The Department of Medical Microbiology (MMB) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has initiated a comprehensive review of its undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, aligning with the Commission for University Education (CUE) guidelines that require academic programs to be reviewed every four years.
The ongoing exercise, led by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals—including alumni—aims to ensure that the training offered is relevant, responsive, and forward-looking.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Amos Mbugua noted that learning is a dynamic process that must adapt to new realities. “Curriculum review is not just a formality. It is a chance to reflect, refine, and future-proof our training to address global challenges like climate change and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” he said.
Dr. Mbugua emphasized that meaningful input from diverse stakeholders is critical for creating curricula that are not only compliant but also solution-driven.
The keynote speaker at the review workshop Prof. Paul Okemo from Kenyatta University reinforced the importance of keeping academic content current.
“A lot can change in four years. Our postgraduate programs, especially, must mirror ongoing developments. We must embrace AI to enhance training in areas like genetic engineering and embed microbiology knowledge in other disciplines such as food science and environmental studies,” he said.
On her part, Dr. Maira Bholla, Chair of the Society for Professional Research in Biomedical Sciences, emphasized the importance of aligning academic training with practical, real-world applications.
She emphasized the critical role that trained technical staff play in the healthcare system, especially during public health emergencies like the COVID-19
pandemic, noting that biomedical technologists and laboratory scientists are often the first line of defense in diagnosing and managing disease outbreaks, yet their contributions are frequently overlooked.
“It is important that any curriculum review recognizes and reinforces the value of technical personnel who work tirelessly behind the scenes,” she said.
Dr. Bholla advocated for a more inclusive approach in national health strategies and training programs, ensuring that technical staff are adequately prepared, resourced, and included in emergency response planning for future pandemics.
This was echoed by Dr. Ali Kassam, a Clinical Microbiologist at Aga Khan Hospital, who added that the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlights the need for a curriculum that prepares students for real-world challenges. “Students must be equipped with surveillance skills and ready to respond to emerging infectious diseases,” he said.
According to Dr. Edinah Song’oro, Chairperson of the MMB Department, the revised curriculum will align with Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) principles and is expected to be rolled out in the next academic year, pending approval by relevant authorities.
“The goal is to develop well-rounded microbiologists who are ready to contribute to Kenya’s and the world’s health priorities,” she said.
From left: Dr. Florence Ng’ong’a (Biochemistry), Ms. Margaret Odera (Medical Microbiology) and Ms. Millicent Ogutu (Medical Lab Sciences)