Story and Photos by Ondari Ogega
As the world observes Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has scored a major boost in its cancer care capacity following the return of two specialist doctors trained in gynaecologic oncology.
Dr. Okoth Obinya and Dr. Gabriel Ouma officially resumed duty at the facility after completing a two-year gynaecologic oncology fellowship at the University of Nairobi and Moi University, respectively. The specialists were warmly welcomed back by JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joshua Okise.
Dr. Okise described their return as timely, as it will significantly strengthen care for women suffering from cancers of the reproductive system, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vulvar and vaginal cancers.
“Their expertise will help us boost screening, vaccination, treatment and most importantly, prevention of gynaecological cancers,” said Dr. Okise.
Speaking during the reception, Dr. Ouma emphasized that most cancer cases are preventable if detected early, noting that JOOTRH’s focus is to intercept the disease at the pre-cancerous stage.
“When women seek care early, treatment is effective and lives are saved. Prevention remains our strongest weapon,” said the International Gynaecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) fellow.
Commending the Reproductive Health Unit as one of the best-managed departments in the facility, Dr. Okise urged the returning specialists to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards while serving communities across the western region.
The CEO further revealed that plans are underway to fully operationalize the hospital’s second maternity theatre by the end of the month. The expansion is aimed at optimizing working space for the additional specialists and is part of a broader strategy to ensure dedicated theatres for different disciplines, reduce patient backlog and improve efficiency and clinical outcomes.
Dr. Obinya and Dr. Ouma, who previously served as medical officers and later consultants at JOOTRH before pursuing their fellowships, will join Dr. Katumba Jerome, the facility’s only resident gynaecologist, significantly strengthening the hospital’s capacity to offer specialized services.
Dr. Katumba, who was part of the welcoming team, expressed appreciation for the return of the specialists, noting that their presence will greatly ease workload pressures and enhance patient care.
JOOTRH operates Kenya’s only live cancer dashboard, capturing cancer data from 2012 to 2025. The dashboard has recorded 4,525 new cancer cases during this period, with women disproportionately affected, accounting for 54% of cases, while men represent 36%. Cervical cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer at the facility.
As the world marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, JOOTRH reaffirmed its commitment to combating the disease, the availability of specialized services at JOOTRH is expected to significantly reduce travel and accommodation costs for families, improve treatment adherence and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes across the region.
