Former President, Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged 10 fully funded scholarships to support students training in health sciences at Amref International University (AMIU).

The announcement was made during AMIU’s 6th graduation ceremony and the launch of its new Northlands Campus on Friday in Ruiru, Nairobi.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Mr Kenyatta said the graduation marks the beginning of a lifetime of work.

“You are the hope of Africa. Innovation, policy diversity, advanced indigenous research, primary care, specialised care, compassion, new technologies and all that entails to strengthen primary healthcare in our great motherland is now your responsibility. In support of this, I wish to pledge 10 scholarships to the most deserving students.”

He pointed to lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic that exposed the need for stronger local health systems.

“The pandemic highlighted the importance of an efficient, effective and all-inclusive primary health care system,” he said.

The former head of state emphasized the need for local research capacity, vaccine manufacturing, and a skilled workforce to reduce reliance on external solutions.

“That is where institutions like you and the International University come in,” he added.

AMIU offers training in medicine, nursing, public health, community health practice, and other health sciences aimed at preparing professionals to meet Africa’s health needs.

The university says the scholarships will help educate health workers who are essential for delivering care in clinics, hospitals, and communities.

AMIU Vice Chancellor Prof Joachim Osur said the university is focused on practical, community-based education.

“We've strengthened our focus on community-based education, ensuring that learning is embedded in real-life practice and local health contexts,” he said.

Group CEO of Amref Health Africa Githinji Gitahi said collaboration is key to building sustainable health systems.

“Through working together, we can develop sustainable, contextually relevant education models that shape the resilient health systems Africa needs,” Dr Gitahi noted.

The new Northlands Campus is expected to expand capacity from 2,000 to 10,000 students, helping train more health workers to strengthen primary health care across the continent.