AMREF Kenya made history on Saturday by hosting the first-ever Physio-Fusion symposium at AMREF International University in Nairobi. The groundbreaking event attracted over 150 students from various institutions, including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), marking a significant step in the evolution of physiotherapy education in Kenya.
The symposium was organized to equip students with the latest knowledge on physiotherapy, particularly in sports medicine. With the increasing number of athletes requiring specialized rehabilitation, physiotherapy has become a critical component in sports science. The event also provided an essential networking platform for students and professionals in the field.
Rachael Kaboro, President of the Association of Physiotherapy Students at AMREF International University, emphasized the importance of bridging gaps between students from different institutions.
“There are so many boundaries in our universities and colleges. When we meet in hospitals, we seem like strangers. This symposium is about networking and education because what is in the curriculum is not necessarily what is being practiced in the field,” she said.
The need for new physiotherapy techniques has grown with advancements in sports technology, leading to increased research in injury management. Henry Opondo, President of the Kenya Society of Physiotherapists and Chairman of the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya, noted that such initiatives help students explore different career opportunities.
“We want students to understand that they are the next generation of medical practitioners. This event serves as mentorship, helping them realize they can specialize in sports physiotherapy, occupational health and safety, research, academia, or hospital practice,” Opondo explained.
Senior Physiotherapist Abraham Ochung from KMTC highlighted the crucial role of physiotherapy in both post-surgery rehabilitation and sports injury recovery.
“There is a key difference between athletes recovering from injuries and patients who have undergone surgery. Physiotherapy ensures athletes regain peak performance, while post-surgery rehabilitation focuses on restoring normal bodily functions,” Ochung stated.
With support from the Ministry of Health and the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya, the symposium showcased the growing importance of physiotherapy in modern healthcare, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to producing highly skilled professionals in the field.
