NAIROBI, Kenya, August 3, 2026/APO Group/ —
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held his first strategic engagement with the newly constituted Board of Directors of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), chaired by Dr. Charles Olang’o, outlining the Government’s expectations as the hospital begins its expanded mandate as a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The Cabinet Secretary said the Board will play a critical role in steering the institution’s transformation into a leading centre for specialised healthcare, medical training, research and innovation, strengthening referral services for Western Kenya and the wider East African region while easing pressure on national referral hospitals.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing health sector reforms under the Taifa Care Model, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has enrolled more than 31 million Kenyans, the revitalisation of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), whose order fill rate has increased to 90 per cent, and preparations for the operationalisation of the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, Kenya’s first integrated emergency medical coordination system.
The Cabinet Secretary challenged the Board to provide visionary leadership grounded in integrity, accountability and sound corporate governance, emphasising prudent management of public resources and a results-driven approach to institutional growth and quality service delivery.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting JOOTRH through continued investments in infrastructure, specialised medical services, healthcare workforce development, research and innovation to strengthen access to quality, affordable and people-centred healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage.
The meeting was attended by the Ministry’s Director of Health Sector Coordination, Dr. Ahmed Albush, the Secretary for Administration in the State Department for Medical Services, Mr. James Ntabo, and the National Eye Care Coordinator and Head of the Eye Health Section, Dr. Monicah Bitok.