New era in medical training as KU students settle at KUTRRH

After years of prolonged wrangles between Kenyatta University (KU) and the management of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), more than 300 medical students have finally commenced their clinical training at the facility, marking a major breakthrough in medical education collaboration.

The milestone comes less than a month after the two institutions signed a cooperation agreement, effectively ending years of push and pull that had stalled access to the premier teaching hospital.

The students were officially received at KUTRRH amid excitement and optimism during an induction session led by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Zainab Gura.

Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina accompanied the students, drawn from medicine, public health, medical services and other allied health programmes.

The students expressed high expectations, citing opportunities for advanced training, innovation and research at the state-of-the-art referral hospital.

Dr Gura described the collaboration as a significant first step, noting that it would be expanded to ensure students acquire practical skills, research exposure and professional competence required to serve society effectively.

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The CEO reiterated that the pact between the two institutions will enhance competence based education in medical training noting that students will have access to latest technologies in healthcare services citing modern equipment like the cyber knife among others.

She emphasized the hospital’s commitment to nurturing future healthcare professionals through hands-on training in a specialised environment.

“It has been our endeavor to enhance medical training by ensuring that all health sciences students get access to requisite facilities that will sharpen their knowledge and skills. Through this partnership, we will mold our students into world-class professionals,” Dr Gura said.

Dr Gura acknowledged the arduous journey it has taken from the initial MoU in the year 2020, the challenges that followed over time and the positive achievements realized by the two institutions working together in realization of the joint MoU and further collaboration. She thanked all stakeholders for their commitment to realizing the common objectives in quality training and research.

Prof. Wainaina reflected on the difficult journey that preceded the partnership, acknowledging the challenges and sustained efforts that culminated in the agreement.

He urged the current and future KUTRRH management to safeguard and strengthen the collaboration for the benefit of students and the healthcare sector.

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“The KUTRRH project was proposed back in 2012 with an aim of providing KU students with a modern facility to enhance their training.  There has been numerous issues revolving around this institution but I’m glad that a solution has been found. My joy is that finally our students can access this top notch facility. Even as I retire, I will do so in peace knowing that what we’ve struggled for has borne fruits,” Prof Wainaina said.

For the students, the moment marked the end of a long struggle. They expressed relief and enthusiasm, saying access to the referral hospital would greatly enhance their clinical experience and professional growth.

The students led by Samuel Karanja and Samuel Thiong’o noted that training at a specialised facility would better prepare them to become competent and well-rounded doctors.

The partnership is expected to significantly boost medical training, research and service delivery, positioning both institutions as key players in advancing healthcare education in Kenya.

By John Kamau