By Jabali Media
A new kitchen has been launched at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, days after the cabinet approved its elevation from a level 5 to a level 6A national referral facility.
Construction of the US$250,000 (about Sh32,357,500) modern kitchen was implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), through funding by the Russian government.
Besides construction, the Russian government equipped the kitchen to a tune of US$188,000 (about Sh24 million).
The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Lesiyampe said they are anticipating for phase two of the program, with the money expected to be channeled towards fully equipping the kitchen that currently serves over 20,000 patients at the health facility.
“This facility will go a long way to help our patients, improve on our clinical outcomes and meet the nutritional needs of our patients,” said Lesiyampe during a press briefing.
“The most important drug on earth for patients is nutritious food prepared in a very hygienic environment.”
The CEO was accompanied by Kisumu deputy governor Mathew Owili, Russian ambassador to Kenya Vsevolod Tkachenko and UNDP Representative for Kenya, Madalena Monoja.
The food at the hospital, Monoja said, is now being prepared in a hygienic way without using firewood and using LPG. Cooking is powered by solar.
“The food at the hospital is now being cooked in a hygienic way without using firewood and using LPG which is environmentally friendly. And we understand that this is the first phase of the project, the next phase is to expand in terms of solarization of the entire facility and also to ensure a regular supply of clean water,” she noted.
Owili on his part expressed sincere gratitude to the Russian government for their continued support in enhancing healthcare services in the region.
“This project marks another step in deepening Russian-Kenyan relations and underscores the importance of international collaboration in improving the well-being of communities.”
The deputy governor said they are in talks with the Russian government to fund other projects at the hospital, including completion and equipping of the comprehensive cancer centre.
The Russian ambassador stated that his country will continue its long running cooperation with Kenya.
“My government will continue its efforts in expanding cooperation with Kenya, not only in the medical sphere, but in the areas of education and economic investment,” he said.
JOOTRH, popularly known as Russia, was built by the Russians in the 1960s.
