By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 16 June 2026 - Uzima University has rejected media reports alleging that its School of Medicine failed to meet required training standards, saying the claims are based on outdated assessments and do not reflect the institution's current accreditation status.
The university on Monday demanded a retraction and public apology from publishers of reports headlined "Alarm as Most Medical Schools Fail Standards", arguing that the stories relied on findings from the 2019/2020 academic year and ignored subsequent regulatory approvals and improvements.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kisumu, Vice Chancellor Prof. Cosmas Rhagot said Uzima University's medical programmes remain fully accredited and compliant with national and regional standards.
"The publication is based on findings from over seven years ago and does not reflect the reality of today's university standing," Prof Rhagot said.
The reports cited a regional assessment that questioned the preparedness of several medical schools in East Africa to train doctors and dentists.
However, Rhagot said the institution had since undergone significant transformation, including attaining a Letter of Interim Authority in March 2020 and receiving a full university charter in May 2025 following evaluations by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and East African Community regulators.
He said the university remains on the list of approved institutions and continues to admit and train medical students in accordance with regulatory requirements.
According to Rhagot, Uzima University has invested in lecture theatres, laboratories and other learning facilities while expanding partnerships with teaching hospitals, including Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, to strengthen clinical training.
"The charter was awarded after a thorough and rigorous review by the Commission for University Education and other regulatory bodies. This demonstrates the credible progress and compliance of Uzima University," he said.
Prof Rhagot said a joint inspection conducted by East African Community partner states and medical education regulators in November 2024 awarded the institution a score of 80.9%.
"The university scored 80.9 out of 100 and met the required standards for training medical students. Our graduates are eligible for recognition across East African Community partner states," he said.
He argued that omission of the university's current accreditation status had damaged its reputation and threatened partnerships with local and international institutions involved in medical education, research and innovation.
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"The circulation of outdated and inaccurate information has undermined these strategic collaborations and the progress we have made. This is unacceptable," Rhagot said.
The university said it is seeking a full retraction, public apology and corrective statements reflecting its current accreditation status, adding that it is considering legal action over alleged reputational damage.
Rhagot reassured students, parents and alumni that qualifications awarded by the institution remain accredited and recognized.
"Uzima University remains a credible, compliant and forward-looking institution," he said.
Student leaders also defended the institution, saying the reports had created uncertainty among learners and stakeholders.
Student President Alan Kato said the publications risked undermining confidence in graduates and future medical practitioners.
"We are not merely trying to defend the name of our institution. We are safeguarding the professional future of our comrades," Kato said.
Uzima University Student Association Secretary-General John Kemani described the reports as misleading and called for an apology to students and alumni. Deputy President of the association, Miriam Irongo, cited the 2024 inspection score as evidence that the university had met the threshold required to train future medical professionals.
"The information being circulated is wrong. Regulators inspected our institution in 2024 and we scored 80.9 out of a possible 100 marks. This confirms that our institution is fully accredited to train competent future medical professionals," she said.
The reports have renewed debate over the quality and regulation of medical education in East Africa, where regulators have intensified inspections of training institutions amid growing demand for healthcare professionals.
Uzima University Rejects Claims on Medical Training Standards, Seeks Retraction
VC notes that omission of the university's current accreditation status had damaged its reputation and threatened partnerships with local and international institutions.