Building Today. Healing Tomorrow
In rural Western Kenya, arthritis isn’t just a medical condition – it’s a barrier to livelihood, education, and hope. That’s why Josefina Arthritis Center exists.
Founded in 2020 in Milimani Sub-location, Kakamega County, we recognized that bringing specialized healthcare to underserved communities required more than medical camps. It demanded a comprehensive approach that addresses health, economics, and social wellbeing together.
Our model is built on three pillars: direct healthcare delivery through monthly medical camps, sustainable community empowerment through connected projects, and innovative awareness campaigns that mobilize resources and support. This integrated approach ensures that our impact extends far beyond treating symptoms – we’re building the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.
What started with 16 cyclists riding to raise awareness has grown into a movement spanning four counties, attracting government recognition, and creating lasting change in hundreds of lives. We’ve treated over 500 patients, empowered dozens of women through economic cooperatives, and established partnerships that will sustain our work for generations.
Our FIVE Driving Values - PEACE
Participatory
Every initiative involves extensive consultation with local residents, traditional leaders, and community groups. Our medical camps are planned with area chiefs and health promoters. Connected projects are proposed and managed by local groups, ensuring our work addresses real community priorities.
Empathy
Healthcare challenges extend beyond medical symptoms. Arthritis affects people's ability to work, care for families, and participate in community life. We consider nutritional needs, economic constraints, and social support systems in our holistic approach.
Accountability
As a registered CBO, we maintain transparent governance and regular reporting to government and community stakeholders. Our board includes community representatives, and we publish quarterly updates with full financial transparency.
Community-Led
Our model is community based, where we actively mobilize and sensitize the community to take collective action in life changing initiatives. We endeavor to offer a platform for residents to contribute expertise, time and ideas towards activities such as environmental conservation, provision of clean water to the community, food security, health and fitness, among others.
Empowerment
We focus on socio-economic empowerment programs, through our connected youth and women projects like the Upendo Women Fish Farming Project and SIMANZO Youth Group Water Purification Project. We remain committed in driving transformational change from the grassroots, as we put local organized groups at the centre of our collaborative model.
More then 1000+
People Helped
Be Part of the Change Become the One Who is Considered a Hero
Join a growing movement of changemakers bringing healthcare access to rural Western Kenya. Whether through volunteering at medical camps, supporting our Ride4Arthritis events, or contributing to connected projects, your involvement creates lasting impact in communities that need it most. Every volunteer becomes part of our mission to bring pain to zero.
What the Community Say
The medical camp organized by Josefina Arthritis Centre changed my life. For the first time, I received proper arthritis care and free consultation. The compassion and dedication of the team gave me hope to manage my condition and live positively.
Community Members
Likuyani CountyI joined the Ride4Arthritis event not just to cycle, but to stand with thousands who live with arthritis. Seeing communities come together from Mombasa to Busia for a single cause was truly inspiring. JAC is a beacon of hope for so many of us.
