Mothers who delivered at the maternity wing of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu were treated to a Valentine’s Day surprise after a team from Sky FM 106.1 visited the facility bearing essential gifts for newborns and their mothers.
Despite the pain and exhaustion associated with childbirth, the women expressed excitement as the station’s staff distributed baby items and other necessities in a gesture aimed at celebrating motherhood and supporting vulnerable families.
Faith Akoth, the nurse in charge of the maternity ward, described the initiative as unprecedented in her 14 years of service, noting that she had never witnessed a radio station visit patients, especially mothers, on Valentine’s Day with such practical support.
“As a referral hospital, we receive many women who come to deliver from far places, including Busia. Some deliver prematurely and are forced to stay longer, which increases the financial burden on families,” Akoth said. “We encourage expectant mothers to enroll in the Social Health Authority to ease access to medical services. I have never seen such an initiative before. Thank you for the love and the items.”
Sarah Atieno, a resident of Manyatta, expressed gratitude while cradling her newborn, saying the visit felt like divine remembrance during a difficult moment.
“It is God who remembered us by sending the Sky FM team to celebrate with us in such a special way,” she said, urging Kenyans to support the station for its educational programming and community-focused initiatives.
Her sentiments were echoed by Rebeccah Obondo from Nyalenda, who described the visit as a meaningful act of compassion. “Celebrating with patients is a beautiful gesture. Thank you for the Valentine’s gifts and for remembering us,” she said.
Hospital administrators noted that the facility receives a high number of expectant mothers, many from humble backgrounds who sometimes struggle to raise the discharge fees after delivery. They urged patients to enroll in the Social Health Authority programme to ensure smoother access to healthcare services.
Speaking during the ceremony, Fredrick Mariwa, Director of Sky Group Limited, said the corporate social responsibility initiative was intended to show love and appreciation to mothers during the Valentine’s season.
“Today we came to celebrate with you and show that we care, because we love you,” Mariwa said, adding that the station will continue standing with its listeners across the country through community outreach programmes.
The visit comes as the lakeside-based radio station continues to expand its footprint following a major rebranding, increasingly positioning itself as a strong regional broadcaster with growing community engagement initiatives.
