10 Medical Schools in Kenya

Kenya has some of the best medical schools in Africa, offering quality education and training to aspiring healthcare professionals. With the growing demand for healthcare services and the need for skilled medical practitioners, these institutions have become essential in producing competent doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.

In this article, we will take a closer look at 10 medical schools in Kenya, highlighting their unique features, strengths, and areas of specialization. We will explore the curriculum, faculty, facilities, and other factors that make these institutions stand out from others in the country.

Through this article, we aim to provide valuable insights into the medical education landscape in Kenya and help students and aspiring healthcare professionals make informed decisions about their career paths.

Overview of 10 Medical schools in Kenya 

1. Moi University School of Medicine (MUSOM)

The MUSOM, founded in 1988, began accepting students in 1990 as a Faculty of Health Sciences. The school’s philosophy focuses on preparing health professionals to serve in their local communities, promoting skills such as self-directed learning, problem-solving, and effective communication.

The School’s approach prioritizes not only hospital-based medicine but also disease prevention and the promotion of good health through community-oriented programs.

Currently, the University offers four undergraduate programs, including Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), as well as BSc programs in Medical Laboratory Science, Physical Therapy, and Medical Psychology. Additionally, there are 16 postgraduate programs available in various medical specialities.

2. University of Nairobi Medical School

The Medical School at the University of Nairobi, which was established in 1967, is among the oldest medical institutions in Kenya. The university has a strong commitment to producing highly skilled healthcare professionals and pioneering researchers who can tackle emerging health issues. 

Their professionals are leading the development of national health policies. The school provides a range of academic programs, including Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, PhD programs, and diplomas. 

Additionally, it operates two modern hospitals that serve both as training centers and healthcare facilities for patients. This allows medical students at UoN to gain practical experience while pursuing their studies.

3. Kenyatta University School of Medicine

The School of Medicine, previously known as the School of Health Sciences, was established in August 2004 as a center of excellence in health research, capacity building, and product development. The undergraduate program offered by the school is the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree, which takes six years to complete.

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the medical profession and to equip them with the necessary skills to become competent and empathetic physicians.

The school offers several postgraduate programs, including Master of Medicine (MMed) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees in various medical specialties, such as surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and internal medicine.

The school also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in medicine and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.

4. Kenya Methodist University School of Medicine

Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) is a privately owned Christian University that has been granted a charter, and it is sponsored by the Methodist Church in Kenya. The school offers programs with flexible modes of study, such as face-to-face (full-time), online (distance learning), and a combination of the two modes.

The face-to-face courses primarily involve laboratory and clinical training, and the intake is only in September each year. The distance learning courses commence each January, May, and September, allowing students to commence their studies at their convenience.

5. Maseno University Medical School

The Maseno University Medical School is situated in the town of Maseno, in Kisumu County, Kenya, and is a public university that obtained accreditation from the Commission for University Education in Kenya in 1991.

The medical school is part of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, which comprises the Schools of Nursing, Public Health, and Pharmacy. It provides various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine and related fields.

The undergraduate programs include a six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree, along with Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing and Pharmacy. The MBChB program involves both theoretical coursework and clinical rotations.

At Maseno University Medical School, postgraduate programs consist of Master of Medicine (MMed) programs in different specializations, including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Anesthesiology. Additionally, the school offers a Master of Science degree in Public Health.

6. Mount Kenya University School of Medicine

Mount Kenya University is established with a focus on science and technology, and has a strong foundation in health sciences. The university’s predecessor, the Thika Institute of Technology, was established in 1996 and was the first mid-level college authorized to offer a diploma in pharmacy.

The College of Health Sciences at MKU provides courses in medicine and surgery, medical laboratory sciences, clinical medicine, public health, pharmacy, and nursing.

The university’s programs in various fields have been ranked among the top in Kenya and East Africa. Specifically, the Medical School has established itself as a leader in training medical professionals. 

7. Egerton University

Egerton University, the oldest institution of higher education in Kenya, is a public university. The Faculty of Health Sciences at Egerton University is a highly-regarded institution that provides quality education and training in a range of health science fields. The faculty is dedicated to producing competent and skilled professionals who can contribute to the health sector and the wider community.

Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered by the faculty in various areas of health sciences, such as medicine, nursing, clinical medicine, medical laboratory sciences, environmental health, and health records and information management.

These programs are designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to become effective practitioners in their respective fields.

8. Kisii University School of Health Sciences

Kisii University’s School of Health Sciences is a renowned higher learning institution in Kenya, which provides undergraduate and graduate programs in various healthcare fields. The school aims to deliver superior education and training to students aspiring to become healthcare professionals.

The School of Health Sciences boasts a team of competent and seasoned faculty members committed to imparting students with the requisite knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen fields. Additionally, the school features modern and cutting-edge facilities and equipment, crucial for practical training and research purposes.

9. Uzima University Medical School

Uzima University, situated in Kisumu, Kenya, is a private Christian university that has been offering various degree programs since its establishment in 2005. One of its programs is the Uzima University Medical School, which was founded in 2011 and is situated at the Uzima Hospital in Kisumu.

The primary goal of the medical school is to train competent and ethical medical professionals who can deliver high-quality healthcare services not only in Kenya but also globally.

The medical school’s flagship program is the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) that spans six years. This program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the essential medical sciences and clinical medicine.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience by participating in clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.

10. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology medical school

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a public university located in Juja, Kenya. It was established in 1981 as a college offering middle-level education and was originally known as Jomo Kenyatta College of Agriculture and Technology. 

The institution was granted full university status in 1994 and subsequently renamed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). Today, JKUAT has experienced tremendous growth and currently boasts a student population of over 22,000.

The College of Health Sciences maintains close communication with the healthcare needs of Kenyan citizens and the government, at both national and county levels. It was founded to promote collaboration between the University and Research Institutions, such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), to further their joint development. 

The partnership between these two government institutions has been a successful example of resource utilization for the advancement of the field. The College comprises several schools, including the School of Nursing, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and School of Biomedical Sciences.

Want to study in other countries, we reccommend you to check out our previous artcles on medical schools in Morroco, Spain, Sweden and China.