University of Nairobi and University of Hargeisa Forge Historic Partnership to Advance Nursing and Midwifery Education
After the recently signed collaboration agreement aimed at strengthening healthcare education across East Africa, the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the University of Hargeisa (UoH) have formalized a groundbreaking partnership to launch specialized postgraduate programs in nursing and midwifery through a Curriculum development workshop. Held from 11th to 15th August 2025, this initiative, under the UK-funded Global Health Workforce Programme, marks a historic milestone by introducing the first-ever postgraduate nursing and midwifery programs in Somaliland.
This initiative was led by Prof. Emmah K. Matheka, Chair of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery at UoN, the delegation emphasized the importance of regional collaborations in transforming healthcare. “This collaboration is a testament to the power of regional partnerships in advancing healthcare systems,” said Prof. Matheka.
The five-day curriculum development workshop brought together leading experts from both universities to co-design five key programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Informatics
- Postgraduate Diploma in Uronephrology
- Master of Science in Uro-fellowship Nursing
- Master of Science in Nephrology Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing
These programs are strategically developed to address critical healthcare gaps in Kenya and the Horn of Africa, with a focus on improving maternal and child health outcomes, emergency response, and critical care delivery.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Francis Mulaa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise at UoN, underscored the impact of the initiative:
“This collaboration is more than just an agreement on paper; it is a shared vision for a healthier future in the Horn of Africa. The nurses and midwives we train will be at the forefront of tackling public health challenges, reducing maternal and infant mortality, and providing compassionate, high-quality care.”
Prof. Peter Mungai Ngugi, Director of the East Africa Kidney Institute (EAKI) at UoN, highlighted the significance of launching a postgraduate diploma in uro-nephrology, noting that nurses deserve recognition and value equal to that of doctors.
Curriculum reviews were also central to the workshop, with Dr. Ruth Maithya emphasizing alignment with public health needs and professional standards. Dr. Norbert stressed that Nursing Informatics must integrate clinical components to support better decision-making through technology.
The Somaliland Ministry of Health and Development, represented by Dr. Johna Kirunja, Grand Manager, played a key role in ensuring that the curricula are tailored to national health priorities.
Prof. George Osanjo, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UoN, expressed his commitment to supporting the implementation of the newly developed curricula. “This collaboration enhances nursing education and demonstrates the importance of developing robust and relevant programs to meet regional healthcare demands,” he said.
Prof. Ayub Gitau, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, commended the faculty for their dedication and urged incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in curricula to future-proof training.
“The healthcare landscape is evolving globally. We must train not just for the job market, but for societal needs, embracing AI and innovation to stay ahead.”
The University of Hargeisa expressed deep appreciation to UoN and the UK Global Health Partnerships for their support in achieving a transformative step in Somaliland’s healthcare education.
This quintupartite collaboration—including UoN, UoH, the Somaliland Ministry of Health and Development, academic faculty, and the UK partners—sets the stage for a more competent and sustainable healthcare workforce for the region.
