Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) made a strong showing at the 2025 Annual Early Career Health Researchers’ Conference (AECHRC), organized by Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, from November 21st–22nd, 2025.
Among the notable presentations was a study by Regina Mathei, titled Enablers and Barriers to Clinical Learning Among JKUAT Nursing Students at Selected Clinical Sites. The project, conducted with Hannah Nassir and Duncan Mugambi from the School of Nursing under the supervision of Dr. Rosemary Kawira, explored what helps nursing students learn effectively during clinical placements and what hinders their learning.
Regina, who is set to graduate on December 5, 2025, earned a spot among the top four oral presentations, a proud achievement given the high number of competitive submissions.
She explained that the study explored factors that strengthen or hinder effective learning in clinical environments.
“The quality of training nurses receive directly affects the quality of care that patients and communities receive,” she noted. “We wanted to do this study because it is important for our education system to support nursing students so that they become competent, confident, and better prepared for real-life patient situations.”
According to the findings, supportive clinical settings, clear institutional structures, and motivated learners enhance competence and readiness for practice. In contrast, resource shortages, weak institutional support, and psychosocial or financial challenges often limit learning opportunities and hinder students’ professional identity formation.
JKUAT was also represented in the poster presentations by staff member Ms. Eudia Kemei (Medical Lab Sciences) and postgraduate students Mr. Ezekiel Maweu, Dr. Vincent Munene, and Mrs. Winnie Midika.
In addition, Prof. Mutinda Kyama (Medical Lab Sciences) served as a judge, while Dr. Justus Simba (Pediatrics and Child Health) led a panel discussion.
Participants spoke of the conference as a valuable platform for emerging researchers to showcase their work, receive constructive feedback, and build networks with peers and senior scholars from diverse institutions.
Held under the theme “Transforming Healthcare Systems Through Innovative and Multidisciplinary Research,” the conference brought together participants from Belgium, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Kenyan institutions including Pwani University, the University of Nairobi, HEMAFRIC, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital, Kenya Pharma Incubation Hub, Afiadata, among many others.
