By KPC Reporter
More than sixty Kisumu journalists participated in the donation of blood at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital to mark World Press Freedom Day.
The initiative, led by the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) with support from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), reflected a shift from covering crises to directly responding to them under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
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KJN Chairperson Rushdie Oudia said the effort highlights the need for journalism that goes beyond storytelling.
“Modern journalism must not only highlight societal challenges but also actively participate in addressing them,” he said, noting that reporters are often first at accident scenes and witness urgent need for blood.
The hospital welcomed the donations, saying they come at a critical time of rising demand.
CEO Dr. Joshua Okise said blood remains central to treatment, especially for patients with Sickle Cell Disease, and for advanced procedures such as apheresis, which can require up to 10 pints per patient.
The facility is expanding its blood transfusion unit to keep pace with growing demand.
Head of Corporate Communications Lorraine Opondo emphasized the media’s parallel role in saving lives through accurate information.
“Medicine treats the patient, but information treats the community,” she said, urging journalists to help combat misinformation that can undermine public health efforts.
Hospital management also reaffirmed its open-door policy, encouraging journalists to maintain their watchdog role.
“Public health relies on public trust… your scrutiny makes our institution better,” the administration said.
The day ended with a tree-planting exercise in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, supporting the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Alongside the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA), KJN demonstrated that the power of the press extends beyond reporting to tangible community impact.
