The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has secured a formal foothold in the ongoing transition of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) into a Level Six national referral facility.
The union signed a Recognition Agreement with the hospital’s management, in a move that makes KMPDU a key stakeholder in staff and management decisions during the transition period.
The agreement was signed by KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah and JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, establishing a structured framework for engagement as the hospital expands its mandate to match other national referral facilities.
Dr. Atellah said the deal was intended to safeguard the welfare of doctors while strengthening the hospital’s capacity to negotiate better remuneration and address long-standing staffing and infrastructure gaps.
During the talks, KMPDU sought assurances on the fate of doctors currently serving on locum terms, calling for their absorption into permanent and pensionable positions once the hospital’s human resource function is fully transitioned.
Dr. Atellah said job security was critical to the stability and effectiveness of a national referral hospital.
He described the agreement as a timely milestone, noting that JOOTRH was among the first facilities to transition from a county hospital to a national referral institution.
Dr. Atellah said the process would offer a template for other hospitals earmarked for elevation.
“We are committed to working closely with management to address human resource gaps, equipment, availability of medicines and the functionality of theaters,” he said, adding that protecting healthcare workers’ welfare ultimately improves patient care.
A key provision of the agreement is a commitment to conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within 120 days.
He said KMPDU would submit a draft CBA within one month, while the hospital management will provide relevant information to support transparent negotiations.
Dr. Atellah expressed confidence that the dialogue-driven approach, already in place at Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, would enhance service delivery at JOOTRH.
Responding to the concerns, JOOTRH CEO said the hospital was awaiting the completion of job evaluation and grading by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and other relevant bodies, which will provide clarity on staffing requirements.
“Once the grading is concluded, we will have a clear roadmap on how many additional doctors and specialists are needed to meet national standards,” Dr Okise said, while commending doctors currently serving at the facility for their role in driving its growth.
The CEO welcomed the partnership with KMPDU, saying the hospital was targeting February 2026 to complete staff transitions and harmonize salary structures. “This recognition agreement marks a progressive step towards a long-term partnership,” he said, calling for sustained dialogue to ensure industrial harmony.
Both parties said the framework would enhance institutional stability and improve healthcare outcomes for patients across the Lake Region Economic Bloc and beyond.
By Chris Mahandara
