MKU’s name on world list opens doors for medical graduates

Setting trends is not new to Mount Kenya University (MKU) in Nairobi, Kenya. Now, the university has done it again by joining the worldwide list of universities with medical degrees.

The United States, the United Kingdom and Canada have given the go-ahead for MKU’s medical graduates to participate in their medicine practice certification process if they meet the expected standards.

This recognition paves the way for MKU-trained doctors to practise, specialise and work in some of the world’s most prestigious healthcare systems after recognition by the three countries’ medical councils and accreditation agencies. The nod from these countries came after MKU appeared in the April 2025 listing of the World Directory of Medical Schools.

The directory aims to list all eligible medical schools worldwide. Eligible medical schools have a complete instruction programme leading to a basic medical qualification (such as MD, MBBS, MBChB) recognised by the local authorities.

“Before an eligible medical school can be included in this directory, we confirm the school’s operational status and recognition from an appropriate government agency or ministry,” a representative said in reply to questions University World News sent via e-mail.

“In the case of Mount Kenya University, this has been confirmed with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council. This authority confirmed that the school is operational and recognised by the local government, and indicated the start year of instruction, the length of the curriculum and the degree awarded,” the reply reads.

Examination and certification

According to the US Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), graduates from schools on the list can apply for examination and certification.

The ECFMG certification is a requirement for foreign medical graduates to apply for the US Medical Licensing Examination, which will enable them to obtain an unrestricted permit to practise medicine in the country.

In Canada, graduates from schools listed on the list will be eligible for assessment and certification by the Medical Council of Canada. At the same time, in the UK, they will be certified and given the green light to work by the General Medical Council.

Commitment to excellence

For an institution that is barely two decades old since its charter, and whose first cohort of doctors graduated in 2021, this feat shows MKU’s commitment to excellence. MKU started its medical school in 2014.

“MKU medical school has been rated by the East African Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Board as the best medical training institution in East Africa,” said Boniface Murigi, director of communication at MKU.

“The school has invested heavily in state-of-the-art laboratories and academic resources such as an anatomy laboratory and a funeral home at the Thika Level Five Hospital,” Murigi told University World News. The KES300 million (US$2.3 million) investment also includes integrating artificial intelligence into the study and practice of medicine.

“In line with the strategic partnerships promoting practical training of medical and health professionals, MKU has further partnered with Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital,” Murigi said.

Paving the way for African doctors

For a long time, doctors who trained in Africa faced many hurdles in getting permits to practise medicine abroad. This often required them to be trained and examined again by the host countries before being deemed eligible to work.

Therefore, this recognition has helped shift the tide favouring medical graduates from Kenya and Africa.

“This achievement is a testimony and assurance that quality and affordable medical education is available to Kenyan citizens and other international students. It allows MKU to compete favourably in providing medical education to professionals ready to join the local and international job market and self-employment through private practice,” Murigi said.

According to Professor Deogratius Jaganyi, the vice-chancellor of MKU, the recognition indicates the international quality of MKU training.

“It opens doors for our graduates to seek jobs beyond the Kenyan borders and gives satisfaction to our staff knowing that they did a good job,” Jaganyi said.

“It is also an indicator that Kenya is a major contributor to skilled manpower ready to serve the global labour market,” he told University World News.

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