Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has officially launched its inaugural School of Medicine and Health Sciences, making it the first institution at the coast region to offer medical training.

Speaking during the launch at the university’s main campus, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir described the development as a historic step for both education and healthcare in the region.

“Today, we are not just opening a school. Generations to come, will someday stand on this very podium to talk about an achievement, as a result and product of the current visionary leadership working together with the regional community,” he said.

The governor emphasised that the initiative forms part of his administration’s investment in strengthening healthcare delivery through training and capacity building, where a total of 66 students have been admitted into the pioneer class.

University Vice Chancellor Prof Leila Abubakar said the new school, now ranking TUM among the 13 Kenyan Universities chartered to provide courses in medicine, will be anchored on research, skills and innovation.

She noted that only recently, they received multiple awards at the ongoing Mombasa International Agricultural Show including the best university stand, best research stand under education and innovation category as well as being the best in interpretation of the show’s theme for the year 2025.

“Our medical school will be different. From the first year, students will be immersed in skills training and research in Mombasa,” Prof Leila said.

The VC thanked the national government for allocating Ksh266.8 million towards construction of the medical school and a further Ksh35 million for mechanical ventilation and refrigeration facilities. She also commended the county government for making available training facilities from Level 1 to Level 5 hospitals.

Speaking at the same forum, the county Senator Mohamed Faki welcomed establishment of the school, saying it would save local doctors from the burden of seeking specialisation from other counties, or even in foreign countries.

“For Universal Health Coverage to succeed, we must have enough doctors at all levels. This initiative moves us in that direction, whereby our doctors will continue working in our county, while furthering their studies,” he said.

The senator further called stronger collaboration between TUM and the Mombasa County administration in a wide range of fields beyond medicine.

For Deputy VC for Academic for Research and Extension, Prof Peter Gichangi, presided over the white coat ceremony for the pioneer class of 2025, reminding students of the attire’s significance as a declaration of commitment to the medical profession.

He urged the aspiring medics to uphold values of responsibility, duty, honour, respect and compassion throughout their training.

The university’s medical curriculum has been developed in collaboration with Ghent University of Belgium that has since seconded professors to work alongside members of the local faculty.

One of the pioneering students for the medical programme, Bwanamzee Mohammed, expressed his gratitude after receiving a full scholarship from the county government.

“This is a great milestone for TUM and for me personally,” he said, pledging to work hard in his studies.

The governor confirmed that 12 students, two from each sub-county, have been awarded full scholarships this year, with plans to increase the number to 24 next year.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sitati Reagan and Hassan Bahati