Kaimosi Friends University College. [Mumo Munuve, Standard]
Kaimosi Friends University College has received the first batch of learners at its newly established School of Nursing.
The students will pursue diploma and degree courses in nursing and midwifery.
The Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Nursing Council of Kenya gave the school the nod to offer the courses earlier this year, after it was found to have met all the minimum requirements.
Edna Tallam, Nursing Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer who attended the institution's launch, said she was impressed by the huge strides the university had made in regard to offering more science-related courses.
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“We were convinced that this institution has the capacity to give the students the best training and churn out all-around professional nurses,” she said.
According to her, the university will help the country meet the growing demand for highly qualified nurses.
Earlier, the council conducted a thorough assessment of the institution to ascertain its capacity to offer the courses based on available facilities and learning tools.
"We have advised the institution's management to equip the school of nursing to world-class standards so as to be able to produce well-baked professionals," said Tallam.
Tallam said the council's mandate is to increase the number of institutions offering nursing courses to enhance the country's capacity to produce more qualified professional nurses.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated staff shortages in hospitals across the country. Shortage of nurses is especially dire in rural areas," she said.
Institutions desiring to conduct training of nurses are required to apply in writing to the Council and provide documented evidence showing their capacity and preparedness to offer the intended programmes.
According to Tallam, the institutions must also show existing physical training facilities and affiliate themselves with a teaching hospital or health facility that will be used for the provision of practical clinical experience.
The nursing school will partner with Kaimosi Jumia Hospital and Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.
