This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
August 10, 2019
A mass transfer of medical workers in Kisumu County has left several senior administrators demoted, sparking tension in public hospitals.
The transfers, which were announced by County Chief Officer Health Stephen Sewe, affected 22 medics, accountants, and administrators at the Jaramaogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOORTH) and other health facilities.
Among those affected was Dr. Peter Okoth, the former CEO of JOORTH, who was moved to Kisumu County Hospital as a dentist. He has been replaced by Roseline Omolo, who was elevated from a senior administrator at the same facility.
Other notable demotions include that of Kisumu County Referral Hospital medical superintendent Francis Ayugi, who was moved to a regular surgeon at the same facility.
The transfers were justified as 'service need', which means the affected officers are being redeployed to their fields of specialty.
However, the changes have been met with skepticism, with some medical workers questioning the rationale behind the transfers.
Prof. Judith Miguda-Attyang', the new health Executive, has confirmed that the changes are part of a normal internal system shakeup.
However, Governor Anyang' Nyong'o's press director, Aloice Ager, has stated that the changes are not final and require approval from the executive and the county public service board.
