"Hiyo ni Ya Broadbased" Senator Cherargei Reacts as Jaramogi Oginga Hospital in Kisumu Elevated to Level Six

 Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has officially been elevated to a national referral hospital, becoming Kenya’s sixth Level 6A facility. 

The Ministry of Health confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that the national government will now assume full operational control and implement infrastructure upgrades to strengthen specialized services.

The move is expected to improve access to advanced medical care for residents across Nyanza and parts of Western Kenya, reducing the need for patients to travel to Nairobi or Eldoret for complex treatments. 

On X, Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei welcomed the announcement, linking it to national government initiatives. 

He stated,

“JOOTRH is now a national referral hospital that will ensure Kenyans from Nyanza and Western regions access first-class medical services closer to home. This achievement reflects the efforts of a broad-based government committed to equity, equality, and balanced regional development across the country.”

Cherargei further called for expansion of referral hospitals nationwide, arguing that every county should eventually have such a facility. 

“In future, each county should have a referral hospital to allow our people to access medical services in mashinani,” he added, emphasizing long-standing calls for decentralized healthcare.

Historically, patients from Nyanza and Western regions have often faced long journeys to access specialist care in Nairobi or Eldoret. 

The hospital’s elevation is intended to address these gaps, providing a regional hub for advanced medical services including diagnostics and surgical procedures.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that ongoing upgrades will include new equipment, improved infrastructure, and additional specialist staff to meet rising demand. 

Authorities expect the move to reduce pressure on other national referral hospitals while improving overall health outcomes in the region.

JOOTRH’s upgrade represents a milestone in Kenya’s broader efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and promote regional equity, offering Kisumu residents and neighbouring counties closer access to high-level medical care.