MMUST and Rainbow for Africa UK Champions POCUS Training to Transform Maternal Healthcare in Western Kenya
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), in partnership with Rainbow for Africa UK (R4AUK), is conducting a Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training for the fifth cohort of clinicians. This is a program aimed at revolutionizing maternal healthcare in Western Kenya. The workshop is being held from 29th September to 1st October 2025 at MMUST, with practical sessions at the Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital. This partnership is housed in MMUST’s School of Medicine, under the leadership of the Dean, Dr. Anthony Sifuna, and coordinated by the Chairperson of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Godfrey Mutakha.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo (fourth from left), MMUST team and partners from Rainbow Africa.
The three-day program has drawn participants from MMUST, and 30 healthcare workers from various counties including Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, and Bungoma. The R4AUK-MMUST POCUS training is part of the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) through the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET). By equipping healthcare providers with essential POCUS skills, the initiative aims to strengthen diagnosis, enable quicker referrals, and enhance treatment for expectant women and other patients in need of urgent care. The experts from R4AUK who are key participants in the workshop include Dr. Venu Rajaratnam, Dr. Laura Pittana, Helen Wright and Emily Lloyd.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo addresses participants during the workshop.
Speaking during the first day of the workshop, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo commended this partnership. He urged the participants to fully utilize the skills acquired from the workshop in their respective health facilities and to be good ambassadors of the program. He emphasized that the knowledge gained would not only enhance patient care but also contribute to strengthening healthcare delivery systems across the region.
Reiterating the importance of this collaboration, the Dean School of Medicine, Dr. Anthony Sifuna, underscored the significance of this partnership in nurturing the School’s growth. He assured his support for the initiative, encouraging the continuation of joint projects to further health initiatives in the region.
The Chairperson of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Godfrey Mutakha gives his remarks during the workshop.
Giving an overview of the program, Dr. Mutakha pointed out that POCUS is a cost-effective approach that directly and indirectly saves healthcare expenses. It is not only designed to improve maternal healthcare but also aims to provide a sustainable model of continuous professional development for frontline healthcare workers across Western Kenya.
The Chairperson of the Rainbow for Africa – Dr. Francis Wanyama speaks at the workshop.
The Chairperson of the Rainbow for Africa – Dr. Francis Wanyama, noted that the training of the fifth cohort reflects the growing demand for POCUS training in the region adding that the program has gained momentum, and is transforming maternal and emergency healthcare outcomes in resource-limited regions. The other members of the team from Rainbow Africa included Mr. Josephat Oyier and Mr. Silas.
The President elect of the Rotary Club, Ms. Eunice Rapando gives her remarks during the workshop.
The training was also attended by the President elect of the Rotary Club, Ms. Eunice Rapando, who expressed strong interest in collaborating with Rotary Club of Liverpool in UK and Rainbow for Africa to support the program’s expansion and long-term sustainability through the establishment of the POCUS training lab.
A section of the team from R4AUK
During practical sessions at the Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital, the participants will engage in hands-on sessions focusing on patient scanning, accurate image interpretation, and the integration of ultrasound into routine maternal and emergency care. By equipping more healthcare providers with vital diagnostic skills, the training is creating a ripple effect that will certainly reshape maternal healthcare across Western Kenya.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
