Story by Sherine Atieno and photos by Ondari Ogega
Prof. Khama Rogo, founder of Sagam Community Hospital and a leading voice in global health, has renewed calls to fast-track the establishment of a comprehensive cancer centre at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
Meeting with JOOTRH leadership and the oncology team, Prof. Rogo stressed that cancer remains one of the biggest health burdens in western Kenya, where many patients are diagnosed late and treatment options are limited. Currently, patients rely heavily on chemotherapy—the only available modality at JOOTRH—which has proven inadequate in reducing the region’s high cancer mortalities.
The proposed cancer centre would be a game changer, integrating surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, imaging, pathology, and palliative care under one roof. This holistic model would not only improve outcomes but also ease the financial and logistical barriers faced by patients forced to travel to Nairobi or abroad for advanced treatment.
Prof. Rogo underscored that Kisumu’s cancer centre would serve not just western Kenya but also neighbouring countries, given its geographical advantage as a regional hub. He revealed that the plan has already attracted international attention, including support from the Korean government under its Smart City Initiative. The pledge is tied to the legacy of a Korean philanthropist whose sister—an actress and cancer champion—lost her battle to the disease, inspiring a commitment to expand access to cancer care globally. Memorial services held in Korea and Kisumu have since strengthened the partnership.
The initiative is well aligned with Kisumu’s growing global footprint. Recently, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was elected the inaugural Chair of the Africa Smart Cities Alliance (ASCA), under the World Smart Cities Alliance, positioning Kisumu as a hub for transformative development partnerships. Leveraging this global leadership, Kisumu is set to host the first-ever ASCA convention, where health investment, including the cancer centre, will form part of the conversation on inclusive urban development.
At the national level, the Cabinet Secretary for Health earlier pledged KSh 500 million towards completion of the facility. The County Government of Kisumu, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, and the Ministry of Health—through the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary—are being engaged to ensure wide collaboration and coordinated support.
“With integrity, focus, and commitment, this journey will be realized. We shall raise the resources and get this done,” Prof. Rogo assured.
If completed, the Kisumu Cancer Centre at JOOTRH will stand as a landmark in Kenya’s fight against cancer, providing hope to thousands of families and strengthening JOOTRH’s role as a referral hub for both Kenya and the wider East African region.
