The Department of Health Records and Information Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) held its first-ever Open Day to provide students with academic guidance both during their coursework and in preparation for life after graduation.
The event, held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, brought together students and faculty from the Department of Health Records, alongside representatives from JHUB Africa, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, and the Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB) Kenya.
The session aimed to introduce students to Health Records and Information Management, highlighting career pathways, and clarify academic expectations within the program.
Dr. Betsy Rono, Chair of Department of Health Records and Information Management, in her welcoming address, announced that the department is working towards advancing the program to the Masters and PhD level by the end of the year. She encouraged students to remain committed to excellence in their studies, reminding them that their dedication and discipline would not only shape their own futures but also strengthen the role of health records in transforming Kenya’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the event, Mr. James Odero, Chair of the Department of Nursing Education, Leadership, Management and Research (NELMR), highlighted the vital role of Health Records Officers in Kenya’s medical sector. He emphasized that their work goes far beyond keeping records, noting that they are custodians of patients’ information and they play a central role in shaping national health programmes.
“Health Records Officers are more than record keepers,” he said. “They safeguard patient data, provide critical insights that guide government policy, and help improve healthcare delivery. By documenting indicators such as maternal mortality rates, they enable the government to design effective interventions and strengthen the health system.”
Mr. Odero congratulated the students for the milestones they had already achieved, urging them to be confident in their ability to serve and to make meaningful contributions to Kenya’s healthcare transformation agenda.
Mr. Edwin Nyabuto, an administrator at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, spoke on how to build a successful career in Health Records and Information Management (HRIM). He encouraged students to pursue short courses such as computer literacy and proficiency in Electronic Medical Records (EMR), stressing that these skills are increasingly becoming essential in the healthcare sector. He explained the practical skills needed in the field, the opportunities available, and urged them to embrace emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
“Equip yourselves with practical skills, embrace emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, and be ready to adapt. Never give up on your journey. Health Records and Information Management (HRIM) is not just about documentation it is about safeguarding patient data, supporting clinical decisions, and shaping the future of healthcare,” he explained.
JHUB Africa represented by Mr. Jeff Chege, encouraged students pursuing ICT related fields to collaborate closely with health professionals in the Department of Health Records and Information Management. He highlighted the potential of developing innovative health applications such as GlycoSafe and SofHealth, which serve as examples of health based digital programmes. SofHealth, for instance, helps track meals for people living with diabetes, demonstrating how technology can directly support patient care. The initiative was presented as part of a broader push towards digital transformation within the School of Public Health.
Going forward, the student leaders from the School of Public Health are working towards establishing a Medical Records Club. The club will focus on providing education and career mentorship, nurturing leadership skills, and promoting the overall well-being of its members.
