Kisumu County is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform its healthcare landscape, as Governor H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o hails a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today.
This pioneering partnership brings together Kisumu County’s Department of Health, Maseno University, and the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC), setting the stage for a transformative shift in healthcare delivery, medical research, and specialist training.
The MOU, which was formalized in a ceremony held on Thursday March 13,2025, marks a pivotal moment in Kisumu’s quest to provide accessible, world-class healthcare services to its residents.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili, Governor Nyong’o highlighted the profound impact the agreement will have on the county’s medical future.
“This MOU is not just a document; it is a blueprint for a future where Kisumu leads in maternal health, cancer care, and surgical advancements,” said Nyong’o.
“We are committed to ensuring that no woman dies from preventable maternal complications and that every cancer patient in Kisumu gets access to the best treatment available.”
The MOU promises to introduce specialized training in critical areas such as minimally invasive surgeries, maternal health, cancer care, and infectious disease management.
It also lays the foundation for innovative doctor and researcher exchange programs, policy alignment, and essential healthcare infrastructure development, ensuring long-term sustainability and improved service delivery.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Dr. Michelle Batin and Dr. Jennifer Makin from UPMC, and officials from Maseno University, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi.
The presence of these leading medical professionals underscored UPMC’s commitment to raising healthcare standards in Kisumu and beyond.
Governor Nyong’o also took the opportunity to commend the efforts of President William Ruto’s administration for upgrading the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to a national parastatal.
He described the elevation of JOOTRH as a monumental move that will alleviate Kisumu’s financial burdens, allowing the county to reinvest in specialized medical training and cutting-edge research.
“This upgrade is a game-changer for Kisumu’s healthcare sector, and it will allow us to offer top-tier services to the people while building capacity for our healthcare professionals,” Nyong’o stated.
The historic agreement was signed by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili on behalf of Governor Nyong’o, Maseno University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi, and Dr. Jennifer Makin from UPMC. Also present at the event were Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of JOOTRH, and Dr. Gregory Ganda, the County Executive Committee Member for Health.
This MOU is more than just an agreement; it is a testament to Kisumu’s ambition to become a premier healthcare hub in Kenya and across Africa.
With its new partnership, the county is well on its way to reshaping the future of healthcare, ensuring that Kisumu residents receive world-class care right at home.
