KISUMU, August 24th 2026 -Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o has challenged newly inaugurated board members of the Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH) and Victoria Sub-County Hospital to provide strategic oversight and ensure prudent use of resources.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at his City Hall office, Nyong’o said the boards must play a critical role under the Facilities Improvement Financing (FIF) framework.
He clarified that while day-to-day management remains the responsibility of hospital management teams, the boards are mandated to scrutinize plans and budgets, monitor performance, and mobilize partnerships and additional resources.
The Governor said the boards must ensure the hospitals’ Master Plans are actualized through improved infrastructure, equipment, quality services and better patient outcomes.
“Following the transition of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), KCRH is now the county’s major referral facility. Victoria Sub-County Hospital remains a county government facility and we are establishing a clear governance framework to give it a distinct, specialist role complementary to KCRH,” Nyong’o said.
He revealed that a comprehensive Master Plan covering out-patient and in-patient services, departmental linkages, and internal traffic flow is already in place.
This financial year, Sh80 million has been allocated under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP) for a new in-patient wing at Victoria Hospital. The county is also working with the National Government to establish a 250-bed Mother and Child Hospital at the facility, with construction expected to start soon.
Nyong’o added that systems for longitudinal monitoring have been installed to provide continuous sickle-cell care for both children and adults, alongside the upcoming Chun Jeong-eun Nyong’o Cancer Center at Victoria Hospital.
He further disclosed that a modern diagnostic centre is being developed through a public-private partnership. The facility is 50 percent complete and is expected to be finished within three months. It will offer advanced imaging services, including CT scan and MRI, enabling complex conditions to be diagnosed and managed locally.
The Governor allayed fears among health workers, assuring them that Victoria remains a government institution and that they remain central to its future.
He emphasized that JOOTRH, KCRH and Victoria Hospital are not competitors but complementary institutions within one health system. Victoria will serve as the county hub for newborn screening, receiving samples from hospitals across Kisumu to ensure early diagnosis for every child.
The facility will also coordinate a county-wide programme for early cancer detection and sickle-cell care, working with facilities across the county to identify patients early, facilitate referrals and link them to specialized care.
The KCRH Board will be chaired by Steve Awiti and includes ENT Consultant Dr David Odeny, former Miwani MCA Joseph Osano, Alex Ochieng and the facility’s Medical Superintendent Dr. Nyawara.
The Victoria Sub-County Hospital Board includes former JOOTRH CEO Dr Peter Okoth, Mitchell Oloo, Sally Hawi and Jared Obino, among others.
