NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has issued a warning to private colleges and universities operating unapproved medical-related courses, citing concerns over their impact on students’ futures and the healthcare sector.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, criticized the growing trend of institutions offering unregulated programs, saying they not only mislead students but also leave them jobless after graduation.
“Do not waste people’s children by offering them courses that will never qualify them for jobs in the current market,” she cautioned during the 10th graduation ceremony of Tricent School of Medical Health Science and Technology in Juja, Kiambu County.
The PS revealed that the government would soon launch inspections to identify and shut down colleges running invalid programs, emphasizing the need for adherence to regulatory standards.
“Whenever you want to introduce a course, please deal with our regulatory bodies. Some private institutions create programs with strange names, leaving graduates unemployable,” Muthoni said, warning that such practices not only harm students but also erode public trust in the education system.
Muthoni assured the graduates that the government has created numerous local and international job opportunities for qualified healthcare professionals.
She highlighted the availability of over 14,000 healthcare facilities across the country, including public, private, and faith-based institutions, and pointed to bilateral agreements with other countries as a source of future opportunities.
“Graduates who complete approved programs will find meaningful employment to better their lives and contribute to society,” she said.
Denish Oketch, Managing Director of Tricent School, announced plans to establish a school hospital to enhance hands-on training for students.
He also unveiled a sponsorship program aimed at supporting over 30 students from underprivileged backgrounds, with funding already allocated to the initiative.
“We are committed to equipping our students with the right knowledge and skills to serve effectively in society,” Oketch said.
Among the 400 graduates who received diplomas and certificates in various medical disciplines, Sheika Mokaya, a police officer passionate about healthcare, expressed confidence in the training they had received.
“We are ready to serve patients in different hospitals and make an impact,” Mokaya said.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, criticized the growing trend of institutions offering unregulated programs, saying they not only mislead students but also leave them jobless after graduation.
“Do not waste people’s children by offering them courses that will never qualify them for jobs in the current market,” she cautioned during the 10th graduation ceremony of Tricent School of Medical Health Science and Technology in Juja, Kiambu County.
The PS revealed that the government would soon launch inspections to identify and shut down colleges running invalid programs, emphasizing the need for adherence to regulatory standards.
“Whenever you want to introduce a course, please deal with our regulatory bodies. Some private institutions create programs with strange names, leaving graduates unemployable,” Muthoni said, warning that such practices not only harm students but also erode public trust in the education system.
Muthoni assured the graduates that the government has created numerous local and international job opportunities for qualified healthcare professionals.
She highlighted the availability of over 14,000 healthcare facilities across the country, including public, private, and faith-based institutions, and pointed to bilateral agreements with other countries as a source of future opportunities.
“Graduates who complete approved programs will find meaningful employment to better their lives and contribute to society,” she said.
Denish Oketch, Managing Director of Tricent School, announced plans to establish a school hospital to enhance hands-on training for students.
He also unveiled a sponsorship program aimed at supporting over 30 students from underprivileged backgrounds, with funding already allocated to the initiative.
“We are committed to equipping our students with the right knowledge and skills to serve effectively in society,” Oketch said.
Among the 400 graduates who received diplomas and certificates in various medical disciplines, Sheika Mokaya, a police officer passionate about healthcare, expressed confidence in the training they had received.
“We are ready to serve patients in different hospitals and make an impact,” Mokaya said.
