Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has taken a historic step towards transforming child health outcomes in the Lake Region following the official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Obama Children’s Hospital.

The project, funded by the M-PESA Foundation, is expected to be completed by October and will significantly bridge the long-standing gap in specialised paediatric and neonatal critical care services in the region.

During the ceremony, architectural designs for the fully equipped facility were presented to Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who was the Chief Guest. The Governor described the project as a decisive response to a structural injustice in the health system, where millions of children across the Lake Region have lacked access to lifesaving intensive care.

Governor Nyong’o noted that despite serving a population of nearly 15 million people, specialised neonatal and paediatric intensive care services in the public sector have remained severely limited, forcing families to seek treatment in distant facilities or rely on adult ICUs ill-suited for children. He emphasized that the new unit will radically change this reality.

The Safaricom Foundation Chairperson, Mr. Joseph Ogutu, expressed pride in partnering with the County Government of Kisumu and JOOTRH, clarifying that the project is part of the M-PESA Foundation’s Maternal and Child Health Initiative. The initiative focuses on lowering and ultimately eliminating maternal and infant mortality to give children a chance to live beyond their fifth birthday.

Mr. Ogutu noted that the Foundation is investing KSh 98 million to establish a nine-bed neonatal ICU alongside paediatric critical care capacity, in addition to consultation rooms, pharmacy, and other essential service areas. He acknowledged the heavy congestion currently facing Obama Children’s Hospital and said the new facility will significantly reduce referrals, ease the financial burden on families, and save lives.

Representing the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Hezron Omollo, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the project and strengthening specialised healthcare infrastructure nationwide.

Dr. Oluga further highlighted ongoing national efforts to expand specialised services at JOOTRH, including feasibility studies supported by development partners such as the African Development Bank, improved referral systems, and investments in complementary health facilities across Kisumu County.

JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Okise, welcomed the project, thanking the M-PESA Foundation, the County Government of Kisumu, and the Ministry of Health for their collective efforts in elevating the hospital’s capacity.

He described the NICU and PICU project as a critical milestone in the hospital’s journey toward Level 6A status and enhanced teaching, research, and referral services.

Director of Obama Children’s Hospital, Dr. Lolla Molla, said the facility is ready to fully embrace the new unit once completed. She noted that while Obama Children’s Hospital currently operates as a semi-autonomous facility offering 24-hour services, the new development will transition it into a fully standalone centre with comprehensive paediatric services under one roof.

Once operational, the NICU and PICU will provide advanced critical care for newborns and children suffering from severe infections, breathing difficulties, complications of prematurity, and other life-threatening conditions. It was noted that a significant proportion of paediatric deaths in the region occur within the first 24 hours of admission due to delayed or inadequate access to critical care, a gap this facility aims to close.

By October, JOOTRH is expected to offer specialised neonatal and paediatric intensive care services locally, ensuring that no child has to travel hundreds of kilometres to survive a treatable condition.