Maseno University Signs Landmark MoU with Kisumu County, JOOTRH, and UPMC to Revolutionize Healthcare in Western Kenya and East Africa
Maseno University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on healthcare and research collaboration with the Kisumu County Department of Health, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC) in a bid to transform healthcare in Kisumu County and the entire region of Western Kenya and indeed the East Africa states.
The partnership, which was formalized through signing of an MOU by Prof. Julius O. Nyabundi, Vice-Chancellor Maseno University, Dr Mathew Ochieng Owili, The Deputy Governor of Kisumu County, Dr. Gregory Ganda-CEC Member for the Department of Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation and Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO-JOOTRH on 13th March, 2025. This will improve healthcare delivery with a focus on maternal health, training of health experts and cutting-edge research.
This MoU puts Kisumu on the map of medical excellence and innovation, and it is a landmark in this region's healthcare development.
The focus will be on maternal health, cancer treatment, the treatment of infectious diseases, and specialist training in complicated medical procedures.
This collaboration will focus on:
- Advanced skills transfer, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries such as laparoscopic procedures, which are already being introduced at JOOTRH by visiting specialists.
- Joint research projects to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes in maternal health, cancer treatment, and infectious diseases.
- Doctor, researcher, and student exchange programs, fostering capacity building and the adoption of global best practices.
- Policy alignment and infrastructure development, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
UPMC, one of the United States' top healthcare providers, will be an invaluable partner in the sharing of knowledge and joint research projects. Dr. Jennifer Makin and Dr. Michelle Batin represented UPMC's Magee Women's Hospital, demonstrating the global scope of the initiative.
Governor Nyong'o who was represented by his deputy, Dr Mathew Ochieng Owili, welcomed the presence of postgraduate doctors, stating that it would reduce the number of patients going outside the county for treatment.
Prof. Julius Nyabundi, The Vice-Chancellor of Maseno University expressed his pleasure in seeing the culmination of a long awaited signing of the MoU. He communicated the full supports for the activities that will be aligned to the MoU.
He talked of the pride of Maseno University as the best school of medicine in the country that has really improved the presence of medical specialist in Kisumu and the country. The singing of the MoU coincided with the elevation of JOORTH to a State Cooperation status for which all the county officials, University Representatives and the JOOTRH CEO, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, expressed gratitude to the Kenyan Government.
