JOOTRH upgraded to national teaching and referral hospital

The Cabinet has approved the elevation of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu to a national teaching and referral facility.

The development was ratified during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, with a subsequent despatch stating that the hospital will also be established into a State corporation, thereby improving the quality of healthcare services and medical training in Kenya.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed the move, saying the facility will now receive adequate resources to continue expanding its service delivery in the Lake Region and beyond.

“I sincerely thank the JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Lesiyampe, his staff, the hospital's Board of Management for undertaking various reforms that have improved service delivery in the institution exponentially,” he said in a separate statement.

“My government will continue to support and nurture JOOTRH in the capacity-building needed for effective service delivery.”

Other major approvals made by the Cabinet include the upgrading of the Siaya Institute of Technology, Bumbe Technical Training Institute, Kipsoen Technical & Vocational College, and Kisiwa Technical Training Institute to national polytechnic status, enhancing technical education across the country, among others.

“The Cabinet also approved the hosting of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally between March 20-23, 2025, in Naivasha, Nakuru County and Implementation of the Bosto Multi-purpose Dam and Mokubo Water Supply projects in Bomet and Kisii counties, respectively,” read the Cabinet dispatch.

“It also approved the establishment of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science as a specialised postgraduate degree awarding institution of strategic national importance.”

The Cabinet further approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and HelpAge International Kenya to support the elderly in leading dignified, healthy and secure lives.

Additionally, on international relations, President Ruto’s Cabinet approved a Defence Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and Somalia, as well as frameworks for space exploration cooperation with Rwanda and Egypt through the Kenya Space Agency.

In a move to address youth unemployment, the Cabinet also endorsed the Internship and Volunteer Policy and Guidelines for the Public Service, providing a standardised framework to streamline the recruitment, engagement, and management of interns and volunteers across government institutions.

“The policy addresses inconsistencies in existing fragmented programmes, ensuring fair terms of engagement while creating structured pathways for youth employment. With thousands of graduates entering the job market annually, the framework aims to bridge the education-to-employment gap by equipping young professionals with hands-on skills essential for career progression,” the despatch added.

“It also formalises volunteerism in public service, recognising its critical role in disaster response, national development, and community service. It covers degree, diploma, and professional certificate holders, ensuring equitable opportunities while meeting professional licensing requirements in fields such as medicine and law.”

The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Sacco Societies Act, 2008. The proposed reforms, outlined in the Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023—now before Parliament—aim to modernise financial and technological operations, particularly benefiting smaller SACCOs.