Medical students at Kenyatta University can finally breathe a sigh of relief after the Senate stepped in to address a long-running conflict that has blocked their access to vital internship opportunities.
For years, students have been unable to conduct clinical training at the state-of-the-art Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), despite the facility being located right next to their university.
In a decisive meeting held at Bunge Towers on Thursday, July 24, the Senate Committee on Health issued a 30-day ultimatum to both Kenyatta University and KUTRRH, demanding a resolution by September 2025.
The committee emphasized that the impasse must end immediately, noting that the affected students have been forced to seek training in far-flung hospitals like Kiambu and Thika, despite KUTRRH being more accessible.
Senator Jackson Mandago, who chairs the committee, delivered a firm message to both institutions: “This is not about power struggles or who is in charge of what. It’s about the students and their futures. Their welfare comes first, and that’s not up for debate.”
At the core of the dispute is a disagreement between Kenyatta University and the hospital’s board over access and control rights. Although KUTRRH operates independently under its own legal framework, critics argue that this should not prevent it from fulfilling its original purpose — providing hands-on training for KU’s medical and nursing students.
KUTRRH Board Chair Kembi Gitura acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. “Yes, the hospital is autonomous by law, but this is not about technicalities or ego. It’s about training the next generation of healthcare professionals,” he said.
To break the deadlock, the Senate has directed that a Joint Implementation Committee be formed immediately, bringing together the university’s Vice-Chancellor and the hospital’s CEO.
This committee is expected to spearhead mediation efforts and ensure that practical steps are taken to resolve the standoff. The Senate has also demanded a detailed progress report by September, regardless of whether an official summons is made.
The irony is hard to ignore — the very hospital built to enhance medical education for KU students has remained off-limits to them. Yet, KUTRRH boasts some of the most advanced healthcare services in the region. Its offerings include top-tier oncology, cardiology, trauma care, orthopaedics, renal services, and emergency care.
The hospital’s oncology center, in particular, is a flagship project equipped with the latest in cancer treatment and diagnostics.
As it stands, the Senate’s firm stance may finally bring an end to the institutional standoff and give the students what they need most — access to world-class clinical training that prepares them to serve the nation’s health sector.
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