Nurses and midwives at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) will now negotiate their labour matters under an autonomous union structure following the signing of a formal Recognition Agreement with the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM).
The agreement, signed at the facility in Kisumu on Thursday, effectively detaches the referral hospital from the Kisumu branch of the union, paving the way for the establishment of a fully-fledged JOOTRH chapter. The new chapter’s officials will be elected exclusively from among nurses and midwives working at the hospital.
The development marks a significant institutional milestone for the Level 6A national referral hospital, which has been restructuring its governance systems since its elevation from a county-managed facility to a national government entity.
Under the new arrangement, nurses and midwives will elect their own chapter leadership to spearhead representation, collective bargaining and workplace engagement tailored to the needs of the referral hospital. JOOTRH serves patients from across the Lake Region and neighbouring counties, making it one of the busiest specialised healthcare institutions in western Kenya.
KNUNM Secretary General Seth Panyako, who led the union delegation during the signing ceremony, described the agreement as a major step in strengthening structured labour relations at the institution.
He urged nurses and midwives to maintain unity, professionalism and transparency as they prepare for the upcoming chapter elections, cautioning against divisions that could disrupt service delivery.
“This transition must be orderly and peaceful. Leadership is about responsibility and service to members,” Panyako said, noting that credible and accountable leadership at the chapter level would enhance dialogue with management and safeguard members’ welfare.
JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Joshua Okise welcomed the agreement, stating that it aligns with the hospital’s expanded mandate as a national referral facility.
He observed that as the hospital continues to grow in capacity, infrastructure and scope of specialised services, its internal systems—including labour relations frameworks—must evolve to reflect its new national status.
Dr. Okise reaffirmed management’s commitment to constructive engagement with union representatives, emphasizing that open dialogue remains key to sustaining industrial harmony at the busy referral institution.
“Our focus remains on teamwork, stability and patient-centred care. Even as staff participate in elections, service delivery must continue uninterrupted,” he said.
The CEO added that strong collaboration between hospital management and union leadership would be critical in addressing workforce concerns, improving working conditions and maintaining high standards of specialised healthcare.
In recent months, JOOTRH has implemented several reforms aimed at consolidating its transition into a national referral facility, including strengthening governance structures, enhancing operational autonomy and streamlining administrative systems.
The signing of the Recognition Agreement now formally anchors nurses and midwives within a labour framework specifically tailored to the hospital’s unique operational environment. The move is expected to improve responsiveness in handling workplace matters, enhance representation and deepen staff participation in institutional decision-making.
By Chris Mahandara
