Mount Kenya University (MKU) has emerged among only three medical training institutions in Kenya that fully meet East African Community (EAC) standards, according to a regional audit that has raised concerns about the quality of medical and dental education in the country.
The assessment found that MKU School of Medicine achieved the highest compliance score of 82 per cent, ahead of Maseno University School of Medicine, which scored 81 per cent, and Kisii University School of Health Sciences, which attained 80 per cent.
The three institutions were the only ones classified as fully compliant among the 13 medical and dental training schools inspected by the EAC.
The findings come amid growing scrutiny of healthcare training programmes after the regional audit revealed that some of Kenya’s most established medical schools failed to meet the minimum standards required to train future doctors and dentists.
According to the report, nine institutions were classified as partially compliant while one was declared non-compliant.
Among the universities found to be operating below the required thresholds were the University of Nairobi School of Medicine, which scored 58 per cent, and Moi University School of Medicine, which attained 61 per cent.
The University of Nairobi School of Dental Sciences scored 68 per cent, while Moi University School of Dentistry recorded 54 per cent.
Other institutions classified as partially compliant included Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) School of Medicine at 66 per cent, Kenya Methodist University School of Medicine at 59 per cent, Kenyatta University School of Medicine at 54 per cent, Egerton University Faculty of Health Sciences at 54 per cent and Masinde Muliro University School of Medicine at 53 per cent.
Uzima University College Medical School was the only institution categorised as non-compliant after scoring 49 per cent.
The audit identified a number of challenges affecting medical education, including over-enrolment of students, inadequate staffing levels, infrastructure deficiencies and insufficient facilities for clinical training.
Inspectors also found instances where lectures were being conducted in incomplete buildings considered safety risks and where student numbers exceeded approved limits.
As a result, several institutions were directed to suspend admissions until the identified shortcomings are addressed.
Kenya Methodist University School of Medicine was ordered to halt admissions due to concerns over staffing levels, infrastructure gaps and inadequate accommodation for clinical students.
Kenyatta University School of Medicine was instructed to suspend admissions to its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme pending implementation of corrective measures.
Meanwhile, Masinde Muliro University, Moi University School of Medicine and Egerton University Faculty of Health Sciences were barred from admitting new students until fresh inspections are conducted.
The most severe recommendation was issued against Uzima University College Medical School, where inspectors recommended closure and the transfer of students to other institutions after identifying significant deficiencies.
The findings have reignited debate over quality assurance in medical education and the preparedness of graduates entering Kenya’s healthcare system.
Consumer advocacy group Cofek has called for a comprehensive audit of all medical and dental training institutions, arguing that healthcare programmes require the highest standards of regulatory oversight due to their direct impact on patient safety.
The report also comes amid a dispute involving the Kenya Dental Association (KDA), which has questioned the accreditation and recognition of certain oral health programmes and raised concerns about professional standards within the sector.
While the audit exposed widespread compliance gaps across the country’s medical training institutions, it also highlighted MKU, Maseno University and Kisii University as examples of institutions that have successfully aligned their programmes with regional standards.
The recognition positions MKU among the leading medical training institutions in Kenya at a time when regulators are demanding greater accountability and higher quality standards in healthcare education across the region.
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