Migori County has taken a historic step in the fight against sickle cell anemia with the laying of the foundation stone for the county’s first specialist hospital dedicated to managing the disease. The facility, which will also serve patients from neighboring regions and across the border in Tanzania, is being established at Igena Center, Kehancha Town in Kuria West Constituency.
The project is spearheaded by Journey By Grace Mission of Compassion, a U.S.-based partner that has worked in Migori for over a decade to combat sickle cell anemia. The foundation laying ceremony followed a two-day free medical camp in the county, where more than 800 patients received free medical care.
H.E Governor Ochilo Ayacko, who presided over the event, hailed the hospital as a transformative milestone in healthcare delivery. He noted that the project is a result of close collaboration with his deputy, Dr. Joseph Mahiri, and First Lady Mama Agnes Ayacko, whose foundation launched a sickle cell clinic at Rongo Sub-County Hospital in 2023.
Since its inception, the Rongo clinic has grown from 92 patients to over 362 patients currently under active care. It has also provided subsidized medical treatment, alongside emotional and psychological support, significantly easing the burden on patients and families.
“The establishment of this hospital will not only improve access to specialized treatment but also offer hope to many families affected by sickle cell anemia within Migori and beyond,” said H.E Governor Ayacko.
The new facility is expected to strengthen healthcare systems, reduce medical costs, and enhance support for patients battling the chronic condition.
