The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. Julius O. Nyabundi, Vice-Chancellor of Maseno University, Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili, Deputy Governor of Kisumu County, Dr. Gregory Ganda, CEC for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, and Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of JOOTRH. This partnership is set to improve healthcare delivery, with a strong focus on maternal health, specialized medical training, and cutting-edge research.
Key Focus Areas
The collaboration will prioritize:
Advanced Medical Training – Skills transfer in minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopic procedures, already being introduced at JOOTRH by visiting specialists.
Joint Research Initiatives – Enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in maternal health, cancer treatment, and infectious diseases.
Exchange Programs – Facilitating doctor, researcher, and student exchange programs to build capacity and integrate global best practices.
Policy and Infrastructure Development – Aligning healthcare policies and improving medical facilities for long-term sustainability.
UPMC, one of the leading healthcare providers in the United States, will play a crucial role in knowledge sharing and collaborative research. The signing event was attended by Dr. Jennifer Makin and Dr. Michelle Batin from UPMC’s Magee Women’s Hospital, highlighting the initiative's global significance.
Boosting Kisumu’s Healthcare Capacity
Speaking on behalf of Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili emphasized that the presence of postgraduate doctors in Kisumu would help reduce the number of patients seeking treatment outside the county.
Maseno University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Julius Nyabundi, celebrated the agreement as a long-awaited milestone. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting activities under the MoU, highlighting Maseno’s reputation as a leading medical school that has significantly increased the presence of medical specialists in Kisumu and beyond.
The signing of the MoU coincided with JOOTRH’s elevation to State Corporation status, a move welcomed by county officials, university representatives, and the hospital’s CEO, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe. This new status is expected to further boost Kisumu’s position as a regional center of medical excellence.
This partnership marks a major step forward in advancing healthcare standards in Kisumu and positioning the county as a hub for medical innovation and specialized treatment in East Africa.