Mount Kenya University (MKU) is taking significant strides to improve healthcare training through the acquisition of new equipment aimed at enhancing the quality of education for nutritionists, dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. The first batch of equipment, delivered in partnership with the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI), includes pre-clinical mannequins designed to strengthen training in nutrition and dietetics.
Dr. Mercyline Kamande, MKU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research Affairs, emphasized the university’s commitment to shaping globally competitive professionals. She highlighted the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, both locally and abroad, and the institution’s efforts to meet these needs.
The mannequins, essential in training students to understand human anatomy and develop clinical skills, are a key addition to MKU’s healthcare training infrastructure. David Okeyo, the Chief Executive Officer of KNDI, echoed the importance of standardizing training equipment across institutions, noting that the healthcare sector’s success depends on well-trained professionals equipped with the right tools. He also pointed out the challenges many institutions face in equipping their laboratories, with several institutions lacking proper training equipment.
This initiative is part of MKU’s broader effort to invest in healthcare training. Over the years, the university has secured partnerships with German and Austrian institutions, providing students with job opportunities in European healthcare markets. More than 80 MKU-trained nursing graduates have already started working in Germany and Austria, with further cohorts set to follow. MKU’s commitment to global healthcare training is reflected in its proactive approach to regulatory standards, working closely with KNDI to meet the requirements for top-notch training.
KNDI’s involvement underscores the growing recognition of nutrition and dietetics as essential components of healthcare. While many institutions have yet to invest in specialized facilities, KNDI is working to ensure that all institutions adhere to the required standards. This includes the mandatory use of clinical mannequins in labs that cater to nutrition and dietetics programs.
The need for more nutritionists in Kenya remains critical. With only 14,200 licensed nutritionists in a country that requires at least 60,000, KNDI is pushing for greater investment in training. MKU’s efforts, including its collaboration with regulators, demonstrate the university’s commitment to training professionals who meet both national and international healthcare standards.
In addition to these efforts, KNDI is also engaging with the government to reduce taxes on training equipment, such as clinical mannequins, to make standardization more affordable for institutions across the country.
As MKU continues to lead in the healthcare training sector, it is setting the stage for a new generation of well-equipped professionals, ready to tackle the challenges of the healthcare industry.
