History was made in Mombasa today, Friday, 5th September 2025, as the Technical University of Mombasa officially launched its School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The landmark occasion marked the establishment of the first ever medical school in Mombasa, making TUM one of only thirteen universities in Kenya chartered to offer medicine.
The colourful occasion drew leaders and dignitaries from Kenya and abroad. Present were Governor H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir; Deputy Governor Francis Thoya; Senator Mohamed Faki Mwinyihaji; county executives; members of parliament; Dr Lou Dierick from the Consulate of Belgium representing the Ambassador of Belgium; Prof Marleen Temmerman representing Ghent University; TUM Council members; and senior management including Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar, DVC AFP Prof Joseph Rasowo, and DVC ARE Prof Peter Gichangi. Also in attendance were other dignified guests, staff, students, and friends of the university who came to witness this historic milestone. The event opened with tree planting by the Governor and Dr Dierick, followed by a guard of honour by TUM cadets and stirring anthems by the TUM Choir.
The White Coat Ceremony then set the tone for the day, with sixty pioneer students inducted into the noble medical profession. The oath was administered by TUM’s legal officer, Dr Hamisi Ali Mwadzogo, as the students pledged to serve with honour and compassion in line with the Hippocratic tradition. Prof Peter Gichangi reminded them that the white coat is not just attire but a lifelong pledge of integrity, compassion, and service. He highlighted that the ceremony is meant to remind physicians of their duties as prescribed by Hippocrates and to lead their lives and careers with uprightness and honour. He assured the students that the curriculum is exciting, problem-solving oriented, and designed to bring out their best as they thrive in their studies and future careers.
Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar then welcomed guests to this auspicious occasion, celebrating another academic milestone for the university. She expressed gratitude to the Government of Kenya for its support in constructing the School of Medicine at a cost of 266,816,026 shillings and an additional 35,145,800 shillings for mechanical ventilation and refrigeration. She further commended the County Government of Mombasa for availing facilities in Level 1 to 5 hospitals for training medical students and for committing scholarships to twelve students annually. She acknowledged Ghent University for sending faculty members to assist with curriculum development, as well as the Belgian philanthropist who donated 12 million shillings for equipment. She appreciated the efforts of the Council, Management Board, Senate, staff, and students. In her words; “When we train a doctor, we do not merely create a professional; we shape a guardian of life, a custodian of hope, and a leader in the fight for human dignity.”
Acting Council Chair, Dr Paul Mwasaru Mwazumbo, emphasized that health is a fundamental right and that this School of Medicine is envisioned to be a Centre of Excellence in medical education, research, and community service. He highlighted that the curriculum emphasizes not only scientific knowledge but also humanism, ethics, and critical thinking, with the ultimate goal of producing not just doctors but compassionate healers.
Prof Marleen Temmerman, representing Ghent University, traced the long journey of this achievement. She explained that the establishment of the school was the result of thirteen years of collaboration, passionate effort, and sacrifice, beginning with a steering committee in 2012. She described the curriculum as patient-centered and problem-solving oriented, and announced that exchange programs with Ghent University will expand, alongside new research opportunities.
Dr Lou Dierick from the Belgium Consulate congratulated TUM on this achievement, describing it as a fruition of decades of collaboration between Kenya and Belgium. He recalled that since the 1980s, Belgium has played a key role in Kenya’s scientific landscape, with half of the PhDs at KMFRI coming from Belgian universities. He thanked Belgian industrialist Mr Dominic and his wife for their generous donation towards equipping the School of Medicine. He also highlighted upcoming collaborations between TUM and Flemish universities in Belgium under the theme of One Health, focusing on marine biology, the blue economy, and technology, which will further strengthen TUM’s academic and research capacity.
The Governor of Mombasa, H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, delivered a passionate keynote address that left the audience deeply inspired. He declared, “Education is not a club for the exclusive; it should be a right for every single person.” He announced that the County Government had sponsored twelve students in the pioneer class, two from every sub-county, selected without bias of tribe, colour, or religion. In his words; “Just as you were chosen without bias of tribe, religion, or where you come from, we expect you to look at your patients in equal measure.” He added that the scholarships are not limited to the School of Medicine but will extend to other schools and departments of TUM in the coming years, increasing in number to reach even more students. He stressed that this investment is not charity but a pledge to the people of Mombasa, and called on the students to carry the hopes of the community with diligence and integrity. He reminded them that they are pioneers who must honour the oath they took and carry on their shoulders the trust and hope of the people of Mombasa.
Other county dignitaries echoed their support and called for deeper collaboration between TUM and the County Government, especially in innovation, as TUM continues to position itself as a hub of creativity and problem-solving.
The celebrations culminated with the cutting of the ribbon and cake at the new School of Medicine, followed by a guided tour of the Anatomy Laboratory, after which the guests dispersed with a shared sense of pride and anticipation for the future of medical education in Mombasa.
