Nairobi,20th November 2023
Nairobi County Deputy Governor, James Muchiri officiated the 68th Graduation Ceremony for Pumwani Maternity College of Nursing and Midwifery at Pumwani.
A total of 22 students graduated with Diplomas in nursing and midwifery.
H.E. Governor Sakaja, through his speech read by his Deputy Governor, James Muchiri, lauded the graduands who were ready to go and serve with the same high standards as their predecessors.
” It is a day of celebration, reflection, and aspiration as we acknowledge not just the successes of the students and instructors but also a remarkable journey that the institution has undertaken since its inception. The history of the college has been one of the continuous progress and evolution since 1955, and we have seen immense growth. 219 dedicated students all pursuing a diploma in nursing and Midwifery dream of becoming skilled professionals. ”
The county boss shared that Pumwani Maternity College of Nursing and Midwifery symbolizes the county’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of health care providers.
“The students have shown us their dedication diligence, and we have seen the results with the college marked the second best performing institution in the country. While we take glory in our accomplishments, we also look forward to a future that promises even more remarkable success. ”
H.E. the Governor in his speech mentioned that in September, 2024, the college is set to introduce a new program, diploma in clinical medicine and with the expansion in its strategic direction, embracing a new identity. A new name that not only reflects the county’s broader scope but also intent in being the leading provider of quality training for health professionals in East and Central Africa. “We will soon become the Nairobi Medical Training College allowing us to accommodate diverse professional training programmes.”
Nairobi County Deputy Governor, James Muchiri while making his remarks said “We need to create a framework around which we develop and make sure we have a scheme of service for the teaching faculty and also develop the infrastructure to be able to bring in diverse courses and cater for the needs of the students and teaching staff who are involved in this college”.
The Deputy Governor further said that the institution will be among the flagship investment and activity for the county in the next 5 years. “As we deliver on the mandate of Nairobi and mandate of the people of Nairobi in creating a city of Order and Dignity, hope and opportunities for all.”
County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Patrick Analo said “This institution needs a proper investment plan and a master plan and I believe once we have that in place, we can be able to make it better. I want to celebrate the fraternity that has kept this facility as it is since 1927, other than being a health facility, it is a place of cultural recognition. ”
County Executive for Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Suzanne Silantoi said, “Today is a momentous day for us particularly for the graduands. As the County Health Sector, we are committed to ensuring that not only do we grow but thrive as well. We have 219 students, but with the expansion of the facilities, we will grow the student numbers as well. We will ensure that we have seamless integration between the students and the county health facilities. ”
County Officer for health facilities, Geoffrey Mosiria said “I want to congratulate the graduands and assure them as Nairobi County under the leadership of H.E the Governor, we shall engage our health facilities incharges to ensure that when they have locum opportunities, we priorities our graduates. We have a budget allocated for expansion and construction of classrooms and kitchen among others, and as for the physical separation of the college and hospital, we are going to add a separate gate.”
Principal Pumwani Maternity College of Nursing and Midwifery, Consolata Ndege stated that it has been 11 years since the last graduation ceremony. “It is not easy to plan for a graduation for more than 20 different classes or cohorts, some of whom have even progressed and attained other academic degrees. This College has a unique history in the development and growth of nursing and midwifery in Kenya since its inception in 1927 as the only school of midwifery in the country. ”
Ms. Consolata shared that between the years 2021 and 2023, the college had registered poor performance. “Today in this graduation, the class that has just finished has 95% pass with 1 distinction. We are releasing a good breed of nurses and midwives and have instilled in them self-discipline, positive attitude that values human life. ”
Chief Executive Officer for Pumwani Maternity and Referral Hospital, Christine Kiteshuo, shared that the graduands had not only been training but had also done sufficient practicals in County facilities including Pumwani Maternity Hospital.
Board Chair for Pumwani Maternity College of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Grace Omoni said “As an institution, we are ready to bridge the knowledge and skills gap not only in Kenya and East African Countries and with this we want to upgrade the knowledge and skills of practicing midwives and nurses providing basic and advanced training through partnerships and collaborations”.
Present was County Executive for Innovation and Digital Economy, Mike Gumo, County Executive for Built Environment and Urban Planning, S.G Mwangi, County Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr. Irene Muchoki, County Chief Officer for ICT Infrastructure, John Lintari, Directors and other County staff, Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Pumwani, Hon. Paul Ndung’u, MCA California, Hon. Hashim Kamau, MCA Pangani, Hon. Peter Wahinya, Nairobi County Assembly Minority Whip, Hon. Mark Mugambi, among others.
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