NAIROBI, October 4th, 2024: The Beyond Zero Initiative has praised its ongoing collaboration with the Swiss multinational healthcare company ROCHE, which began six years ago with the nursing scholarship fund program. This program offers scholarships for a certificate in enrolled community health nursing, targeting students from Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions, as well as vulnerable and marginalized communities. Implemented through the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), the program aims to enhance human resources for health and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the ASAL regions.
This was expressed earlier today during a visit at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Headquarters in Nairobi County by Cris Wilbur, ROCHE Group Chief People Officer.
Speaking during the visit, Chief of Staff, Beyond Zero, Constance Gakonyo lauded the long-standing partnership, emphasizing its role in enhancing the sustainability of the nursing program.
“The partnership with ROCHE is of immense importance and has positively contributed to augmenting the sustainability of the nursing program,” Gikonyo said. She further highlighted the program’s far-reaching impact through collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, KMTC, and the World Bank. “Through the unique partnership between the Ministry of Health, KMTC, World Bank, and Beyond Zero, this program has supported many thousands of beneficiaries and recognizes primary healthcare as the cornerstone of a strong healthcare system,” she added. Ms. Constance also expressed optimism for future collaborations with ROCHE.
In her address, Cris Wilbur praised the dedication of the Enrolled Community Health Nursing (ECHN) students, who showcased their skills through a learning simulation session. “The company is proud to be part of this journey and to be part of making a long-term impact across Kenya,” Wilbur remarked, expressing her satisfaction with the program’s contributions to healthcare.
Dr. Kelly Oluoch, CEO of KMTC acknowledged the critical support from Beyond Zero and ROCHE in investing in deserving students, sentiments that were echoed by Dr. Bii, Program Manager of the ECHN, who offered insights into the initiative. She described it as life-changing for the students, their families and the communities they serve upon graduation. “This program is not only transforming the lives of the students but also bringing healthcare services to hard-to-reach areas,” Dr. Bii noted.
Through this collaboration, Beyond Zero and ROCHE continue to make strides in addressing the healthcare worker shortage in Kenya’s ASAL regions.
Also present during the brief ceremony were representatives from the Beyond Zero Initiative, Jacqueline Wambua, ROCHE Kenya Ltd, KMTC Board Chairperson Joseah Cheruiyot, Principals and students from Garissa and Kitui KMTC campuses.