available, allowing the hospital to offer holistic care and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, staff will benefit from advanced training programs to equip them with the latest medical knowledge and techniques.
As JOOTRH steps into this new chapter, the focus remains on improving the well-being of staff and delivering accessible, responsive, and quality specialized care. The elevation promises better opportunities for employees and enhanced healthcare services for the community.