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) board. The appointment was confirmed via a gazette notice dated November 7, 2025, and will last three years. Onudi brings extensive experience in health and Kisumu County administration.
The appointment of Dr. Charles Olang’o Onudi was made under the provisions of the State Corporations Act (Cap. 446), which grants the President authority to select a chairperson. The gazette notice states: '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 the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for a period of three years, with effect from November 7, 2025.'
Onudi has held senior roles in Kisumu County, including as a member of the County Executive Committee and acting county secretary. He also served as a Provincial Medical Officer and Director at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). In 2010, he was appointed KMTC Director by then-Medical Services Minister Anyang' Nyong’o, a move that drew parliamentary criticism.
One of his notable contributions was participating in discussions with the National Union of Nurses, leading to the suspension of a strike that paralyzed Kisumu's health sector in 2019. The appointment strengthens JOOTRH's governance structure, following its recent elevation to national State Corporation status. JOOTRH is a crucial Level 6 medical facility in Western Kenya, serving millions. Onudi's role will provide oversight and maintain governance standards at the hospital.