Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted medical laboratory science students and professionals for the annual Kenya Medical Laboratory Students Association (KeMeLSA) Exchange Program on March 8, 2025.
Organized by the Jomo Kenyatta University Medical Laboratory Students Association (JKULSA) in collaboration with KeMeLSA, the event aimed to enhance the academic, practical, and career development of participants in the field of laboratory medicine.
The event featured engaging sessions where students had the opportunity to interact with industry experts, gaining valuable insights into critical topics within their profession.
These discussions covered emerging trends, best practices, and the latest technological advancements in laboratory medicine, providing students with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their careers.
Among the highlights was a presentation by Ms. Monica Githae, Quality Assurance Manager at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital. She addressed the critical importance of accreditation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance areas often perceived as challenging but essential for maintaining high standards in laboratory practices.
Ms. Githae emphasized that these components are key to ensuring the reliability and accuracy of diagnostic results, ultimately supporting patient safety and effective healthcare.
“Laboratories are the cornerstone of diagnosis, as no diagnosis can be made without accurate laboratory results. They are vital for disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, public health management, vaccine development, and research. To ensure quality outcomes, every individual must take personal responsibility for adhering to compliance standards,” stated Ms. Monica Githae.
She further encouraged students to stay updated with evolving standards, continually build their capacity in quality management, and actively engage in policy discussions to establish themselves as leaders in the field of medical laboratory science.
Dr. Amos Mbugua, Chair of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, demystified the process of medical laboratory research, inspiring students to pursue studies that have a meaningful impact. He emphasized the importance of tackling real-world clinical challenges through collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.
“By formulating clear hypotheses, designing robust experiments, and navigating funding and ethical considerations, students can embark on meaningful research journeys. I also urge participants to embrace a culture of inquiry and innovation, equipping themselves with the tools needed to advance the medical laboratory science community,” said Dr. Mbugua.
Eric Kateti, a final-year Medical Laboratory Sciences student and JKULSA Chairperson, described the event as a transformative experience. For him, it was an eye-opener that bridged the gap between academic theory and practical application, providing invaluable insights that would help students like him make a seamless transition into the industry.
‘The program deepened my understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and underscored the critical role of laboratories in addressing this global challenge. It reinforced the need for research and innovation to translate academic knowledge into real-world solutions, particularly in combating AMR,’ Eric shared.
The universities that participated in the program included Mount Kenya University, Kenya Methodist University, Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, and Murang’a University of Science and Technology.