By C, KNA
The technical committee overseeing the transition of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) from the County Government of Kisumu to the national government has moved to allay fears among hospital workers regarding their job security and future at the health facility.
Committee Chairman James Ntabo assured workers that no one will lose their job as a result of the transition.
The committee, appointed by the Ministry of Health following JOOTRH’s elevation to a Level 6A facility and a national parastatal, he said, was on course to deliver a smooth, structured, and transparent handover process.
“Our key priority is to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. We are addressing critical issues including liabilities and assets, payroll, and pending bills but above all, we are focused on staff welfare. Workers should not be anxious; their jobs are safe,” Ntabo said.
Ntabo, who also serves as the Secretary of Administration at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the Ministry was working closely with both national and county teams to ensure that the transition does not disrupt hospital operations or compromise the delivery of health services to the public.
Speaking during a meeting with workers at the facility, Ntambo said the committee comprises of experts from various departments including human resources, finance, and planning, with representation from both the national and county governments adding that the exercise was set to be concluded within six months.
He acknowledged the anxiety among workers but reassured them that the committee was committed to protecting their welfare and upholding transparency in every decision made.
Ntabo urged all stakeholders including staff, county officials, local leaders, and the media to support the transition, noting that the facility’s new national status brings increased responsibility and visibility.
The transition comes amid leadership changes at the facility where Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, who served as the hospital’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the past 18 months, has officially exited the role following his appointment as Acting CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Speaking during his farewell address, Dr. Lesiyampe reflected on his tenure at JOOTRH and the achievements made under his leadership.
“We have transformed lives, touched communities, and provided relief to those in pain. I’m grateful to the staff and the Ministry for the opportunity to serve. JOOTRH is in good hands,” he said.
He also expressed full confidence in his successor, Joshua Clinton Okise, who has taken over as the hospital’s Acting CEO during the transitional phase.
“I’ve worked closely with Mr. Okise, mentored him, and I’m certain he will provide stable leadership during this period,” he added.
In his maiden address, Okise vowed to build on the momentum created under Dr. Lesiyampe and promised continuity in clinical excellence and staff engagement.
“I thank the Ministry of Health for trusting me with this gigantic responsibility. I have three main mandates — maintain high clinical outcomes, ensure a smooth transition for our staff, and drive the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in this region,” he said.
He highlighted the ongoing SHA (Social Health Authority) registration drive in the Nyanza region as a core priority, aligning JOOTRH’s role with national health goals.
JOOTRH serves as a critical referral facility for Western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley, and its elevation to Level 6 status is expected to enhance specialized healthcare delivery and create more opportunities for medical training, research, and infrastructure expansion.