Kenyans have once again been thrown into deep mourning following the breaking news of the passing on of renowned medical professional and health administrator Dr. George Rae.
The sad news was confirmed by his family, who announced that Dr. Rae passed away while undergoing treatment in South Korea, where he had reportedly fallen ill during an official work-related tour. The family has not yet disclosed further details regarding the cause of his death.
An outpouring of grief has been witnessed across the country, particularly within the medical fraternity and the Kisumu County Government, where Dr. Rae served with distinction.
At the time of his passing, he was the Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization in the Kisumu County Department of Health, a role through which he continued to shape healthcare policy and strengthen collaborations aimed at improving service delivery.
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Dr. Rae was widely known for his transformative leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). He led the institution from 2020 to 2024, having previously been appointed in 2018, and was instrumental in laying a strong operational and strategic foundation for the hospital.
Under his stewardship, JOOTRH recorded notable improvements in infrastructure, governance, and patient care, elevating its status as a key referral facility in the Lake Region. He handed over leadership to Dr. Richard Lesiyampe late last year.
Beyond hospital management, Dr. Rae was a passionate public health advocate. He was a distinguished champion in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease, dedicating much of his time and energy to improving the lives of vulnerable patients affected by the condition.
Colleagues describe this work as a personal mission that went beyond professional obligation.
To those who worked closely with him, Dr. Rae was more than a senior administrator. He was a mentor and a source of encouragement, known for his open-door policy, humility, and ability to nurture ideas without judgment.
His guidance helped shape the careers of many health professionals within the county.
As tributes continue to pour in, Kenyans are remembering Dr. Rae for his warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering dedication to public service. The family has requested prayers and support during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.