KU Medical Students Protest Facility Ownership
Sunday, April 30, Kenyatta University students demonstrated along Thika Road. Demanding that the government transfer ownership of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTTRH).
The students argued to the press that they had been denied access to the hospital’s facilities. For educational purposes, despite the hospital’s name being similar to that of their university.
They lamented having to walk 15 kilometers to Kiambu Referral Hospital for treatment, despite the hospital’s proximity.
In a statement released by Jaffer Kasaya, the treasurer of the Students’ Association. The students issued a two-week ultimatum to the government. To transfer ownership and management of the hospital to the university to ensure that they are adequately accommodated.
In addition, they expressed concern that more than 2,000 medical students at the institution. Would be forced to leave because they lack the necessary opportunities to continue their education.
“The student fraternity at Kenyatta University is in complete disarray and terror. Our apprehension stems from the fact that our Medical School will be deregistered. And more than 2,000 students will be sent into the wilderness shortly.
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“We humbly request the Kenyan government, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina and the Kenyatta University management board to facilitate the surrender and return of KUTRRH to Kenyatta University unconditionally within two weeks, failing which unspecified action will be taken,” the statement read in part.
Some of the protesting students demanded the government change the hospital’s name if the administration was unable to transfer ownership to the university.
“We are tired of traveling to Kiambu even though we have our hospital. A hospital with our name on it. Calvin Obanyo, a KU student, lamented, “If the government does not want to give us the hospital, then it is only fair that our name be removed from it.”
In addition, the students observed that there were no effective channels for informing them of internship and employment opportunities at the hospital.
“We are distressed by the events at the hospital. We are not even permitted to complete our medical electives at the hospital as medical students.
Rachel Muthoni, a student at the institution, added, “We also do not receive any information regarding internship opportunities at the hospital, despite knowing that KU is known for its excellent research opportunities, which we are now unable to access.”
Separating the hospital from the University, the President established the hospital as a parastatal under the Ministry of Health in a gazette notice on January 25, 2019.
As a result of the change, KUTRRH, as a parastatal, was no longer required to provide absolute accessibility to university staff and students.
KU Medical Students Protest Facility Ownership
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