Nairobi Hospital’s Cicely McDonell College Graduates 140 Healthcare Professionals at 31st Ceremony
Nairobi, Kenya – November 28, 2025-The Nairobi Hospital’s Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences has marked a significant milestone after graduating 140 newly trained healthcare professionals during its 31st Graduation Ceremony. The event, presided over by Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Health and Professional Standards, drew distinguished leaders from the Kenya Hospital Association Board, training partners, regulators, alumni, and guests from across the world.
This year’s graduating cohort includes 89 Registered Nurses (Diploma), 32 Higher Diploma Nurses specializing in Trauma & Emergency, Critical Care, Perioperative and Oncology Nursing, and 19 Health Care Assistants,the first group to complete the newly accredited program. The College reported an impressive 98.5% pass rate in licensing exams, underscoring its reputation as a premier hub for medical training.
College Leadership Highlights Training Excellence
College Principal Dr. Margaret Sirima celebrated the Class of 2025, describing them as a new force in global healthcare.
“We are commissioning 140 future professionals who will be at the frontlines in advancing universal health goals worldwide,” she said. “Our training is deeply rooted in the legacy of Sister Cicely McDonell, whose compassion continues to guide our mission.”
Dr. Sirima commended the College’s training partners, including the Nursing Council of Kenya, Kenyatta National Hospital, Pumwani Maternity, Gertrude’s Institute, and others for their role in shaping competent graduates.
Nairobi Hospital Strengthens Global Health Workforce Development
The Nairobi Hospital CEO, Felix Osano, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing world-class practitioners.
“These professionals have overcome immense hurdles. Their resilience will drive sustainable development in healthcare,” Osano said.
He highlighted the College’s 71-year legacy of excellence, noting that its graduates are in demand across the UK, USA, Australia, and Germany.
In his official speech, Osano outlined the hospital’s expanded services, modernized infrastructure, and partnerships including a 2025 MoU with the Social Health Authority (SHA) that has increased referrals of oncology and specialized cases from Kenyatta National Hospital. He also emphasized the hospital’s ongoing journey toward Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA).
Government Commits to Strengthening Health Workforce
Delivering remarks on behalf of Health CS Aden Duale, PS Mary Muthoni lauded the graduates for their dedication.
“You are stepping into a profession that is the backbone of every health system,” she said.
She highlighted government efforts to modernize healthcare through digital platforms such as eCHIS, leadership development programs, and new bilateral agreements with the UK and Germany to expand ethical international recruitment.
Board Calls for Continued Excellence
Kenya Hospital Association Board Chair Barcley Onyambu praised the institution for maintaining global standards in healthcare training.
“Cicely McDonell College continues to produce skilled professionals who are transforming healthcare locally and internationally,” he said.
Onyambu revealed that the College is now transitioning toward becoming a specialized medical university, with TVETA accreditation paving the way for broader program offerings. He also outlined recent hospital investments, including state-of-the-art labour suites, a 256-slice AI-enabled CT scanner, and East Africa’s first biplane catheterization lab, all geared toward improving patient outcomes.
A New Chapter for the Graduating Class
Leaders urged the graduates to uphold integrity, compassion, and professionalism as they enter a rapidly changing healthcare landscape driven by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
“Let your work uplift others and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” CEO Osano stated in his address to the graduands.
The ceremony concluded with a call for graduates to remain connected to the College’s global alumni network, which has shaped healthcare for more than seven decades.
