The newly established Jumuia Hospitals Limited (JHL) and the East African Development Bank (EADB) have formally signed a multi-million shillings funding agreement that will see the NCCK owned chain of hospitals upscale its investment plan for the provision of quality and affordable healthcare in the country.
The agreement will see the regional bank advance KShs 350 million in loan for construction and operational funding of the JHL premier facilities – Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi and Jumuia Hospital Huruma.
The brief but elaborate signing ceremony at Jumuia Place, Nairobi, was presided over by NCCK General Secretary Rev. Canon Peter Karanja and EABD Director General Vivienne Yeda.
Speaking during the ceremony, an elated Ms. Yeda said that EADB was grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Council. “EADB, views the partnership with the Council through Jumuia Hospitals Limited as a template that can be applied in other sectors and countries,”she said, adding that to further support the health sector, the Bank will soon launch a scholarship programme for doctors in the region.
While appreciating the financial support by EADB, Canon Karanja on his part noted that Kaimosi and Huruma were part of the initial national healthcare plan by the Council that would see her establish a chain of hospitals across the country under the Jumuia Hospitals brand.
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NCCK Management team, Trustees, Officers and representatives from EADB join in prayer during the signing ceremony |
Jumuai Hospitals Ltd Board Chairman,Mr Kibuga Kariithi, who was also present, challenged churches in the country to embrace investments for profit. He noted that during the missionary period, the CMS (Church Missionary Society) had used three prongs to preach the gospel: Education, Health and Commerce. However, the church today has ignored the commerce aspect of ministry, which is an anomaly that needs to be corrected.
Both Jumuia Kaimosi and Jumuia Huruma are currently undergoing major renovations, that will see them transformed into 95-bed and 130-bed modern hospitals respectively, complete with state-of-the-art equipment.
Once complete, Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi is expected to revolutionize health care in the larger Western region especially in Vihiga County that currently lacks a reliable and affordable modern hospital. The modernization of the hospital follows a take-over agreement signed early last year between the NCCK and the facility’s former owners, Friends Church in Kenya. The Joint Venture has now created completely new possibilities for the hospital.
On its part, Jumuia Hospital Huruma that has operated for years as a small outpatient clinic, will come as good news to those living in the neighbourhood and the expansive catchment areas of Thika Road, Outering, Dandora, Kariobangi, Umoja etc. Jumuia Hospital Huruma will be a landmark in the area happening at the same time with the construction of the dual carriage Outer Ring road.
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Ms Vivienne, Canon Karanja and Sam Mwale, NCCK Treasurer, share a light moment after the signing ceremony |
