German Ambassador visits JOOTRH

Story by Lorraine Anyango and Photos by Ondari Ogega The German Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Sebastian Groth, today visited the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to mark the successful implementation of the Green Room Air Conditioning (GRACE) project. The initiative, spearheaded by GIZ Proklima in collaboration with the National Ozone Unit (NOU), aims to revolutionize cooling technologies in Kenya by transitioning to environmentally friendly and energy-efficient systems. As part of the demonstration phase, JOOTRH received nine "Green AC" units. These advanced systems utilize the R290 natural refrigerant, which is noted for its minimal impact on the ozone layer and its high cooling efficiency. To ensure the project’s sustainability, two hospital technicians underwent specialized training to manage and maintain the new technology. Ambassador Groth was received by a senior hospital delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, Senior Director of Nursing Teresa Okiri, and Senior Director of Administration and Finance Evans Oloo. During a tour of the facility, the Ambassador inspected the newly installed units. Hospital leadership noted that the technology has been instrumental in maintaining the precise environmental conditions required for the facility’s sensitive medical machinery. "The objective is to support Kenya in transitioning the market toward air conditioning that is both ozone and climate-friendly," Mr Groth noted, noting that the GRACE initiative provides policy advice and technical capacity building to integrate the cooling sector into national climate mitigation strategies. The GRACE project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and is set to run until February 2028. It operates alongside the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), a long-term strategy funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), which runs through 2031. While welcoming the green cooling intervention, Dr. Okise appealed for further partnership. He requested GIZ's support in solarizing the referral hospital to help mitigate the high costs of electricity and further the institution’s green energy goals. Monitoring of the energy savings, cost reductions, and climate impact of the new AC units at JOOTRH is currently ongoing.

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