State warns private colleges offering unapproved courses

The Government has put on notice private institutions offering medical courses not approved by the relevant authorities.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni raised concern over the proliferation of colleges offering unapproved courses saying they are not only wasting the learners time but swindling them because they could end up jobless.

The PS warned that the government will begin inspection of the institutions to protect learners.

“Whenever you want to introduce a course, please deal with our regulatory bodies. In the current circumstances, some owners of private institutions introduce new courses, give them weird names only for the graduates to end up unemployable after completing their studies,” she said.

Ms Muthoni was speaking during the 10th graduation ceremony of Tricent School of Medical Health Science and Technology in Juja, where more 400 students graduated with diplomas and certificates.

The PS assured the graduates that the government has created job opportunities locally and internationally.

She said that the new graduates will get into the market at a critical time when the healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving with strengthening of community health systems, introduction of primary healthcare networks and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) which is shaping how healthcare is delivered and financed.

“We have over 14,000 healthcare facilities ranging from public, private and faith-based institutions. You can fit in, we equally have many other countries looking for bilateral conversations so that you can secure an employment opportunity,” said the PS.

The institution’s Managing Director Denish Oketch said they have rolled out a sponsorship programme targeting more than 30 learners from poor backgrounds.

Oketch revealed that the institution has partnered with local and international organisations to offer attachment and job opportunities to graduates.

“We are also looking forward to launching our own hospital to better equip our students. Our intention is to ensure that we equip our students with the right knowledge and skills to become effective in society,” he said.