H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta Awards 10 Scholarships to Advance Health Education and Research

By Bruno Aero 

Amref International University (AMIU) today marked a landmark moment in its journey with the 6th Graduation Ceremony and the official launch of the ultra-modern Northlands Campus in Ruiru, Nairobi County. The event, themed “Localising Innovations to Strengthen Primary Health Care in Africa”, drew regional acclaim and renewed focus on community-driven health solutions.

Presided over by Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, on behalf of the Fourth President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, the event celebrated the graduation of 417 students in health-related disciplines—spanning degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

As part of his enduring legacy and commitment to health education, H.E. Kenyatta awarded 10 fully funded scholarships to outstanding and deserving students pursuing careers in health sciences. The scholarships aim to support the next generation of African health professionals and researchers.

“This campus will be instrumental in equipping our communities with locally driven solutions,” said H.E. Kenyatta in remarks delivered by the Former First Lady. “It is an affirmation of your commitment to localising innovation to strengthen primary health care across Africa.”

The Northlands Campus stands as a flagship investment in African-led health education, featuring cutting-edge classrooms, modern laboratories, an innovation hub, and a world-class library. It is expected to expand student capacity from 2,000 to 10,000, encompassing both physical and virtual learning programs. This development was made possible through generous philanthropic support, including a landmark donation from a leading global philanthropist.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, emphasized the importance of Africa-led solutions in building resilient health systems:

“We cherish our alliances—global, regional, and local. Only through working together can we create sustainable, contextually relevant education models that meet Africa’s needs,” he stated.

Prof. Joachim Osur, Vice Chancellor of AMIU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to community-based education, grounded in African realities:

“Our model ensures that learning is embedded in real-life practice. We are not just teaching theory—we are transforming communities,” he said.

This graduation and the launch of the Northlands Campus mark a pivotal step forward for AMIU’s mission to contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

With the new facility, AMIU is poised to become a pan-African hub for health education, research, and innovation, shaping a future where healthcare is equitable, locally informed, and globally relevant.