Kisumu Makes Healthcare History: JOOTRH Achieves Level 6 Hospital Status
June 2025 Update: Kisumu's Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has been officially elevated to Level 6 national referral status through a Kenya Gazette notice, placing it among Kenya's elite medical institutions.
Kisumu has taken a major step forward in healthcare with the official elevation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to a Level 6 national referral hospital. The announcement, made in June 2025 and formalized through a Kenya Gazette notice, positions JOOTRH among the country's top-tier health institutions alongside Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
What Level 6 Status Means for Patients
This status upgrade marks a significant milestone for the region. As a Level 6 hospital, JOOTRH will now:
- Receive direct national funding for infrastructure and equipment
- Attract more highly trained specialists across all disciplines
- Expand advanced medical services including oncology, cardiology, and trauma care
The hospital currently operates with 900 beds and 954 staff members, but ambitious plans are underway to scale up to over 2,500 personnel in the coming years to meet growing regional demand.
International Partnerships Driving Change
The transition to national status follows years of strategic development by the Kisumu County Government in partnership with international allies. Most notably:
Russia-UNDP Collaboration: Through the United Nations Development Programme, Russia has provided critical support including a new energy-efficient central kitchen system, significantly improving patient nutrition services and hospital operations.
JOOTRH's history comes full circle with this development. Originally built in 1969 with Soviet assistance (earning its former nickname "Russia Hospital"), the facility is now reclaiming its position as a regional healthcare leader with renewed support from Moscow.
The Road Ahead for Western Kenya Healthcare
With its new Level 6 designation and strengthened international partnerships, JOOTRH is poised to become:
- The medical hub for Western Kenya and Lake Region
- A center for specialized treatment and medical research
- A major employer with 1,500+ new healthcare jobs
This elevation represents both recognition of Kisumu's growing importance in Kenya's healthcare landscape and a commitment to improved health outcomes for millions of residents in the region.