Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o during the 67th International Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Nurses Association of Kenya in Kisumu.|FAITH MATETE
Participantsduring the 67th International Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Nurses Association of Kenya in Kisumu./FAITH MATETE
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o during the 67th International Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) in Kisumu /FAITH MATETEKisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has lauded nurses as the “heartbeat of Kenya’s healthcare system,” urging for their empowerment through fair remuneration, better working conditions, and opportunities for professional growth.
Speaking during the 67th International Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Nurses Association of Kenya in Kisumu, the governor commended nurses for their compassion, professionalism, and tireless service in sustaining the health of communities across the country.
“This year’s theme, ‘Nursing power to change the call: A call to transformative healthcare,’ could not be more fitting,” he said.
“Nurses are the first to comfort patients in distress, the last to leave their bedside, and often the unsung heroes holding our communities together.”
Nyong’o said Kisumu county has invested heavily in strengthening primary healthcare, expanding community health units, and introducing digital health systems to improve patient follow-up and data management.
The county has also prioritised continuous professional development for nurses and other health workers.
“We know that investing in nurses is investing in the health and future of our people,” he said
“That is why Kisumu remains committed to ensuring a conducive work environment and fair remuneration for our healthcare workers.”
Nyong'o also highlighted major infrastructure improvements in the county’s health facilities, including the upgrading of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital to a Level 6 facility, now managed as a national parastatal.
He further commended nurses for increasingly engaging in research and innovation, emphasizing the importance of data and evidence-based practice in shaping health policy.
“I urge our nurses to continue documenting their experiences, sharing data, and developing homegrown solutions to address the realities of our communities from maternal health to emerging diseases,” he said.
Nyong’o also revealed that Kisumu county has conceptualised the Chun Jeaong-Eun Nyong’o Cancer Centre in partnership with the World Smart Cities Forum and the Africa Smart Cities Alliance.
The planned facility will provide early diagnosis, advanced treatment, palliative care, and capacity building for medical professionals.
“As Kenya strives to achieve Universal Health Coverage, the nursing workforce stands at the very heart of this transformation,” he noted.
“We learned from COVID-19 that resilient health systems depend on empowered, protected, and respected health workers.”
The governor pledged continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health, NNAK, and development partners to make Kisumu a beacon of healthcare excellence.
