Kenyatta University School of Medicine Students set to begin clinical training at KUTRRH

KENYA — The first group of 100 Kenyatta University School of Medicine students is poised to enter the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) this week, following their recent accreditation by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).

According to KUTRRH CEO Ahmed Dagane, the level six facility is fully prepared to welcome these students, adhering to the regulatory guidelines set by KMPDC for patient bedside teaching (BST).

In preparation for their arrival, KUTRRH has shared an Onboarding Letter with Kenyatta University, which outlines a comprehensive two-day orientation program scheduled to commence on Monday, October 16th, for both students and their supervisors.

Speaking about this milestone, Dagane highlighted, “Medical training in Kenya follows rigorous regulatory standards set by the KMPDC to guarantee the highest quality of education.”

He mentioned that these protocols have been clearly communicated to Kenyatta University to facilitate the entry of the first 100 School of Medicine and Surgery Undergraduate students. “We look forward to welcoming the students and their supervisors on Monday,” he added.

Upon their arrival and orientation, the students will engage in clinical rotations in various departments, including the renal unit, oncology department, and access to state-of-the-art treatment areas like the CyberKnife, Brachytherapy, Linac, and Chemotherapy pharmacy.

They will also have access to critical facilities such as the Accident and Emergency department, Pathology services, Radiology and Imaging Department, and the Surgery Department.

Additionally, they will have the opportunity for bedside teaching in the seven KUTRRH Surgical Wards and seven surgical operation theatres.

According to legal Notice No. 4 of 2019, KU Medical Students will also receive priority access to medical education support facilities, including auditoriums, shared office spaces, seminar and board rooms.

Additionally, Kenyatta University’s Postgraduate students of Medicine, Nursing, Undergraduate students in various health-related fields, and others not requiring regulatory approval will continue their placements at KUTRRH, a practice that has been in effect since 2020.

In a recent appearance before the National Assembly’s Public Investment Committee, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha confirmed that the hospital received accreditation from regulators in July this year after a thorough inspection conducted in the same month.

She clarified that the hospital has been open to receiving students for medical training since the signing of an MoU between the two institutions in 2020.

Nakhumicha also pointed out that various students, approved by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Technical and Vocational Education Training Authority (TVETA), do not require approval from a health regulator.

Regarding the plan to revert the hospital to the university, the CS strongly opposed the move, highlighting the hospital’s vital role in providing specialized health services, which has been made possible through substantial government investments exceeding Sh5 billion (US$33.5 million) to date.

Additionally, the hospital has gained national and international recognition for its exceptional services.

At KUTRRH, students from Kenyatta University School of Medicine, both undergraduate and postgraduate, will have access to cutting-edge medical training facilities, including state-of-the-art wards and laboratories in this level six National Referral and Research Hospital with a 650-bed capacity.

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