Regulator calls for closure of medical science programme at Maseno University

Maseno University. The Kenya Medical Board has called for closure of it's Medical Science programme. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The university is also accused of enrolling students who did not meet minimum requirements for the training.

A regulator has called for closure of medical laboratory science programme at Maseno University over inadequate teaching and learning materials. 

In a letter seen by the Nation, the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) said that, following an inspection by the board the university has failed to implement the recommendations suggested by the team.

CURRICULAR

The board said besides the school lacking enough course materials, the university also failed to adhere to a curricular approved by the board.

The university is also accused of enrolling students who did not meet minimum requirements for the training.

“Following the inspection by the board, it has been found to be in violation and contravention of the Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Act and notice is hereby issued for immediate closure of the medical laboratory programme,” said the letter.

The board, which is chaired by Abel Onyango, noted that closure would affect both diploma and degree students pursuing medical laboratory sciences at the institution.

Onyango advised the university to recruit sufficient staff and procure physical infrastructure as approved by KMLTTB so as to be allowed by the board to offer the course.

GAPS

The university’s Public Relations Director Owen McOnyango said the school in charge is working on the gaps pointed out to ensure no learning is disrupted.

“They have alerted us and we are in discussions with them about the gaps and soon enough things will be okay,” he said.

About 200 students are taking the programme at the institution.

Evelyn Macharia from KMLTTB said the board has advised for the process of transfer of students to other accredited institutions across the country.

“We have written to other institutions including the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and other national polytechnics which are compliant to give us their capacities to be able to distribute the students who meet the minimum qualifications,” she said.

Maseno University offers degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences with IT at Siriba main campus whereas the two-year diploma programme is offered at their City Campus in Kisumu.