Doors open as MKU medical degrees earn global recognition
Mount Kenya University (MKU) has achieved a milestone following the recognition of its medical degrees in the United States, the UK and Canada. This opens up opportunities for MKU-trained doctors to practise, specialise and work in
some of the world’s most prestigious healthcare systems after recognition by medical councils and accreditation agencies of the three countries. It follows the April 2025 listing of the MKU Medical School in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
The US Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)) says in the listing: “Graduates of this school are eligible to apply to ECFMG for ECFMG Certification and examination’’. The ECFMG evaluates the qualifications of foreign medical graduates seeking to practise in the US.
By enrolling with the ECFMG, Mt Kenya University Faculty of Health Sciences aims to facilitate the process for its graduates wishing to pursue careers in the US.
ECFMG certification is a requirement for international medical graduates to take Step Three of the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and to obtain an unrestricted permit to practise medicine in the United States.
According to the World Directory of Medical Schools, those listed are acceptable to the provincial/territorial medical authorities in Canada, and therefore acceptable to medical organisations in there. “Candidates must have obtained or be expected to obtain an acceptable medical degree from an acceptable school to be eligible for Medical Council of Canada services and assessments,” it says.
It adds that the degree must be from an acceptable school and the medical school listed in the World Directory must have a Canada sponsor note. “The graduation date must be within the graduation years range indicated in the ECFMG sponsor note. In addition, the degree title must be listed in the Reference Guide for Medical Education Credentials,” it says.
The UK General Medical Council (GMC) granted recognition to the MKU Medical School last year. The GMC sets standards that doctors and their trainers must meet. For years, African-trained doctors faced challenges in having their qualifications recognised abroad, often requiring extra exams or training. The accreditation reduces barriers for graduates seeking international opportunities.
The recognition of MKU medical degrees marks a transformative moment for Kenya’s medical education. Other Kenyan universities whose medical schools are
listed are Egerton, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, the University of Nairobi, Kenya Methodist, Kenyatta, Kisii, Maseno, Moi and Masinde Muliro. MKU Vice-Chancellor, Deogratius Jaganyi said the recognition is an indication of the quality of MKU training.
“It confirms what was established by the East African Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council. These recognitions open doors for our graduates to seek jobs beyond the Kenyan borders. Our staff are satisfied with the job well done,’’ Prof Jaganyi said.
MKU graduated its first batch of 29 doctors in 2021. They had begun the programme six years earlier. They were awarded the bachelor’s degrees along with 6,556 other graduands during the 19th graduation. Mt Kenya University has invested Sh300 million in a partnership with Thika Level Five Hospital.
Article by: Hilary Kimuyu, Daily Nation newspaper coverage on 7th April 2025- Higher Education section page 7
