JOOTRH obtains COSECSA accreditation to train orthopedic surgeons

KENYA — The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has received official accreditation from the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) to offer training in orthopaedic surgery.

The approval, which takes effect in January 2026, marks a new chapter for specialized surgical education and patient care in Western Kenya.

COSECSA, the regional professional body responsible for postgraduate surgical training across East, Central, and Southern Africa, confirmed that JOOTRH met the required standards to operate as a specialist training centre.

In an official letter, COSECSA Chief Executive Officer Stella Itungu commended the hospital for fulfilling all accreditation criteria and affirmed that the program would prepare trainees to manage complex orthopedic conditions effectively.

The newly accredited program, among the first of its kind in the region, will deliver an extensive curriculum covering trauma and emergency management, sports injuries, joint replacement surgeries, and pediatric orthopedic care.

By introducing structured training in these areas, JOOTRH aims to strengthen its capacity and enhance the overall quality of surgical services available to the community.

For patients in Western Kenya, the development promises more accessible and affordable orthopaedic care, reducing the need to travel long distances for specialized treatment.

For healthcare professionals, it creates expanded opportunities for advanced surgical training and specialization within the region.

This initiative will help bridge gaps in healthcare access and promote equitable distribution of essential surgical services.

The accreditation remains valid for five years, during which JOOTRH will undergo periodic reviews to ensure continued compliance with COSECSA’s training and quality standards.

Through these evaluations, the hospital demonstrates its ongoing commitment to excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement in orthopaedic care.

Since its founding in 1999, COSECSA has trained and graduated hundreds of surgeons across Africa, many of whom have remained in their home countries to strengthen local health systems.

JOOTRH expects to benefit from this model by building a pool of skilled surgeons who will serve within Kenya and the wider Western region.

Speaking during the announcement, Dr. Ceaser Bitta, a general surgeon from Maseno University, described the accreditation as a reflection of JOOTRH’s dedication to quality healthcare delivery, surgical training, and research excellence.

He noted that by nurturing a new generation of orthopaedic surgeons, the hospital seeks to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disease, improve patient outcomes, and expand access to specialized care.

The COSECSA recognition positions JOOTRH as a key player in advancing surgical education and improving health equity across Kenya and the region.