Kisumu hospital opens playroom to boost children's recovery

By Peter Ochieng

A public hospital in Kisumu has opened a children’s playroom, in a bid to boost their recovery process.

The playroom has been opened at the Obama Children's Hospital within the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

Children receiving treatment for various ailments at the facility now have a special place where they can find joy, relaxation, and a pathway to faster recovery.

The newly established playroom now offers children a prompt healing process both physically and emotionally, during their time at the hospital.

The playroom is equipped with toys, paints, crayons, and baby charts that aim to brighten children's days, and stimulate their growth and development.

According to Dr. Joy Muyonga, a paediatrician at the hospital, play has a significant impact on children's well-being, especially in a hospital setting.

“Play triggers the release of good hormones, which aid in growth and the recovery process. In a stressful environment, these playful activities offer relief and can make a real difference in how children respond to treatment,” she said.

JOOTRH in an update said the room creates an outlet for children to engage in play therapy, a key component of holistic care that helps relieve stress.

“For children who are admitted to the hospital, the environment can often feel intimidating; this space allows them a break from their medical routines and the chance to simply be kids.”

The project has all along been supported by the Compassionate Center for Families (CCF). The management is seeking to expand with the help of additional partners, investors, and volunteers.

Volunteers are encouraged to join in caring for the children during play therapy sessions, providing support alongside parents to ensure consistent, joyful interaction.

The playroom will be open daily to all children visiting the hospital, with those who are hospitalised receiving priority for therapy sessions.

In the long run, the hospital hopes the initiative will encourage more families to see JOOTRH’s Obama Children’s Hospital not only as a place of medical treatment but also as a place where children’s holistic well-being is valued.