Nairobi Hospital college marks milestone as 140 health workers graduate

The Nairobi Hospital’s Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences on Friday marked a major milestone as it celebrated its 31st Graduation Ceremony, conferring diplomas and certificates to 140 nurses and healthcare assistants.

The event highlighted the college’s longstanding commitment to excellence in healthcare training and its expanding role in meeting Kenya’s and the region’s evolving healthcare needs.

The ceremony was presided over by Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary at the State Department for Health and Professional Standards, and attended by leaders from the Kenya Hospital Association Board, training partners, regulators, alumni, partners, families and other distinguished guests from across the world.

This year’s graduating class included 89 Registered Nurses (Diploma), 32 Higher Diploma Nurses specializing in Trauma & Emergency, Critical Care, Perioperative, and Oncology Nursing, and 19 Health Care Assistants, the first cohort under the newly accredited program.

Speaking at the event, the Principal of the College Dr. Margaret Sirima celebrated the graduating class of 2025 and lauded the institution’s heritage and dedication that has defined its mission.

“Today’s graduation ceremony gives me great joy and pride because we are officially commissioning 140 future professionals who will be at the frontlines in the fight against diseases and advancing universal healthcare goals across the world, " said Dr. Sirima.

"Our objective is to ensure every graduand is equipped with critical knowledge to tackle modern health challenges and meaningfully contribute to sustainable health outcomes regardless of where they work across the world."

This year, 98.5% of graduates passed their professional licensing examinations, demonstrating their competence and readiness for practice.

The Principal also recognized the critical role of training partners, including The Nairobi Hospital Nursing Services, the Nursing Council of Kenya, Kenyatta National Hospital, Pumwani Maternity, Gertude’s Institute, Mathari Hospital, Nairobi City County Clinics, Daystar University, Health Logic, and IntraHealth.

The Nairobi Hospital’s CEO Felix Osano reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to producing world-class healthcare professionals.

”The future professionals graduating today have overcome many hurdles in their professional training. We celebrate not only their academic achievements but their resilience and dedication to participating in transforming communities and driving sustainable development in healthcare,” said Mr Osano.

“Cicely McDonell College has, for 71 years, maintained its reputation as a centre of excellence in healthcare training. Its graduates are in high demand locally and internationally, working in leading hospitals across Britain, America, Australia, and Germany.”

Delivering her address on behalf of the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, PS Muthoni praised the graduating class and outlined the government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the healthcare workforce.

“I celebrate the graduating class of 2025 for your resilience, dedication, and commitment to service. You are stepping into a profession that is the backbone of every health system across the world,” said Ms Muthoni.

“The Ministry continues to invest in digital health and AI-driven platforms such as the Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) to support decision-making and improve healthcare service delivery. We have also rolled out strategic initiatives to expand global opportunities, enhance leadership roles, improve welfare, and support professional development for nurses."

The Cicely McDonnel alumni community, now spanning over 70 years, was also celebrated for sponsoring students and mentoring current cohorts.

As the Class of 2025 steps into the workforce, the College reaffirmed its commitment to shaping healthcare professionals who uphold excellence, compassion, and integrity.