Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted this year’s Clinical Medicine Research & Career Conference on June 26, 2025. The conference brought together clinical officers, public health professionals, educators, and students to explore the transformative power of research in clinical practice.
Organized by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), the symposium fostered inclusive dialogues on the present realities and future possibilities in the fields of clinical medicine and public health.
In his keynote address, Prof. Simon Kang’ethe set the tone for the day by emphasizing that research is no longer a reserve for academicians. It is a practical tool that every clinician should embrace to drive patient-centered care and policy innovation. This sentiment echoed throughout the day’s sessions, which collectively reinforced the idea that research is essential not only for academic progress but also for improving healthcare delivery systems and empowering practitioners.
George Muthui, MPH, a lecturer and research methodology expert, guided participants through fundamental questions such as “What is research?”, “Why should clinicians engage in it?” and “What defines scientific inquiry?”
He challenged students and young professionals to adopt what he called a “research mindset,” one that is critical, curious, and grounded in real-world impact. According to Muthui, “Public health research is the backbone of systemic improvement. Without it, we are navigating blindly.”
The symposium detailed the research process in accessible terms, covering each step from identifying a clear health problem, developing a proposal, obtaining ethical approval, and conducting data collection, to analyzing results and publishing findings. This practical breakdown aimed to equip early-career researchers with the tools and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the field.
The conversation around funding and mentorship was led by Mary Boniface, a clinical officer specializing in ultrasound diagnostics.
She highlighted that a good research idea must be backed by a strong budget and clear outcomes. It must speak to national priorities.” Her remarks emphasized that mentorship, institutional alignment, and realistic planning are non-negotiables in the research ecosystem.
Adding to this discourse, Joseph Wachira, Vice President of the Clinical Engineers Association, underscored the real-world implications of research. “We must use research to understand where the problem is, not just to publish papers, but to improve practice and inform policy.” His remarks reflected the growing recognition that clinical officers can influence health policy when equipped with solid evidence and analytical tools.
Beyond methodology and funding, the symposium also tackled broader issues such as professional development and institutional support. Tiberry Nyakwama, the Patron of JKUCO and a faculty member at JKUAT, addressed the need to strengthen research capacity across institutions.
He noted that this requires a multi-pronged approach: “We must revise outdated policies, invest in infrastructure, mentor young researchers, and encourage cluster hiring to support critical mass in research teams.”
The welfare of clinical officers also featured prominently in discussions. Delegates voiced concerns about professional recognition and working conditions, with speakers affirming the essential role of associations and unions in advocating for equitable treatment.
“Our work must be respected,” one speaker noted, “and that starts with building a culture that values the evidence we produce.”
Conference participants benefited from lectures as well as informal interactions with mentors and senior faculty members. The event was steered by a host of dedicated individuals, including Martin Kamuki (KUCO Secretary-General), Doreen Mutua (Vice Chairman), Enrice Cheroboi (Acting Chair, Department of Clinical Medicine), and Rachel Githinji (Secretary General, MKUMCA), with Mr. Khagala serving as the master of ceremony and research facilitator.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for continued engagement through a planned national research conference in October. The momentum from this symposium points to a future where clinical officers are not only practitioners but also thought leaders driving evidence-based change.
The 2025 Clinical Medicine Research & Career Conference was more than a professional gathering. It was a clarion call that went beyond treating patients, but about shaping the future of healthcare in Kenya.
