By Sandra Blessing
It was just a matter of when and not if, how, why and what the acting Chief Executive Officer of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Dr Joshua Clinton Okise, would be feted for his transformational leadership and turnaround of the institution.
Dr Okise, the first acting CEO of the new parastatal, has rewritten history by becoming the CEO of the year in his first time at the helm.
Dr Okise was named CEO of the Year at the Kenya Leadership Awards 2026, in recognition of his leadership, strategic direction, innovation and contribution to institutional transformation.
The CEO received the award on 23 September 2026 at Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, during a ceremony attended by industry leaders, academicians and senior professionals.
According to the organisers, his selection followed an independent evaluation based on strategic leadership, business growth, operational excellence, innovation, governance and societal impact.
The recognition comes about 395 days into his tenure at JOOTRH, during which the hospital has undergone significant financial, clinical, technological and infrastructural transformation.
Achievements
One of the most notable achievements has been the hospital’s financial turnaround.
Drawing on his academic background in finance and research on financial information systems and revenue collection, Dr Okise has championed stronger billing systems, revenue optimisation and measures to address financial leakages. JOOTRH’s revenue rose from approximately KSh290 million to KSh1.5 billion in FY2024/25.
Dr Okise, working together with the Board of Management, has seen the hospital record major clinical milestones, including open-heart surgery, minimally invasive VATS procedures, expanded neurosurgery and cardiothoracic services, automated Red Blood Cell Exchange, and expanded apheresis services.
The hospital has also strengthened cancer care, maternal and newborn services, digital systems, research and specialist training. Infrastructure development has included theatre renovations, Emergency Department expansion, cancer centre development and new NICU and PICU facilities.
JOOTRH has further expanded community outreach through JOOTRH Mashinani, providing specialised and preventive services closer to communities.
While receiving the award, he thanked the Board of Management as well as the staff for their collaboration.
For the JOOTRH fraternity, the award recognises a period of institutional transformation as the hospital continues its transition into a Level 6A National Teaching and Referral Hospital, strengthening its role in specialised healthcare, training and research.
