The Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu (AKHK) continues to distinguish itself as a premier institution within the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), a branch of the globally respected Aga Khan Development Network. Strategically located in the heart of Western Kenya, the hospital has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and medical innovation. It boasts ISO 9001:2015 certification, ISO 15189:2022 laboratory accreditation, SafeCare Level 5 accreditation, and is advancing towards Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation—a global gold standard in quality and patient safety.
AKHK is not only a referral center but also a beacon of accessible, quality care for communities across the region. Its expansive Outreach Health Services footprint spans multiple counties including Kisii, Kakamega, Kitale, Bungoma, Kericho, Kibuye-Kisumu, West End-Kisumu, Busia, Homa Bay, Migori, Bomet, Eldoret, Kimilili, Nyamira, and Kabarnet. As the hospital continues to enhance its service delivery and regional integration, it now seeks to strengthen its community support efforts through the recruitment of a highly motivated and compassionate Patient Navigator.
Position Overview: Patient Navigator
Location: Homabay County and Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu
Reports To: Project Manager
Sector: Social Development
Region: Eastern Africa
Contract Type: Full-time
Deadline for Application: 25 July 2025
Expected Duty Station: Primarily based in Homabay County with routine travel to and from the Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu and affiliated facilities
The Patient Navigator will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the community and institutional health services. The incumbent will focus on providing personalized assistance to cancer patients and other high-risk groups to facilitate timely diagnosis, referral, treatment, and follow-up. The ideal candidate will possess an empathetic approach to patient care, a strong understanding of health system dynamics, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Patient Engagement and Relationship Building
- Proactively engage with patients newly diagnosed through outreach at Homabay County primary health centers and other community-based facilities.
- Build trust and rapport with patients and their families, ensuring a patient-centered experience at all stages of care.
- Support patients emotionally and psychologically as they navigate often complex diagnostic and treatment journeys.
- Navigation and Coordination of Care
- Coordinate and schedule appointments for patients at the Homabay County Referral Hospital (HCRH), Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu (AKHK), and other relevant health facilities.
- Guide patients through all facets of cancer care services, including diagnostics, imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiology.
- Facilitate the continuity of care across departments and facilities by tracking referrals, follow-up appointments, and treatment plans.
- Reducing Barriers to Care
- Identify and help patients overcome logistical, financial, and cultural barriers that may prevent timely access to care.
- Offer guidance on transport, appointment reminders, and assistance with patient forms or documentation requirements.
- Provide clear, culturally appropriate health information and education to patients and caregivers.
- Administrative and Communication Functions
- Maintain communication with all members of the patient’s healthcare team, including clinicians, specialists, social workers, and administrative personnel.
- Use various modes of communication (email, phone, case review meetings) to ensure seamless case management.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patient interactions, appointment schedules, and treatment outcomes.
- Referral Management
- Work closely with referral focal persons to ensure timely and appropriate referral of patients to higher-level care.
- Provide comprehensive follow-through on referrals, including tracking patient attendance and outcomes.
- Accompany patients when necessary to specialty clinics and imaging centers to offer moral support and patient advocacy.
- Data and Reporting
- Maintain patient navigation logs and referral spreadsheets to track performance indicators.
- Prepare and submit monthly activity reports summarizing trends, patient volumes, challenges, and case highlights.
- Participate in program evaluation and quality improvement processes aimed at enhancing service delivery and patient outcomes.
- Support for Evaluation and Research
- Collaborate in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities associated with the patient navigation program.
- Contribute to ongoing research projects where patient navigation is a key component by collecting field data and patient experiences.
- Assist in documenting best practices and lessons learned for internal learning and external dissemination.
- Teamwork and Clinical Integration
- Serve as a valuable member of the multidisciplinary care team by bringing patient insights to care planning discussions.
- Provide input on areas where the program could be strengthened or adjusted to better meet community and patient needs.
- Work collaboratively with public health officials, NGOs, and community health volunteers (CHVs) involved in cancer screening and early diagnosis efforts.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated resilience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to operate effectively in a high-stakes, emotionally charged clinical environment. The following attributes are essential:
- A diploma or equivalent academic background in psychology, social work, or a related field.
- At least 2 to 3 years of experience in a community health or healthcare setting, preferably in a navigational, outreach, or patient-facing support role.
- Passion for working with high-risk and vulnerable populations, especially in oncology and chronic disease contexts.
- Familiarity with healthcare delivery systems, including public hospitals, referral mechanisms, and the challenges faced by rural patients.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders.
- Experience as a community health worker (CHW) or patient navigator will be considered a strong advantage.
About Aga Khan Health Services
Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of the most extensive and integrated not-for-profit health systems operating in the developing world. AKHS is dedicated to providing quality healthcare through over 200 health facilities—including nine hospitals—in Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Tanzania. The organization also offers technical assistance to national governments, focusing on strengthening public health systems and expanding access to essential health services.
In East Africa, AKHS is known for its robust healthcare network, incorporating both curative and preventive programs. AKHK, as part of this ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to support a patient navigation initiative due to its established infrastructure, qualified personnel, and mission-driven ethos centered around human dignity and care.
Work Environment and Values
The Patient Navigator will join a dynamic and purpose-driven team committed to transforming community health through evidence-based strategies and compassionate care. The Aga Khan Hospital is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity, gender equity, and continuous learning.
The successful candidate can expect:
- A supportive and collaborative professional environment
- Access to regular training and capacity building
- Opportunities to engage in research, advocacy, and community empowerment programs
- A remuneration package designed to attract and retain the best talent in healthcare and social development
Why This Role Matters
In underserved communities, early diagnosis and timely treatment are often compromised by a lack of information, poor coordination of services, and fear or stigma associated with disease. The Patient Navigator role seeks to dismantle these barriers, serving not only as a guide but also as a companion on a patient’s journey toward healing and wellness. The program reinforces the principles of equity, accessibility, and human-centered healthcare—values that lie at the core of AKHS operations.
Application Details
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline on 25 July 2025. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable patients while building a meaningful career in social health development.
Applications should be sent via email, as guided in the original job listing or on the official Aga Khan Health Services website. Please ensure your application includes a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
For further information about Aga Khan Health Services and its mission-driven approach to healthcare, please visit the organization’s main portal or reach out to the recruitment team directly.
Conclusion
The Patient Navigator position at the Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu offers a compelling opportunity for socially conscious professionals to contribute to life-saving healthcare services in Homabay and the greater Western Kenya region. If you have a heart for service, a mind for healthcare systems, and a passion for making a difference—this role is designed for you.
Submit your application today and become a vital link in the continuum of care that saves lives and restores hope across communities.
