Nairobi Hospital’s Cicely McDonell College Graduates 140 New Healthcare Professionals at 31st Ceremony

Nairobi Hospital’s Cicely McDonell College Graduates 140 New Healthcare Professionals at 31st Ceremony.

Principal Secretary for Health Mary Muthoni delivers her keynote address during the 31st graduation ceremony of the Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences in Nairobi on Friday.

Nairobi - November 28, 2025

The Nairobi Hospital’s Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences on Friday marked its 31st graduation ceremony, celebrating 140 newly qualified nurses and healthcare assistants in an event that underscored the institution’s longstanding role in strengthening Kenya’s health workforce.

The ceremony, held at The Nairobi Hospital grounds, was graced by Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Health and Professional Standards, and attended by officials from the Kenya Hospital Association Board, training partners, regulators, alumni, faculty, families and international guests.

This year’s cohort comprises 89 Registered Nurses, 32 Higher Diploma Nurses specializing in Trauma & Emergency, Critical Care, Perioperative, and Oncology Nursing and 19 Health Care Assistants, the first group to graduate under the College’s newly accredited program.

College Principal Dr. Margaret Sirima paid tribute to the Class of 2025, noting that the graduates join a lineage of healthcare professionals whose training reflects decades of excellence.

“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 in advancing universal healthcare goals across the world,” Dr. Sirima said. “Our objective is to ensure every graduand is equipped with critical knowledge to tackle modern health challenges and meaningfully contribute to sustainable health outcomes wherever they serve.”

She also invoked the legacy of Sister Cicely McDonell whose pioneering work in nursing inspired the establishment of the College saying the institution continues to embody her ethos of service and compassion.

Dr. Sirima further highlighted the College’s strong examination performance, with 98.5 percent of candidates passing their professional licensing exams, reflecting a robust curriculum and rigorous clinical training.

The Principal acknowledged the College’s broad network of training partners that provide clinical exposure and specialist instruction. They include The Nairobi Hospital’s Nursing Services, the Nursing Council of Kenya, Kenyatta National Hospital, Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Gertrude’s Institute, Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nairobi City County health facilities, Daystar University, Health Logic and IntraHealth.

The Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano commended the graduates for their resilience, saying their training journey had prepared them for a dynamic global healthcare environment.

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

He reaffirmed the College’s reputation as a premier institution, noting that its graduates continue to secure opportunities in top hospitals across the UK, US, Australia, and Germany.

Delivering a message on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale, PS Muthoni congratulated the graduates and highlighted government initiatives designed to enhance the capacity and mobility of Kenya’s healthcare workforce.

“You are stepping into a profession that is the backbone of every health system,” Ms. Muthoni told the graduands. She said the Ministry is investing heavily in digital health solutions including the Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) to improve decision-making, streamline service delivery, and strengthen health data systems.

She also cited ongoing efforts to expand global job placements for Kenyan nurses, improve leadership pathways, and enhance welfare and professional development. These include formalized bilateral agreements with the United Kingdom and Germany to support ethical international recruitment.

The ceremony also celebrated the Cicely McDonell alumni community, which has supported the College for more than 70 years through mentorship, scholarships, and professional exchanges. Many graduates have risen to leadership positions within Kenya’s public and private health sectors and across international health institutions.

As the Class of 2025 transitions into the workforce, the College reaffirmed its commitment to producing healthcare professionals who embody excellence, compassion, and integrity values that continue to define its identity in the region.