In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the Private Universities Offering Medicine in Kenya. If you’re aspiring to study medicine or any other medical-related course in a private university in Kenya, then this article is for you.
Without much ado, let’s look at some of them right away!
- Aga Khan University
AKU was initially established as a university specializing in health sciences and has grown to become one of the most prominent private healthcare providers in both Pakistan and East Africa. The AKU hospitals in these regions were the first to receive accreditation from the Joint Commission International, which is based in the United States.
The Aga Khan University Medical College in East Africa was established in 2004 with the aim of providing high-quality education for health professional leaders who will go on to become reputable specialists and make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of their patients and the communities they serve. Their goal is to produce health professional leaders through unique training programs, build strong research programs, support best practices in health service delivery, and contribute to the broader community through strategic partnerships regionally and globally. The institution aspires to create a medical college of international quality for the youth of East Africa, providing them with the opportunity to receive the best health professional education that is relevant and impactful across East Africa and globally. The institution prides itself on consistently converting possibilities into reality.
- Kenya Methodist University
The Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) is a privately owned and chartered institution established by the Methodist Church in Kenya. It is located in a wooded area on the northeastern slopes of Mount Kenya, approximately five kilometers away from Meru Town. KeMU was developed based on the 1906 education policy of the Methodist Church, which led to the establishment of schools, industrial institutes, and colleges. The university’s motto is “The Future is Here.” Its Chancellor is Rev. Joseph Ntombura Mwaine, while the Vice-Chancellor is Prof. David Gichoya, BEd., MSc., PhD. KeMU has three campuses situated in Meru, Nairobi, and Mombasa.
The Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) was established in 2004 with the Department of Nursing, making it the first school of medicine in a private university in Kenya to be accredited, admit, train, and graduate medical doctors. The school admitted its first cohort of medical students in 2011, and they completed their training in 2017.
According to the school, good health is crucial for individuals, communities, and nations, aligning with the founders’ dreams and the university’s vision and mission. The SMHS has exponentially grown since its inception, now comprising 16 departments and over 2000 students. Its primary objective is to train highly skilled personnel who can contribute to the national and international community of health workforce and professionals in all cadres, ranging from medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, clinical officers, public health officers, laboratory scientists, nutritionists, and health systems administrators.
The school offers programs with flexible modes of study to cater to the diverse needs of its students. Students can choose to study face-to-face (full time), online (distance learning), or a combination of the two. Face-to-face courses mainly involve laboratory and clinical training, and the intake occurs only in September each year. The distance learning courses start each January, May, and September, giving students the flexibility to start their studies at a convenient time.
To support the school, KeMU has established linkages and collaborations with local, national, and international institutions in the public and private sectors, including Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Chuka County Hospital, Nanyuki County Hospital, the Catholic Diocese of Meru, Maua Methodist Hospital, Stony Brook University, the University of Michigan, and AMREF.
- Mount Kenya University
Mount Kenya University Medical School is the first private chartered university to offer Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programs. The institution boasts the largest anatomy laboratory, situated at Thika Level 5 Hospital, which serves both as a funeral home and a training facility for medical courses. The school’s primary focus is to train well-rounded and knowledgeable healthcare professionals who are market-oriented, both locally and internationally. The following are the programs offered at the medical school: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology, Bachelor of Science in Oral Health, Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Ph.D. in Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science, Community Oral Health, and Dental Technology. The medical school also provides options for Masters and Ph.D. programs in Immunology, Haematology & Blood transfusion, Microbiology, Urology, Molecular Biology, Histology & Cytology, Parasitology & Entomology, and Clinical Chemistry.
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is a privately owned university with multiple campuses in Kenya and is recognized by the Commission for University Education in Kenya. The university’s website is www.cuea.edu. Its primary campus is situated in the southwestern Nairobi neighborhood of Langata, specifically along Bogani East Road. Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya and serves as its capital.
- Uzima University
Uzima University College, which is a private institution and part of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, is situated in Kisumu, Kenya. Although it was founded fairly recently in 2012, the college is making strides in various scientific fields and welcomes students to participate in research opportunities. The campus of this higher education institution can be found in Kisumu.
Uzima University has a unique focus on Health Science programs. Uzima University offers undergraduate education solely in medical-related fields, making it a purely medical university. The university’s specialization in Health Science is its niche and what sets it apart from other universities in Kenya. The degree and diploma programs offered at Uzima University include the following: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc. N), Bachelor of Clinical Medicine (BCM), Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (BSc.M), Diploma in Clinical Medicine (DCM), Diploma in Community Health (DCH), and Diploma in Health Records and Technology (DHR&T). These programs have been accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and approved by professional bodies such as the Medical Practitioners & Dentist Council (MP&DC), Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), and Clinical Officers Council (COC).
The purpose behind establishing the school was to address the shortage of doctors in relation to the number of patients, support the national authorities in AMECEA countries by providing modern health care training and research, and improve the quality of health care service delivery to the community.
The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for providing quality health services in hospitals and other health-related facilities, as well as promoting Christian living and human dignity.
The School is overseen by the Dean, supported by department heads and various committees responsible for its operations. To date, the School has graduated four sets of medical students.
- St. Paul’s University
St. Paul’s University’s School of Health Sciences offers a clinical medicine diploma. The program’s objective is to produce Clinical Officers who possess the ability to provide solutions to health problems in their communities. Graduates of the program will be well-rounded and qualified health professionals who are committed to making a positive impact on Kenya’s health delivery system, as well as the wider region and the world.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will have gained the knowledge and skills required to diagnose and manage illnesses, collect and interpret health data, apply critical thinking skills in healthcare, perform community diagnosis, engage in continuous professional development, and plan and implement educational programs for learners, health personnel, and community members.
However, it’s important to note that some of these universities may have different requirements and qualifications for admission, and it’s always best to check with the university’s admissions office for specific details.
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