The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), continues to be a leader in delivering exceptional healthcare services across East Africa. With an impressive legacy of operating high-quality health systems and community-based interventions in over five countries, AKHS stands as a pillar of hope, professionalism, and medical excellence for underserved populations. Its commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities is rooted in decades of experience and an unwavering vision for equitable healthcare.
One of the hallmark institutions under AKHS is the Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu (AKHK). Situated in the heart of Western Kenya, AKHK has grown to become a flagship of quality healthcare delivery. Through its dynamic outreach health services network that extends across Kisii, Kakamega, Kitale, Bungoma, Kericho, Eldoret, Migori, and other counties, AKHK is expanding access to health services, especially in oncology, diagnostics, and maternal and child health.
In line with its continued expansion and commitment to elevating health outcomes, particularly in cancer care, AKHK seeks to recruit a dedicated Patient Navigator. This role will be crucial in supporting patients from Homabay County and its surrounding regions to receive prompt, patient-centered, and holistic cancer care and treatment services at the Homabay County Referral Hospital (HCRH), Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu (AKHK), and other designated hospitals.
This article provides a detailed overview of the Patient Navigator position, the responsibilities involved, the desired qualifications, and the broader context of working with AKHS.
Position Title: Patient Navigator
Location: Kisumu, Kenya (Serving patients across Homabay and nearby regions)
Reporting to: Project Manager
Application Deadline: 25th July 2025
Sector: Social Development / Health Services
Overall Role Purpose
The Patient Navigator will serve as a vital link between patients—particularly those newly diagnosed with cancer—and the clinical care teams operating across various hospitals in Western Kenya. This individual will help ensure patients from Homabay County and neighboring areas successfully navigate the healthcare system to access timely and appropriate care.
They will do this by offering psychosocial support, coordinating appointments, eliminating barriers to care, and communicating patient needs with clinicians and stakeholders. In addition, the navigator will contribute to data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening care delivery models for cancer and chronic disease management.
Detailed Job Description: Key Responsibilities
1. Patient Engagement and Relationship Building
- Develop trust-based relationships with newly diagnosed patients, acting as their advocate and liaison during their treatment journey.
- Guide patients through their care pathway from primary health centers in Homabay County to referral and tertiary care facilities such as HCRH and AKHK.
- Help patients understand the scope of services available and what to expect throughout the treatment and referral process.
2. Care Coordination and Support Services
- Ensure patients attend scheduled appointments at HCRH, AKHK, or other relevant hospitals.
- Assist in the scheduling and confirmation of appointments for laboratory tests, imaging, consultations, and treatments.
- Coordinate patient transportation or escort them to specialty and imaging centers when necessary, to provide moral support and advocacy.
3. Communication and Information Flow
- Serve as a communication bridge between patients, their families, and the wider care team—including nurses, oncologists, social workers, and administrators.
- Maintain regular, proactive communication with providers through emails, telephone calls, and participation in clinical review meetings.
- Provide updates to patients on appointment schedules, referrals, follow-up care, and test results as instructed by clinical teams.
4. Administrative and Referral Support
- Help manage and update referral spreadsheets and databases in collaboration with the administrative staff.
- Record patient interactions and outcomes using standard reporting tools and contribute to monthly and quarterly programmatic reporting.
- Provide accurate and timely information to patients, relatives, and care providers on referral logistics and available resources.
5. Patient Advocacy and Barrier Reduction
- Identify and address non-medical barriers to care (e.g., financial constraints, transportation challenges, lack of knowledge about cancer care).
- Assist patients with completing documentation or paperwork necessary for insurance, treatment authorizations, or referrals.
- Monitor and follow up on missed appointments or delays in accessing treatment, working closely with facility staff to address any lapses.
6. Telephone Triage and Virtual Support
- Engage patients over the phone to confirm appointments, check on treatment progress, and respond to queries or concerns promptly.
- Document phone conversations and use follow-up strategies to ensure patients adhere to care plans.
7. Participation in Evaluation, Research, and Quality Improvement
- Participate in program evaluations and research studies aimed at improving the navigation model and patient outcomes.
- Provide feedback on patient experiences and make suggestions to strengthen services.
- Compile case studies or success stories that highlight program impact.
8. Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Work as a core member of the clinical team to deliver integrated referral services.
- Collaborate with clinicians, social workers, community health volunteers, and public health officials to streamline patient flow and optimize care outcomes.
- Contribute to team meetings, training sessions, and strategic discussions as necessary.
9. Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare monthly reports summarizing patient caseload, referrals, outcomes, and challenges encountered.
- Keep detailed records of each patient’s navigation journey and document progress in patient files or electronic systems where applicable.
- Highlight complex or high-risk cases requiring further support or clinical intervention.
Position Requirements
- A diploma or equivalent qualification in psychology, social work, or a related field.
- At least two to three years of experience working in community or health settings, preferably in a similar or related role.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving the health outcomes of high-risk and vulnerable patients.
- Familiarity with healthcare navigation systems, referral mechanisms, and social determinants of health.
- Previous experience working as a patient navigator or community health worker will be a significant advantage.
Why Join Aga Khan Health Services?
Joining the Aga Khan Health Services team means becoming part of a global movement committed to health equity, professionalism, and excellence. The Kisumu Hospital and its associated Outreach Health Services provide a dynamic and multicultural work environment where employees collaborate on transformative health interventions.
AKHS staff benefit from:
- A values-driven culture rooted in compassion, integrity, and community service.
- Training and professional development opportunities aligned with international healthcare standards.
- Exposure to a diverse, highly qualified team of professionals.
- The opportunity to contribute to nationally recognized health programs that are ISO-certified and SafeCare-accredited.
- The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in Kenya.
About Aga Khan Health Services
The Aga Khan Health Services is one of the most extensive private not-for-profit health systems operating in the developing world. With over 200 health facilities, including nine hospitals, AKHS operates in Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Tanzania. In addition to clinical care, AKHS provides technical assistance to government institutions and supports a wide range of community-based programs to improve maternal, child, and non-communicable disease outcomes.
In Kenya, AKHS plays a vital role in supporting public health systems, improving access to specialized care, and enhancing the quality of health service delivery through training, partnerships, and investment in modern technologies.
Location of the Role
While the position is based at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, the Patient Navigator will primarily serve communities in Homabay County. The navigator will frequently engage with facilities and partners in the broader Western Kenya region.
Compensation
The salary and benefits package for the Patient Navigator position is designed to attract top talent and reflects AKHS’s commitment to fairness, motivation, and staff development.
Closing Date for Applications
All interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications on or before 25th July 2025.
How to Apply
To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application via the official job portal or agency platform provided by the Aga Khan Health Services.
Note: This position does not require application via email.