University of Nairobi and Harley Street Fertility Centre collaboration

The University of Nairobi (UoN), has signed a Collaborative Agreement with Harley Street Fertility Centre, Kenya Limited (HSFC KE) to enhance training, clinical care and research in advanced techniques in human reproduction.

The agreement will see the two organizations carry out training, clinical care, and research in human reproduction with emphasis on advanced assisted reproductive techniques at the College of Health Sciences (CHS), HSFC KE and affiliated fertility and andrology clinics both locally and internationally. The two institutions will also establish short certificate courses in applicable advanced assisted reproductive technologies to UoN faculty and students.

While participating in the final execution of the agreement on July 7, 2021, which had been earlier approved by the UoN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen G. Kiama, Prof. James Machoki M’Imunya, the Principal, CHS, said that the University has the requisite human resource capacity with the necessary knowledge and skills in IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques and that it is within its mandate to train students, conduct research and contribute towards policy framework in IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques. He hailed the collaboration as it will enhance professional competencies of UoN staff, encourage and stimulate professional interaction and enrich professionalism by exchange of experiences, knowledge, and latest developments in Human Reproduction and Sexuality. “This is a historic collaboration and I am happy to be part of it. This will put smiles on the faces of a larger pool of couples that have not been able to have children due to treatable causes,” Prof. M’Imunya noted.

On her part, HSFC KE Director, Ms Sweata Shah said she was very pleased about the Agreement and looking forward to working with UoN team especially in training IVF specialists. Dr. Alfred Murage, the Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist at HSFC KE said his team is endowed with resources and personnel with vast and most current knowledge and skills in IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques that will be of great benefit in the training of UoN faculty and students.

According to the signed agreement, the two institutions will initiate a series of mutually beneficial activities that may include but not limited to; Training activities in the form of demonstrations, coaching and lectures, attachment for UoN postgraduate students at HSFC KE and other affiliated Fertility centers, collaborative research in various aspects of Human Reproduction, joint grants applications, and participation of HSFC KE consultants in mutually agreed upon mentorship and teaching activities at the University of Nairobi.

HSFC KE is a private centre of excellence whose aim is to provide the latest technological advances in diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infertility.

Also present during the signing of the agreement were Prof. Omondi Ogutu, Chairman Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Mr. Joseph Waigwi, Registrar, CHS.