Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) is set to establish a pioneering research-focused nursing school aimed at addressing critical health challenges in the Lake basin region
The institute, currently in its final stages of approval, is expected to admit its first cohort of 30 students in May 2026.
Its establishment will be through the support of the Belgian government via the VLIR-UOS programme and has already received accreditation from the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Unlike conventional nursing programs, which primarily focus on clinical training, JOOUST’s approach combines rigorous health research with practical nursing education.
This will equip graduates with skills to tackle local health issues effectively while contributing to broader healthcare solutions in the region.
Speaking to the press, Prof. Denis Ochuodho, coordinator of VLIR-funded projects at JOOUST, said the school will go beyond traditional training by integrating research into its core mandate.
“We aim to produce nurses who are not only skilled in clinical practice but also capable of conducting research that addresses the unique health challenges of communities around Lake Victoria,” he noted.
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The university has already established a fully equipped skills laboratory through its collaboration with Flemish Universities, coordinated by the Vrije University of Brussels (VUB) under the ten-year JOOUST-Flemish universities partnership.
This modern facility will serve as a hub for both hands-on training and health research initiatives.
Prof. Ochuodho further emphasized that training nurses within the local community will enhance the delivery of healthcare services while fostering continuous engagement through applied research.
“Having locally trained nurses will make it easier to address persistent health challenges, benefiting both the community and the region’s healthcare system,” he explained.
He also revealed that nursing curriculum has been fully developed and accredited by CUE, with JOOUST in the final stages of securing clearance from national bodies responsible for nursing education.
The programme is expected to not only expand professional training opportunities but also strengthen the university’s role as a center for health research and innovation in Western Kenya.
With this initiative, JOOUST is set to shape a new generation of nurse-researchers ready to improve healthcare outcomes and support sustainable development in the Lake Victoria basin.
By Pretty Midiwo
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