Prolonged Strikes at Moi University Derail Medical Students’ Graduation Hopes for Nearly a Decade.
Medical students at Moi University have endured nine years of study, with graduation hopes dimming due to ongoing challenges.
Many students have resorted to self-study, while others have left the institution, disheartened by prolonged strikes and operational issues at the North Rift campus.
The situation has left students battling frustration, as dreams of becoming healthcare professionals slip further away.
Lyn Ndegwa, a top scorer from Kerema Girls with 83 points, recalled the excitement of joining Moi University, once viewed as a premier institution.
She recounted the pride of being celebrated as Nyandarua County’s top student, an honor that earned her a placement at Equity Bank.
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Similarly, Ochieng Francis lamented that he and his peers, who joined in October 2016, are now in their ninth year of study instead of completing their courses as expected.
Emotional and Mental Toll
The prolonged delays have taken a toll on the students’ well-being. Noor Salyani described the experience as mentally and physically draining.
Emmanuel Gudu shared how his once-lofty dream of becoming an ophthalmology neurosurgeon now feels like an uphill battle.
The inability to graduate and secure an internship license has compounded their frustrations.
Many students face stigma in their communities. Ochieng noted that those back home mistakenly believe he either dropped out or failed at medicine.
Class Representative Victor Kigen added that this misconception causes additional emotional strain, as their struggles are unrelated to academic challenges but rather systemic failures.
Students like Lyn expressed their disappointment, urging stakeholders to act swiftly to resolve the ongoing crisis.
She emphasized that they are talented individuals who deserve better and called for immediate action to get them back to class.
External Factors and Compounding Strikes
The students’ plight has been worsened by external disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple strikes involving healthcare professionals.
These included walkouts by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), nurses, and staff at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
According to Prof. Tenge, the prolonged crisis has led to severe mental health issues among the students, especially those in their sixth year.
Some have required therapy provided by colleagues at MTRH, highlighting the adverse impact of the protracted delays.
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Despite their struggles, a few students continue to hold discussions and cling to hope for resolution.
Their shared plea underscores the urgency of addressing the systemic challenges preventing them from completing their education and achieving their dreams.
Prolonged Strikes at Moi University Derail Medical Students’ Graduation Hopes for Nearly a Decade.
