Faculty of Health Sciences Dean, Prof. George Osanjo (left) and Associate Dean, Undergraduate, Prof. C.F. Otieno follow proceedings during Proximie digital surgical education integration session.
The University of Nairobi Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) has embraced a new chapter in medical education with the introduction of Proximie’s telepresence technology, a platform that allows real-time surgical collaboration and teaching.
Speaking during the launch, Dean FHS Prof. George Osanjo said the technology will transform how medical students and residents are trained.
“This innovation allows lecturers and consultants to connect with students remotely, observe live operations, and mentor in real time. It bridges distances, enhances research, and exposes learners to a wide range of procedures without overcrowding operating theaters,” he explained.
Already in use at select hospitals in Kenya and across Africa, Proximie enables live streaming of surgeries, secure recording for teaching, and opportunities for research and publication. The technology will also help young doctors working in remote counties to access expert guidance on complex cases.
Dr. Shannon Shibata-Germanos, Head of Global Health at Proximie, emphasized the impact of the technology on regional training.
“From Nairobi, masterclasses can now reach learners across East Africa. Residents from Ethiopia, Burundi and beyond can begin preparing even before arriving here, making Kenya the jewel of surgical training in Africa. Kenya was the first country on the continent to adopt Proximie, and today it is leading the way in shaping the future of surgical education,” Dr. Shibata-Germanos said.
She added that Proximie is now active in 13 counties with 28 digitized hubs connecting public and private hospitals, and that Kenya’s leadership has inspired other African countries to follow suit.
Dr. Michael Mwachiro, President of the Surgical Society of Kenya, noted that the platform is already reducing morbidity and mortality by enabling better collaboration among surgeons.
“Our target is that within a year, 20 counties will have Proximie in place. This innovation supports both training and clinical practice, ensuring residents and specialists alike can share expertise and improve outcomes for patients,” he said.
Representatives from Kenyatta National Hospital also welcomed the move, describing it as a major boost to training and patient care. With the support of Amazon Web Services, Proximie, and academic partners, the University of Nairobi is positioning itself as a regional hub for surgical telepresence.
Prof. Osanjo urged faculty and students to embrace the innovation, noting that it aligns with the Faculty’s core mission to train healthcare professionals, advance research, and improve patient care.
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