Nutrition services at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOORTH) in Kisumu are set to improve following the commissioning of an ultra-modern kitchen.
Hospital chief executive officer Richard Lesiyampe said the facility will bring improved hygiene and clean cooking, which he said will revolutionise patient care at the hospital.
Lesiyampe said the construction of the modern kitchen cost around Sh32 million while the equipment within the facility cost Sh28 million.
The first phase of the project is complete. The second phase is anticipated to help in fully equipping and operationalising the facility.
Currently, he said the kitchen is already operating efficiently.
"One of the most critical needs for our patients is access to nutritious food prepared in a hygienic environment. That is exactly what this kitchen now provides."
Russian Ambassador to Kenya, Vsevolod Tkachenko while commissioning the first phase of the kitchen, committed to mobilise more financial support for the improvement of services at the hospital.
Tkachenko said the kitchen project is a shining example of their ongoing cooperation.
"We understand that a second phase is being planned one that will further improve the nutritional cafe for patients providing specialised diets and a high-quality food processing system."
He said Russia remains committed to expanding cooperation with Kenya not only in healthcare but also in education, economic development and investment.
"I feel very much at home here, on Kenyan soil, particularly in this facility which was originally built with assistance from my country. It was a long term investment envisioned by both Russian and Kenyan partners," Tkachenko.
Kisumu deputy governor Mathews Owili said this marks a major step forward in their ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare to the people of Kisumu county and the greater Western Kenya region.
"I want to express our sincere gratitude to the government of Russia and the United Nations Development Programme for their generous support in making this project a reality," he said.
He said the donors partnership and commitment to the health and well-being of Kisumu residents is appreciated.
"We acknowledge the strong relationship between Kenya and Russia, and we are grateful for this continued collaboration."
Owili said the kitchen is not merely an infrastructure upgrade; it is a vital investment in the health and recovery of patients.
"We recognise that healthcare is not solely about treatment; it's also about creating an environment that fosters healing and well-being. And nutrition, as we all know, plays a critical role in that process," Owili said.
The kitchen will enable JOOTRH provide the specialised dietary support that the patients need to recover, he said.
UNDP Kenya representative Madelena Monoja said the collaboration has enabled the construction of a modern kitchen that will serve around 24,000 people at the regional hospital.
"This facility now prepares food in a hygienic, safe manner using LPG instead of firewood improving both environmental sustainability and patient health," she said.
She said the next phase involves the solarisation of the facility, ensuring a constant supply of clean water and establishing a cold chain to support a comprehensive kitchen system.
"We are committed to working with all partners to make this vision a reality."
The new facility is poised to revolutionise patient care at JOOTRH. Its spacious and modern design incorporates specialised areas, including a main kitchen, cold storage, a dedicated diet kitchen and an in-house bakery capable of providing fresh bread daily for both patients and staff.
