First batch of KU students granted access to hospital to start training

KUTTRH chairperson Olive Mugenda shakes hands with Kenyatta University VC Paul Wainaina. [Gitau Wanyoike, Standard]

Kenyatta University has stated its intention to persist in its efforts to gain ownership of the university hospital, even after granting the initial group of medical students access to the facility for training.

Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala said 100 medical students from the university will be the inaugural cohort allowed to use the hospital for their training.

“Today, we have achieved a significant milestone, and the students will commence their access to the hospital. Initially, only 100 students will start, with the possibility of increasing the number at a later stage,” the PS said.

Inyangala said the hospital’s modern facilities and equipment will be of great benefit to the over 800 medical students at the university.

Nevertheless, the issue of ownership was a significant focus during the meeting, with Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina clarifying that their pursuit had a dual purpose: firstly, securing access for students to utilise the facility, and secondly, seeking ownership of the facility.

“I find it difficult to express just how grateful I am to witness our students and lecturers being officially received here for the first time today. Our primary concern was access, and that was the petitioners’ request,” Wainaina said.

He said despite the ongoing struggle for ownership, the access granted was a substantial victory for students, allowing them to receive quality training at the institution.

However, Inyangala said the hospital belongs to the government.

“The issue of hospital ownership is not in dispute as both the institutions belong to the government. We are here to draw on the resources available provided for by the government to provide the best education to the students,” Inyangala said. 

Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital chairperson Olive Mugenda confirmed that they would cooperate with the university to ensure learners have unlimited access to the hospital facilities.