Tenwek
Hospital
Kenya, Africa
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Tenwek Hospital, located in Bomet, Kenya, was established in 1937 by the World Gospel Mission (WGM) in collaboration with the Africa Gospel Church. Initially starting as a small dispensary, Tenwek has grown into a major medical and teaching facility serving a vast region in southwestern Kenya and beyond. The hospital's motto, "We Treat, Jesus Heals," reflects its commitment to providing compassionate, Christ-centered healthcare, Today, Tenwek Hospital is a 361-bed facility offering a comprehensive range of medical services, including general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. The hospital also provides specialized care in areas such as burn treatment, dental care, and palliative care. The outpatient department includes clinics for maternal and child health, surgical, orthopedic, eye, dental, endoscopy, diabetes, HIV, and tuberculosis. In a recent six-month period, Tenwek treated over 35,000 outpatients and performed approximately 2,000 surgeries.
Technology & Capacity:
Tenwek Hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology, including six operating rooms, a recovery room, a 64-slice Siemens CT scanner, X-ray machines, ultrasound, and a fully equipped laboratory. The hospital also houses an eye and dental clinic building and a wound and burn unit. The Tenwek Hospital College of Health Sciences offers training programs for nurses, medical interns, clinical officers, and chaplains, contributing to the development of healthcare professionals in Kenya.
Church and Governance:
The hospital is managed by the Africa Gospel Church in partnership with the World Gospel Mission. Its governance structure emphasizes the integration of medical care with spiritual ministry, reflecting its mission to provide holistic healthcare that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients.
Training Opportunities:
Tenwek Hospital is a key training site for healthcare professionals in Kenya. It offers residency programs in family practice, general surgery, and orthopedic surgery in partnership with institutions such as Kabarak University and the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS). The hospital also provides internship training for medical and clinical officers and hosts the Tenwek Hospital International School of Chaplaincy.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Family Medicine
Pediatrics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anesthesia Providers
Nursing Educators
Language:
Swahili and English are the official languages of Kenya, with local tribal dialects also spoken. Medical staff are proficient in English, and translation services are available for patients who speak local dialects. Medical records are maintained in English.
Housing & Food:
Volunteers are accommodated in guesthouses or vacant missionary homes on the hospital compound. These accommodations include amenities such as electricity, running water, and cooking facilities. Meals are provided initially by the missionaries, and volunteers can later prepare their own meals. A grocery trip is organized twice a month, and fresh produce is available from local markets and vendors.
Travel:
Visitors typically fly into Nairobi and then drive approximately four hours to Bomet. The hospital is located 150 miles northwest of Nairobi and five miles east of Bomet town. The logistics team at Tenwek assists with travel arrangements to ensure a smooth journey.
Time Difference:
+7 hours daylight saving time; +8 hours Eastern Standard Time.
People and Local Religion:
The Kipsigis people, who are primarily agriculturalists, make up the largest group served by Tenwek Hospital. The region is predominantly Christian, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic communities. There is also a significant Muslim population, particularly in the northeastern and coastal regions of Kenya.
Climate:
Tenwek enjoys a moderate and pleasant climate due to its highland location at 6,800 feet. The region experiences two rainy seasons from March to May and October to December. Temperatures range from 51-70°F during the cool season and 52-79°F in the warm season, with an average annual rainfall of 55 inches.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues treated at Tenwek include infectious diseases, trauma, chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and surgical emergencies. The hospital also addresses maternal and child health challenges, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Tenwek is known for its specialized care in burn treatment and eye surgery.
Evangelism Opportunities:
Tenwek Hospital integrates medical care with spiritual outreach, ensuring that every patient hears the gospel. The hospital hosts both long-term and short-term medical mission trips, providing opportunities for volunteers to engage in medical service and evangelism. The hospital's mission includes training and mentoring local Christian healthcare professionals to serve their communities effectively.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit Tenwek Hospital.