Kisumu: Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has called for increased investment in Kenya’s nursing workforce, describing nurses as the heartbeat of the healthcare system and a driving force in the country’s quest for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Speaking during the 67th International Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) in Kisumu, Prof. Nyong’o praised nurses for their compassion, professionalism, and commitment, which he said sustain the promise of health for all Kenyans.
According to Kenya News Agency, the governor said nurses remain the first to comfort patients in distress, the last to leave their bedside, and often the unsung heroes holding communities together. He noted that without nurses, the country’s healthcare system would simply not function, adding that their selfless service has been instrumental in saving lives and upholding human dignity.
Nyong’o said the theme of this year’s conference, ‘Nursing Power to Change the Call: A Call to Transformative Healthcare,’ aptly captured the crucial role nurses play in transforming health systems. The governor highlighted Kisumu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through expanded community health units, digital health solutions, and infrastructure development.
He said the county has invested heavily in primary healthcare by enhancing preventive and promotive services and upgrading facilities in all sub-counties, including Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), which was elevated to a Level 6 facility and made a parastatal under the National Government. Nyong’o added that Kisumu has also embraced innovation through digital health systems that have improved data management and patient follow-up while supporting continuous professional development for nurses and other health cadres.
He affirmed that investing in nurses was investing in the health and future of the people, saying his administration remains committed to ensuring fair remuneration, conducive working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement for all health professionals. The governor encouraged nurses to take a leading role in research and innovation, noting that science and evidence should guide health policies and practices.
He urged them to continue documenting their experiences, sharing data, and developing homegrown solutions to address challenges in maternal health, disease prevention, and emerging health threats. Kisumu County, he said, continues to collaborate with universities, research institutions, and professional bodies to translate scientific findings into practical interventions that benefit local communities.
He also revealed that the county had conceptualized a modern cancer centre through partnership with the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF) and the Africa Smart Cities Alliance. The planned facility, christened Chun Jeaong-Eun Nyong’o Cancer Centre, he said, will be a game changer in cancer management by providing early diagnosis, advanced treatment, palliative and rehabilitation services, and training opportunities for medical professionals. He described it as an integrated model designed to combine patient care, education, and capacity building.
Reflecting on the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nyong’o said Kenya’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage depends on empowered, protected, and respected health workers. He stressed the need to improve nurse-to-patient ratios, ensure adequate staffing, and develop supportive policies that allow nurses not only to serve but to lead change in the health sector. The governor pledged continued collaboration with the National Nurses Association of Kenya, the Ministry of Health, and development partners to make Kisumu a model of quality healthcare delivery in the country.