Shoe4Africa has paid tribute to the team behind two landmark health projects in Eldoret, saying the facilities are nearing completion after two years of monthly coordination meetings.
In a statement, Shoe4Africa Chair of the Construction Implementation Team Toby Tanser said the projects have been a long process marked by delays and tough decisions, but construction is progressing “brick by brick, floor by floor”.
“Every month for the past two years, we have gathered around the table. The contractor, the architect, the sub-contractors, the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital staff, and me, as Chair of the Construction Implementation Team, all working towards two landmark projects for Eldoret,” the statement read.
Two ongoing projects at MTRH
The first project is the SHOE4AFRICA Juli Anne Perry Children’s Cancer Hospital — described as “the first dedicated children’s cancer hospital in sub-Saharan Africa.” The second is the MTRH Harry J. Dyer Burns Unit — “the only freestanding hospital in East Africa dedicated solely to children with burns.”
“Buildings that are going to have a massive impact on the lives of public children,” the statement said.
Shoe4Africa acknowledged the challenges faced during construction: “It has been a long, long journey. There have been challenges, delays, frustrations, and countless decisions to make. But brick by brick, floor by floor, we are getting there.”
The organization gave a special shout-out to the partners involved: Rudra Builders. Atticspace Architects. Metrix. Norkun. And the incredible MTRH team—John T, Stanley D, Paul A, and Evans K.
“Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and perseverance,” the statement added.
Quoting MTRH’s John T during one of the meetings, Shoe4Africa reflected on the lasting legacy of the projects: “one day we will all be long forgotten. The buildings will remain, and thousands upon thousands of children will pass through their doors, never knowing the names of those who made them possible.”
What you need to know about SHOE4AFRICA Juli Anne Perry Children’s Cancer Hospital
- What it is: Planned as Sub-Saharan Africa’s first dedicated children’s cancer hospital. Shoe4Africa describes it as “giving children with cancer access to diagnosis, treatment, and hope”.
- Capacity: A 152-bed pediatric cancer hospital, or 162-bed according to MTRH. It will sit next to the existing Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital.
- Funding & Partners: Funded by the Shoe4Africa Foundation, New York, USA at USD 2.5 Million. CEO Toby Tanser represented Shoe4Africa at the site handover.
- Timeline: Site handed over on 22 December 2023. Construction commenced January 2024 with a planned opening Summer 2026.
- Facilities planned: Wards, outpatient clinics with chemotherapy suites, ICU and theaters for comprehensive pediatric cancer treatment. It will also include learning spaces, play areas, and serve as a training hub.
- Context: Currently, 9 out of 10 children diagnosed with cancer in Kenya die. The new hospital aims to provide purpose-built oncology services with infection prevention, isolation, and automated chemotherapy.
MTRH Harry J. Dyer Burns Unit
- What it is: The only freestanding hospital in East Africa dedicated solely to children with burns. MTRH lists it as a 60-bed facility, while the site handover announcement says 62-bed.
- Funding & Partners: Sponsored by the Sidekick Foundation, Indiana, USA at USD 2 Million. Toby Tanser also represented Sidekick at the handover.
- Timeline: Construction began December 2023 and site was handed over 22 December 2023, with expected completion mid 2025 and planned opening Summer 2026.
- Location: It will be adjacent to the Paediatric Cancer Hospital as part of a “children village complex which will be the biggest children Hospital in Africa”.
Both projects sit within Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. MTRH is Kenya’s second national referral hospital and already governs the existing Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital — a 250-bed public children’s hospital that treated its millionth patient in 2022.
