The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, has appointed Dr. Wallace Karuguti, Chairperson of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), as a board member of the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya for the next three years.
In this role, Dr. Karuguti will contribute to policy direction, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and support the advancement of standards in physiotherapy training and practice in Kenya.
Dr. Karuguti brings over a decade of experience in academia, during which he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and academic leadership at JKUAT. He has also championed several international collaborations in rehabilitation sciences.
His research interests are grounded in physiotherapy practice, evidence-based care, and functional recovery. Dr. Karuguti also has a strong interest in assistive technology and digital rehabilitation, with a focus on improving access, participation, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Beyond his academic and research pursuits, his industry engagement has been anchored in clinical practice and collaborations within the rehabilitation and physiotherapy sector, alongside efforts to strengthen both local and international partnerships that enhance teaching and learning at JKUAT.
In her congratulatory remarks, JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi commended Dr. Karuguti on his appointment, noting that it is a well-deserved recognition of his years of dedication, hard work, and active engagement in advancing rehabilitation sciences.
She added that the appointment also reflects the university’s pioneering role in Rehabilitation Sciences training, including Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, at both undergraduate and master’s levels.
Prof. Ngumi further noted that the appointment enhances the university’s visibility as an institution with the capacity and expertise to contribute to national health and professional regulation, particularly as the demand for rehabilitation services continues to grow.
Speaking on his appointment, Dr. Karuguti reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the profession, especially at a time when the demand for rehabilitation services is rising due to an ageing population and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.
“I am honoured by the appointment and grateful for the trust placed in me. It presents an opportunity to serve Kenya and the profession more substantively and contribute to its continued growth,” Dr. Karuguti said.