Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s School of Nursing has been officially presented with a certificate of re-accreditation of nursing programmes by the Nursing Council of Kenya.
The university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, says the institution was first granted approval to train nursing students in 2012.
“The first re-accreditation was successfully conducted in 2017, and this is the second re-accreditation,” he said.
The VC said since 2012, the nursing programme has produced over 1,200 qualified nurses who are making a significant impact in the healthcare sector both locally and internationally.
“We have set two ultra-modern nursing skills laboratories that are utilized by nursing and other medical students,” he said.
Prof Jaganyi said this re-accreditation underscores MKU’s unwavering commitment to providing world-class nursing education that meets and exceeds regulatory standards.
“The Nursing Council inspected the University and affiliated Hospitals in November 2024, with an aim to increase number of nursing students per intake,” he added.
Awarding MKU, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Nursing Council of Kenya, Dr Lister Onsongo said training of nurses world over is guided by the International Council of Nurses which is the umbrella body for all nurses.
“This council guides training and practice of nurses by setting standards to allow quality care of patients,” she said.
“Nursing training in Kenya is anchored under the international Council of Nurses where nurses trained and working in Kenya are eligible to practice nursing in any part of the world.
The council standards for approval or reaccreditation of training for nurses need to be met to conform with the international standards,” she added.
The registrar said after another five years, the Nursing Council will inspect MKU again for another reaccreditation.
“We encourage the university to keep on tract all the requirements both critical and non-critical for subsequent awards,” she cautioned.
She said the Nursing Council of Kenya recognizes the efforts put by the institution to maintain high standards that has enabled this reaccreditation for another period of five years.
“There are ultra-modern skills laboratories at the university worth international standards, fully equipped with high fidelity mannequins. This is an investment worth nursing training and please keep up this high standard,” she told management of the school.
Congratulating MKU, Ms Onsongo also applauded the institution for applying for additional number of nursing students as there is a huge demand to train more nurses for local and international markets.
“We recognize that the need to train nurses in Kenya has gone high and institutions have to be in tandem with this demand,” she said.
Appreciating the latest re-accreditation certificate, Prof Jaganyi said the university looks forward to be awarded additional number of students by the Nursing Council.
“Looking ahead, MKU aims to integrate cutting-edge technology and research-driven methodologies to prepare our nursing students for the evolving healthcare landscape,” he added.
The VC said MKU values the strong collaborative relationship with the Nursing Council and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of nursing education.
“We extend gratitude to our dedicated staff, students, and partners who have played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our nursing program. We also welcome aspiring nurses to join our program and be part of a legacy of excellence in nursing education at MKU,” he said.
Present at the function was Ms Ann Mukuna, Director of Standards, Nursing Council of Kenya; MKU’s Ag. Registrar, Academic Administration; Dr. Solomon Mwaniki, Principal, College of Health Sciences, Dr. Josphat Njuguna, Dean, School of Nursing, Dr. George Njoroge.
MKU appointed SDG 9 hub chair by UN
The reaccreditation of nursing training comes at the time when the university has been appointed to serve as SDG 9 hub chair: Industry, innovation and infrastructure by the United Nations’ Academic Impact for a period of three years.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) has been appointed as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 9 Hub Chair for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
This esteemed role will be held from January 2025 to December 2027.
In the appointment letter received by MKU Vice- Chancellor, Deogratius JAGANYI, Mr. Maher Nasser, Director of the UN Department of Global Communications’ Outreach Division, highlighted MKU’s outstanding contributions to innovation and community impact.
“The recognition is based MKU’s diverse range of initiatives that foster innovation among students and enhance the quality of life within our surrounding communities,” he said.
Mr. Nasser said initiatives such as the Annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair, along with sustainable infrastructure projects in partnership with the government, demonstrate the University’s strong alignment with the vision of SDG 9.
Before this appointment, MKU served as the UNAI SDG Hub 10: Reduced Inequalities for three and a half years.
During that tenure, MKU made significant strides in increasing awareness and support for people living with disabilities.
It promoted inclusive policies, which led to notable improvements in accessibility, equal opportunities in education and employment, and greater representation in decision-making processes.
“These efforts contributed to fostering a more inclusive society, reducing stigma, and encouraging community engagement and understanding.
Overall, MKU has far become a model in SDGs championship presenting scholarly articles on SDGs and supporting SDGs driven projects within the university and the community at large,” said the VC.
MKU has embraced ICT as a driver of digital transformation.
“As we take on this prestigious role, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing SDG 9 and supporting all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful actions and collaborations for a better continent and a better world,” Prof Jaganyi added.
He said MKU has established numerous partnerships with academics institutions, research organisations as well as with industries and businesses to provide service-learning opportunities that enhance students’ training and prepare them to be well-rounded, hands-on professionals.
Additionally, the university boasts an Innovation and Incubation Hub, where students’ ideas are transformed into market-ready products and copyrighted innovations.
“MKU is committed to providing a broad-based, holistic, and inclusive education system. With a vision to be a global hub of excellence in education, research, and innovation, MKU’s mission is to offer world-class education, research, and innovation for global transformation and sustainable development,” added the Vice Chancellor.
