UoN prides in training high calibre health professionals as it marks golden jubilee

Historic separation of conjoined twins by medical staff from the College of Health Sciences and their colleagues from Kenyatta National Hospital.

The University of Nairobi (UoN) prides in taking a leading role in training of qualified healthcare professionals as it celebrates its golden jubilee this year.

The celebrations to mark UoN’s 50 years of existence since its inception in 1970 were led by the Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi on 10th December, 2020.

During the event, UoN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kiama heaped praise on doctors trained at UoN for playing a critical role in the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

“I was recently reflecting on what Kenya’s situation would have been if the University of Nairobi trained doctors were not there during this period of covid-19. The country’s response could have been weak.  Majority of our Covid-19 frontline workers and those advising on appropriate measures to be taken were trained here or are training here,” Prof. Kiama said.

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) has produced more than 15,000 healthcare workers who are providing services in the health sector both locally and internationally.

“Today, any patient being treated by a doctor who is more than 40 years is most likely being treated by a doctor trained at the University of Nairobi, College of health Sciences. UoN is still the leading producer of doctors with diverse specializations like dentistry and pharmacists. If you seek a treatment for toothache in Kenya, there are high chances that the doctor who will be attending to you is from UoN.  We are among the few institutions with capacity to offer postgraduate programs in many specialized fields of Medical Sciences. Our impact can be felt far and beyond our borders,” the VC said.

According to the VC, UoN will continue to play its role of fulfilling the aspirations of Kenyan people and global community through generation of knowledge, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge.

“Buoyed by our achievements and resilience, I have faith that as we begin another journey of fifty years, our reform agenda will lead to higher level of competitiveness , sustainability and vibrancy,” Prof. Kiama said.