Maseno Mission Hospital began as a small Anglican mission in 1906 under a fig tree. The Luhya word for fig tree is ‘omasena’ which was westernised by early missionaries to Maseno. Over time with support from the Anglican Church, buildings for a clinic, outpatient department, wards, operating theatre and x-ray became the ‘bones’ of the present hospital. Today, there are 4 inpatient wards, outpatient department, maternal/child health clinic, Comprehensive Care Clinic for hiv/aids, medical laboratory, pharmacy, x-ray and an operating theatre.

Maseno Mission Hospital grew from the 1930’s to the late 1980’s gaining a reputation as the model hospital for Western Province. However, the 1990’s proved difficult for the hospital due to internal and external issues. The one bright spot during this time was Swedish Rotary. In 1992, they began a project to fund the hospital and physicians providing inpatient care, surgery and mobile outreach to the surrounding communities. This project ended in 1999 when administration issues and decreasing patient numbers left

the hospital in decline.

In December 2001, Nan and Gerry Hardison arrived from San Diego under the auspices of the Episcopal Church of usa Volunteers for Mission for service in A.C.K. Diocese of Maseno North. Their commitment and tireless work has breathed new life and hope into the Maseno Missions.

Some of the recent, positive changes at Maseno Mission Hospital are:

✣ Development/improvements of hospital infrastructure.

✣ Upgrading of the wards, pharmacy, x-ray, medical laboratory.

✣ Training of health care workers.

✣ Revitalisation of Maseno Mission Hospital School of Nursing.

✣ Comprehensive Care Centre for hiv/aids partially funded through pepfar which tests, counsels, treats

and follows-up over 1200 patients in clinic and community outreach.

✣ A German non-governmental organization chose MMH for a 3-year pilot project for pregnant women offering affordable comprehensive ante- and post-natal care.

✣ Ongoing visits of physicians/medical students, other health care workers from North America for teaching/ learning experiences that benefit both the visitors and MMH.
 

The Hardison’s look to the future with hope as they continue their stewardship of the Maseno Mission Hospital.