President William Ruto has appointed Dr. Charles Olang’o Onudi as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu.
The appointment, published in a gazette notice dated November 7, grants Dr. Onudi a three-year term at the helm of one of the most important health institutions in Western Kenya.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by paragraph 7 (1)(a) of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital Order, 2025, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Dr. Olang’o Onudi to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of JOOTRH for a period of three years with effect from November 7, 2025,” the notice read.
Dr. Onudi brings with him a rich background in medical leadership and public administration, having previously served in senior roles within Kisumu County, including as a County Executive Committee (CEC) member and later as the acting County Secretary.
He also worked as a Provincial Medical Officer and a Director at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), where he was instrumental in advancing medical education and policy.
Notably, in 2019, Dr. Onudi played a key role in mediating talks between the Kisumu County Government and the National Union of Nurses, which led to the suspension of a major strike that had disrupted healthcare services across the region.
In 2010, he was appointed as the Director of KMTC by then-Medical Services Minister Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, a decision that drew both praise and debate in parliament.
His new role at JOOTRH comes at a pivotal time, following the facility’s recent elevation to a national State Corporation, solidifying its status as a Level 6 referral hospital serving millions across the Western region.
As Non-Executive Chairperson, Dr. Onudi will provide strategic oversight, strengthen governance, and help steer the hospital toward improved service delivery and institutional growth.