NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 30 – Kisumu is set to join Nairobi and Eldoret as one of Kenya’s leading medical hubs after the government announced a Sh3 billion upgrade of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital to level six status.
President William Ruto made the announcement on Friday while addressing residents in Kondele, Kisumu, saying the upgrade will allow the hospital to offer advanced and specialised treatment similar to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
President Ruto said the investment will greatly improve access to quality healthcare for people in Kisumu and the wider Lake Region, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to seek specialised medical services.
“We want Jaramogi Hospital to offer the same level of services as other top referral hospitals in the country,” the President said, adding that the move is part of the government’s plan to ensure equal development across all regions.
The hospital upgrade is part of a broader development push announced by the President during the Kisumu visit.
He cited several ongoing and planned projects aimed at improving livelihoods and boosting economic growth in the county.
These include the construction of thousands of affordable housing units.
President Ruto said some of the housing projects launched earlier are now close to completion, with beneficiaries expected to receive their keys in the coming months.
The government is also building 20 new modern markets across Kisumu County to support small traders and improve business conditions.
In addition, hostels are being constructed to support young people, especially those working and studying in the area.
President Ruto linked the development projects to his call for national unity and cooperation, saying inclusive governance has made it easier to roll out projects that benefit all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation.
“Kisumu and Kenya will change through development projects and proper planning,” he told the crowd, urging residents to support unity and reject politics of division.
Other major announcements included plans to extend the standard gauge railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba, strengthening trade with Uganda and the wider region.
The President also announced Sh450 million in youth business funding, aimed at helping young people grow their enterprises and create jobs.
