Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital’s specialized Pediatric Facility-Obama Children’s Hospital is set to become semi-autonomous on 1st July 2025 to enhance service delivery.
JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the transformation targets to establish the hospital as a fully-fledged pediatric centre of excellence in the region.
Speaking during the International Nurses Week celebrations, where pediatric unit nurses gathered to honor their contributions to child healthcare, Dr Lesiyampe said the move will see the facility operate its own laboratory, emergency department, and pediatric oncology wing all geared towards turning the hospital into a world-class facility.
The facility, he added, will also receive new portable X-ray and ultrasound machines to reduce delays caused by long distances to the radiology department within the larger JOOTRH.
All the wards at the facility, he added, will receive child-friendly renovations to give the facility a new face as it charts the way into semi-autonomy.

This, he said, will see the facility become a fully fledged pediatric centre offering critical services as JOOTRH transitions to a national referral hospital and state parastatal under the Ministry of Health.
“As JOOTRH transitions to a national parastatal, Obama Children’s Hospital will continue to raise the bar in pediatric care. Let us keep this momentum going,” he said.
Pediatric Unit Manager Elizabeth Oyieko lauded the nurses for their compassion and dedication which has put the name of the hospital on the map.
Head of Pediatric Department Dr Joy Muyonga said nurses were critical in the healthcare system, highlighting their immense contribution to the hospital’s daily operations.
“You go above and beyond with limited resources. Without nurses, this hospital would collapse. Patient outcomes depend heavily on your resilience and care,” she said.
During the celebrations, nurses proposed the introduction of child-friendly scrubs to help reduce anxiety among young patients.
They also reflected on their calling, reaffirming the fulfillment they find in saving young lives.
By Chris Mahandara