JOOTRH staff assured of their jobs as hospital attains national status

Staff members at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) have been assured of job security and improved benefits as the facility transitions into a national state corporation.

Public Service, County Administration, and Public Participation executive Salmon Orimba said the transition would not displace any existing employees.

Orimba said current JOOTRH staff will be the pioneer employees of this new national entity.

He was speaking during a staff celebration at the facility in Kisumu to mark the hospital’s official gazettement as a parastatal.

“No external personnel will be brought in to take over your roles. You are the ones who built this hospital, and you’ll continue to serve here.”

Orimba added that the county government would continue paying the salaries of the 460 staff members until the national government fully assumes financial responsibility during the transition.

A notable development following the hospital’s elevation is the planned salary increment for contractual and casual staff.

Beginning July 1, 2025, about 461 workers are expected to receive a pay rise of between 40 per cent and 50 per cent.

JOOTRH chief executive officer Richard Lesiyampe called on staff to remain patient as the transition process is rolled out in phases.

He noted that key administrative procedures, including staff categorisation and establishment, would be overseen by the Public Service Board.

He further said the Salaries and Remuneration Commission would be responsible for standardising salary structures, while the Retirement Benefits Authority would address pension issues and put in place a pension scheme for JOOTRH staff.

“We understand that change can be unsettling, but I urge you to trust the process,” said Dr Lesiyampe. “Everything is being handled transparently, with your welfare as a top priority.”

Board chair Festus Achola also expressed his appreciation to both the staff and the Kisumu county government for their dedication and collaboration, which he said had made the hospital’s elevation possible.

“This milestone is a testament to years of hard work and commitment,” he said, adding that they look forward to growing together in this new chapter.

The transition is expected to open new opportunities for capacity building, career progression and enhanced service delivery across the region.