Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has today 21^st January 2025, marked a historic milestone as the first-ever cohort of medical graduates took the Hippocratic Oath in a ceremony officiated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). This significant milestone marks the University’s entry into the realm of producing qualified doctors, a crucial step in addressing Kenya’s growing need for healthcare professionals.

The Hippocratic Oath, a time-honored tradition in the medical field, emphasizes the core principles of patient confidentiality, non-maleficence, and beneficence. It signifies the beginning of the graduates’ professional journey and their commitment to putting patient welfare at the forefront of their practice.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo following the virtual oath-taking ceremony.  

 The 21st graduation ceremony, saw MMUST’s inaugural batch of 12 medical students, officially transitioning to the medical field. The graduates, who have completed a rigorous and comprehensive medical curriculum have promised to uphold the values of medical ethics and their practice will be guided by compassion, integrity, and respect for human dignity. They have pledged to honor the oath that binds doctors worldwide to ethical practice and compassionate care. They are now set to undertake their 12-month internship.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo has expressed his pride in the University’s new medical graduates. “With the healthcare sector in Kenya grappling with a shortage of qualified medical practitioners, we are confident that these graduates will make a significant impact,” said Prof. Shibairo.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, the Dean of the School of Medicine- Dr. Anthony Sifuna,  Ms. Linet Owuor, and Mr. Victor Malimu during the virtual oath-taking ceremony.  

The Dean of the School of Medicine- Dr. Anthony Sifuna thanked the University Management for their support saying that it is a proud moment for MMUST, as we take this critical step towards contributing meaningfully to the healthcare sector.

The virtual oath-taking ceremony was also attended by graduate doctors from Kenyatta University, Egerton University, University of Nairobi, Uzima University, and Kenya Methodist University who also took the Hippocratic Oath. With healthcare access still a challenge in many parts of Kenya, particularly in rural areas, the successful training and graduation of these doctors is seen as a crucial step towards alleviating the pressure on the health system.

 Vice Chancellor Prof Solomon Shibairo cuts a cake with a section of the graduates and members of the University management during the SOM dinner

As MMUST now joins the ranks of Universities producing qualified doctors in Kenya, it is evident that we are committed to nurturing future healthcare practitioners. The solemn pledge has marked the official beginning of our graduate doctors' medical careers.

By Linet Owuor

Photos by Shiundu Masafu