In a bold move to uphold accountability and restore order within Kenya’s healthcare training system, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has suspended the Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), Ms. Lister Onsongo. This decision follows alarming revelations that 42 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing students from 10 public and private universities were unlawfully approved to begin internship before completing their academic programs.
The Ministry of Health revealed that these students had not met the necessary academic and professional prerequisites to qualify for the internship program. Their premature deployment into health facilities across the country has sparked concerns about potential risks to patient safety, professional standards, and the integrity of healthcare training protocols in Kenya.
CS Duale, in an official statement, condemned the irregular approvals and emphasized the importance of strict adherence to regulatory frameworks that govern healthcare training and practice. “It is unacceptable for students who are not fully trained or certified to be placed in health facilities where they are expected to handle patients. This is a direct threat to public safety and professional ethics,” the CS stated.
In response to the breach, the Ministry has taken immediate corrective action. An internal audit has been launched to determine the extent of the violation and to identify any other parties involved. All internship letters issued to the affected students have been revoked, and the students have been ordered to vacate their duty stations without delay.
The Ministry further assured the public and stakeholders that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against all individuals found culpable. CS Duale reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in healthcare education and practice, promising swift reforms to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Meanwhile, universities implicated in the scandal have been placed under scrutiny. The Ministry has reached out to the Commission for University Education (CUE) to evaluate the academic and professional training processes in the affected institutions. Authorities are also reviewing whether university administrators were complicit or negligent in allowing students to bypass the necessary certification steps.
This incident has ignited public debate over accountability and oversight in Kenya’s healthcare education sector. Stakeholders, including the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), have voiced support for the suspension, urging the government to enforce stringent checks across all professional councils.
As the Ministry’s investigation continues, the spotlight remains firmly on the Nursing Council of Kenya, with expectations high for transparency and reform. The outcome of this case is likely to shape future policies regarding professional licensing and internship approvals, signaling a new era of strict compliance and zero tolerance for malpractice in Kenya’s health sector.
