Kisumu Governor, H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, has hailed a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a “pivotal moment” in the county’s healthcare transformation. The agreement, formalized today, brings together the Kisumu County Department of Health, Maseno University, and the globally acclaimed University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC) in a bold push to revolutionize healthcare access, specialist training, and medical research.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili, at the signing ceremony on Thursday, Governor Nyong’o emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“This MOU is not just a document; it is a commitment to a future where no woman dies from preventable maternal complications, where cancer patients receive world-class treatment in Kisumu, and where our medical professionals are trained to the highest standards.”
The groundbreaking collaboration will focus on specialist training in minimally invasive surgeries, maternal health, cancer treatment, and infectious diseases. The deal also paves the way for doctor and researcher exchange programs, policy alignment, and infrastructure development, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Dr. Michelle Batin and Dr. Jennifer Makin from UPMC and Magee Women’s Hospital were present at the event, reaffirming their institution’s commitment to raising healthcare standards in Kisumu and beyond.
Governor Nyong’o, in his written address, also lauded President William Ruto’s administration for upgrading Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to a national parastatal. He emphasized that this elevation would ease Kisumu County’s financial burden and strengthen healthcare service delivery.
“With this upgrade, we can channel more resources into specialist training and research while ensuring the people of Kisumu receive top-tier medical care,” he noted.
The MOU was signed by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili on behalf of Governor Nyong’o, Maseno University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi, and Dr. Jennifer Makin from UPMC. Also in attendance were Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe and County CECM for Health, Dr. Gregory Ganda.
This historic agreement signals Kisumu’s ambition to position itself as a premier healthcare hub in Kenya and Africa at large.
