The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) employees, have hailed the Council’s social investment in the health sector, describing NCCK’s premier hospital as simply “magnificent.”
The staff who spoke during their maiden 3-hour tour of the newly refurbished Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi (JFHK), could not hide their joy upon arrival at the facility in Vihiga county, ahead of its official opening later this year.
Those who spoke to Jumuia news, said that the facility would go a long way in transforming medicare in the larger Western Kenya region. The 100-bed capacity hospital, was renovated at a cost of Ksh.250 million courtesy of the East African Development Bank. Among the salient features of the fully equipped state-of-the-art hospital, are 2 theatres, an Intensive Care Unit and a modern morgue.
Speaking in during the tour, NCCK’s Programmes Director Susie Ibutu acknowledged that a lot had been done considering that the hospital had remained operational throughout the renovations period. She expressed hope that the Council would achieve her goals through the facility.
On her part JFHK Administrator Margaret Mlamba appreciated the support given by the Council to Kaimosi staff.
Charles Sawanda who is on internship at the Council said: “Kaimosi is just awesome! In my opinion, it is one of the best facilities in Western region. I hope what we are seeing will translate to service and attain its purpose.”
For Watson Aquilla, the tour was God-send. “I got a first hand treatment at the facility because I was unwell. I was amazed that everything was moving so fast without delay. I also like the ambience, signage is also clear,” he said when Jumuia news caught up with him at his work station of Nairobi region.
Macleod Mwashi (Council driver) who hails from Vihiga county was emphatic that the new look facility had improved the signature of the region compared to the old and dilapidated structures that were synonymous with Kaimosi hospital. “In fact my father visited the facility today before giving me a call. I must say he was quite impressed, I will personally market and encourage people to seek treatment at the facility,” he offered.
NCCK General Secretary who led the team assured that the Council shall endeavor to hire the best personnel that will offer quality service. He underscored the importance of developing a culture that is in line with NCCK’s ideals as well as the Jumuia Hospitals’ vision and mission. “Walk with each other and support one another by not hiding in mischief but by giving quality service. For people to work with each other, they do not need to love each other. It is basically someone saying I will do my duty and do it fully. We shall take very serious staff relations,” said Canon Karanja when he addressed a meeting at the facility.
On his part NCCK’s Deputy General Secretary Dr. Nelson Makanda, walked staff through the journey the Council had undergone from the time of taking over the hospital from Friends Church to the completion of the renovations. He appreciated that the facilities at the Hospital were superior to what is available in the region.
