By Chris David
A century of dedicated service to healthcare was celebrated in grand fashion at Kendu Adventist Hospital, as Kenya’s top health officials and local leaders came together to mark the hospital’s 100th anniversary.
The event, held in Gendia, Kendu Bay, on June 23, 2025, was graced by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, CBS, alongside her counterpart from the State Department for Medical Services, Oluga.
Established in 1925, Kendu Adventist Hospital has grown from a modest mission clinic to one of the most prominent healthcare institutions in the Nyanza region.
The hospital, under the management of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has played a pivotal role in delivering healthcare services to underserved populations in western Kenya, particularly in Homa Bay and its surrounding counties.
Speaking at the centennial celebration, PS Mary Muthoni lauded the institution’s legacy and contribution to Kenya’s public health goals, especially in maternal health, infectious disease control, and medical training.
“This hospital has not only provided care for generations but has also served as a symbol of dedication, resilience, and faith-based partnership in healthcare delivery,” she said.
The event was attended by senior Ministry of Health officials, church leaders, county government representatives, and members of the local community.
Traditional dances, medical exhibition stalls, and testimonials from former patients and healthcare workers formed part of the day’s vibrant program.
PS Muthoni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with faith-based and private health institutions to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
She highlighted the Ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen infrastructure, increase health personnel, and enhance service delivery, particularly in rural regions where public-private partnerships remain vital.
Kendu Adventist Hospital has also been instrumental in training nurses and clinical officers, some of whom now serve in top medical facilities across the country and abroad.
With the government’s renewed focus on professional standards and health equity, the hospital’s contribution aligns closely with national policy objectives.
As Kenya prepares for further health sector reforms and UHC rollout, the centennial of Kendu Adventist Hospital stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of institutional continuity, community trust, and collaborative health governance.