Hello everyone,
The first medical school in Kenya was established in 1967 at University of Nairobi and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health started a post graduate training program in Paediatrics in 1973. The first lot of locally trained paediatricians graduated in 1976 and since then many more paediatricians have been trained at this program, both Kenyans and from other countries in Africa. The Department started specialist fellowship training in 2015 in Infectious Diseases and now offers several super specialty training programs.
Our vision for the department over the next 5-10 years is to be a leading centre of excellence in paediatric training, research, and clinical care, not only in Kenya but across the region. We want to continue nurturing new generations of paediatricians and child health specialists who are both highly skilled and deeply compassionate about care of one of our most susceptible population.
One of our strengths is the diversity and depth of our training programs. Our faculty includes experienced general paediatricians, super specialists in different disciplines like Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Haemato-Oncology, Intensive care, Neonatology, Nephrology, Public Health and Pulmonology. We also have world renowned research faculty. From general paediatrics to emerging super specialties, we are building strong mentorship pathways and opening opportunities for international collaboration, so that our students and staff can engage with the best practices globally while still being firmly grounded in our local context.
Partnerships are central to this vision. Locally, we are strengthening ties with county hospitals and community health programs. Internationally, we continue to foster collaborations with universities and research institutions that bring innovation, resources, and fresh perspectives to our work.
We see our department as a key voice in shaping child health policy in Kenya and in the wider East African region. Through our research, training, and advocacy, we aim to influence how health systems prioritize and deliver care to children.
We already have achievements we can be proud of - from impactful research in HIV care of children to contributions in immunization policies, to the many graduates who are serving in leadership roles nationally and internationally.
The values that guide us are excellence, service, innovation, and compassion. These are not just words - they are the spirit of how we train, how we serve, and how we care for our young patients.
To our prospective students, collaborators, and alumni: being part of this department means you are part of a family that is committed to making a real difference in children’s lives. To our alumni and staff: we want you to feel proud, inspired, and deeply connected to the mission we serve.
On a personal note, I accepted the role of HOD because I believe in service and in shaping a legacy of growth, mentorship, and impact. I was fortunate to follow some great leaders at the Department and hope to build on their legacy. I hope to leave is a department that is stronger, more innovative, and more influential in child health than ever before.
Thank you for being part of this.
Dr Ahmed Laving,
Paediatric Gastroenterologist,
Chair, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health
