JKUAT to Introduce Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Science.
The Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) is set to launch a Master’s Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Science aimed at equipping specialists with skills to support individuals with disabilities. The initiative seeks to meet the increasing demand for professionals in physical therapy, speech therapy, and pathology, among other areas.
Dr. Mwangi Matheri, Head of the Rehabilitation Sciences Department at JKUAT, stated that the programme would help mitigate the ongoing shortage of rehabilitation professionals and trainers in the country. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing the rising number of individuals with disabilities.
To ensure sustainable training, efforts are underway to integrate the program into the Higher Education curricula. This would facilitate the production of qualified experts in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and pathology.
The program is scheduled to commence in September 2026 and is expected to create numerous career opportunities. Graduates will be able to work in universities as trainers, serve as Rehabilitation Officers, or establish their own professional rehabilitation practices.
Dr. Matheri highlighted that the launch coincides with a period when Sub-Saharan Africa faces a dual burden of infectious and non-communicable chronic health conditions, affecting over 210 million people. Currently, the number of specialists in this field remains low.
“The programme has come at a time when there was a double burden of infectious and non-communicable chronic health conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 210 million people being affected. Currently, the number of specialists in this field is low,” said Dr. Matheri.
International Collaboration and Expansion Efforts
Prof. Graziella Van den Bergh, AfroRehab project leader, shared that they are collaborating with several African nations to introduce the programme in their universities. She stressed the importance of capacity-building and increasing the number of professionals in the field through these partnerships.
Encouraging student participation, Prof. Van den Bergh emphasized the academic and career growth benefits of enrolling in the program. She also highlighted the crucial role specialists play in assisting individuals with disabilities globally.
“Through our collaboration with African countries, we have established the need to capacity-build and create more professionals in this field,” she said.
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Dr. Naomi Wanjiru, a lecturer at Moi University, pointed out that the programme would enhance accessibility to rehabilitation services. Currently, many individuals are compelled to travel to universities to seek expert services, which is both expensive and time-consuming. She noted that aspiring students often have to pursue training abroad due to a lack of local options.
The program is a collaborative effort between four African universities and two European universities from Norway and Finland. This partnership aims to strengthen the availability of rehabilitation professionals and improve service delivery across regions.
JKUAT to Introduce Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Science.
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