Bethany Kids
Bethany Kids at Kijabe Hospital
Mission: Sponsored by the African Inland Church (AIC)
Profile: Bethany Kids at Kijabe Hospital is a semi-autonomous unit within the AIC Kijabe Hospital dedicated to the holistic care of children wth various surgical conditions and disabilities. AIC Kijabe Hospital has been open since 1915 and in its present location since 1961. It is licensed for 260 beds presently. The hospital is currently equipped with 9 operating rooms, including a modern ICU, Dental, Laboratory and Pathology units.
Time Difference: +7 hours DST ahead of Eastern time, +8 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time
Travel: Commercial airlines to Nairobi, then about a 1-hour ride to Kijabe.
Location: Kijabe hospital is northwest of Nairobi and is located just off the road going from Nairobi to Nakuru. Click here for a map. The hospital sits about 6,000 feet above sea level at the edge of the Great Rift Valley and overlooks a breathtaking scene across the valley. It is located down a 6 km narrow winding paved road off the main highway.
Language: English is the official language of the hospital and the records are written in English. Many of the patients who come speak Kiswahili or other tribal dialects.
Climate: Kijabe means "Place of the Wind" in the Maasai language, because the wind blows constantly, particularly at night. Seasons are reversed from the United States, meaning that the hottest time of year is from December to February. Daytime temperartures in those months range from 70-80 ̊F and around 70 ̊F at night. During the coolest months of June to August, temperatures range from highs of 60-70 ̊F and around 50 ̊F at night. There can be a lot of mud during rainy seasons. There is a long rainy season (Mar-June) and a shorter one (Oct-Dec).
Religion: The population is generally Protestant or Roman Catholic. A smaller percentage are Muslim or Hindu. Some of the smaller remote tribes practice animism and spirit worship.
Housing: Accomodations are in modern comfortable homes, duplexes or apartments. These are simply furnished, safe and near the hospital and have kitchen equipment, hot water and electricity. Most foods can be purchased in Kijabe, although at possibly higher prices than in Nairobi, with its more modern stores.
| Program Faculty: Dr. Dan Poenaru (Program Director);
Dr. Ruth Mayforth; Dr. Erik Hansen Beds: 67 Operating Rooms: 2 Began Training Residents: 2004 Maximum number of PAACS residents: 3 |