By James Okoth
His death marks the end of an era for Kisumu’s medical community, but his legacy will live on through the systems he built and the lives he touched.
The medical fraternity in Kenya is mourning the passing of Dr. George Rae, the distinguished former Chief Executive Officer of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), whose death has left a void in Kisumu’s healthcare landscape and across the nation.
Dr. Rae, who until recently served as an adviser on partnerships and resource mobilisation in the Kisumu County Department of Health, is being remembered as a visionary leader, reformist administrator and compassionate mentor who devoted his life to improving healthcare delivery and nurturing young professionals.
A Life of Service and Vision
Soft-spoken yet firm, Dr. Rae led with clarity, humility and precision. During his tenure at JOOTRH, he spearheaded the transformation of the facility from a regional hospital into a premier referral and teaching institution, serving as a hub for specialised care, research and medical training in Western Kenya.
Under his stewardship, JOOTRH witnessed significant expansion in infrastructure and services. He oversaw the establishment of neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, renal and burns units and laid the groundwork for a radiotherapy centre, giving hope to thousands of cancer patients who previously had to travel long distances for treatment.
He also pushed for the creation of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and paediatric dialysis services, recognising the urgent need for child-focused critical care. Beyond physical infrastructure, Dr. Rae prioritised staff training, systems reform and accountability, ensuring that patient care remained at the heart of every hospital decision.
“He believed hospitals were not just buildings filled with equipment, but living systems that reflect the compassion and commitment of those who serve within them,” said a senior clinician at JOOTRH.
“He was the kind of leader who knew his staff by name, and whose door was always open to ideas,” added another staff member.
A Champion of Collaboration and Reform
Dr. Rae’s tenure was marked by his relentless pursuit of partnerships to strengthen the county’s health system. He cultivated collaborations with universities, research institutions and development agencies, ensuring that JOOTRH became not only a centre of treatment but also of innovation and learning.
His work ethic, discipline and belief in public service inspired a generation of medics. Many young doctors and nurses recall his mentorship with gratitude, describing him as a father figure who never stopped teaching even in the most challenging circumstances.
County Leadership Pays Tribute
Leading the outpouring of condolences, Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili, paid glowing tribute to the late medical icon, describing him as a pillar of the county’s health transformation and a man whose integrity and vision changed lives.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. George Rae,” Dr. Owili said in his message of condolence. “He was a visionary leader, compassionate mentor and devoted servant of the people. Dr. Rae dedicated his life to strengthening our health systems and improving countless lives.”
Owili, who shared his message of condolence on his official social media platforms, described Dr. Rae’s leadership as exemplary, soft-spoken yet firm.
**“His leadership, wisdom and generosity of spirit left an enduring impact on the institutions he served and the communities he touched. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, colleagues and the entire medical fraternity for losing a soft-spoken yet firm, devoted public servant whose commitment was exemplary.
“We mourn the loss of a remarkable leader whose legacy will continue to benefit generations. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”**
The message, delivered with a tone of solemn gratitude, captured the sentiments of an entire county that had come to see Dr. Rae as both a professional beacon and a personal friend of the people.
A Mentor Beyond Measure
At JOOTRH, where he spent years shaping policy and practice, the news of his death brought work to a quiet standstill. Groups of nurses and doctors could be seen huddled in corridors, their eyes heavy with loss but full of admiration for the man who had guided them.
Outside the hospital, his influence extended into the community. He championed outreach programmes on public health awareness, maternal care and early diagnosis of chronic conditions. He believed that preventive medicine was as important as curative care, a conviction that guided his work long after leaving the CEO’s office.
“Dr. Rae led with empathy,” said John Onyango in a social media post.
“He cared about patient welfare as much as he did about staff welfare. He listened, he advised and he always found a way forward. His calm confidence gave us courage even in crisis,” he added.
A Legacy Etched in Humanity
Colleagues describe Dr. Rae as a professional who never chased personal glory but sought collective progress. He believed that the success of one hospital could uplift an entire region. His humility, paired with a deep sense of duty, earned him the respect of peers and patients alike.
In the words of one long-serving medic, “He never raised his voice, but when he spoke, everyone listened. He didn’t demand respect, but he inspired it.”
As the county prepares to honour his memory, plans are underway for a series of tributes by health institutions, reflecting the immense influence he wielded in shaping Kisumu’s health sector.
His passing marks the end of an era, but the systems he built, the leaders he mentored and the countless lives he touched will continue to speak for him.
In the quiet corridors of JOOTRH, one message captures the mood of all who knew him.
“He taught us that leadership in health is not about power, but about people. Today we grieve, but we also celebrate a life that healed, inspired and transformed.”
