Kwale: A total of 71 students graduated from the Kenya School of Integrated Medicine (KSIM) in a ceremony held at Tsimba Golini ward, Matuga sub county of Kwale.

According to Kenya News Agency, the medical school, established in 2007, is recognized in Kenya and accredited by the Technical Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). It is at the forefront of medical education by offering an integrated approach to health, focusing on preventative healthcare courses.

The 16th graduation event was attended by Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, local leaders, education stakeholders, and representatives from AMREF Health Africa. The event highlighted the county's investment in healthcare. Kombo emphasized the county's commitment to transforming both the health and education sectors, commending the institution for producing competent health professionals for public and private sectors.

Kombo stated, "Education and health go hand in hand. An empowered, educated health workforce is the backbone of community transformation." He praised the institution for producing professionals ready to serve in hard-to-reach areas and lauded the graduates for their perseverance.

The Deputy Governor noted significant health sector advancements in Kwale since devolution in 2013, with operational health facilities growing from 35 to 162 and the workforce expanding to over 1,800 professionals, including specialists.

Ann Soita, the school's Principal, highlighted KSIM's dual role in academic excellence and community service. She emphasized the importance of community-based training models and the need to address mental health as a key component of health education. Soita explained the school's focus on a holistic view of health, introducing students to mind/body medicine, alternative healing, and other holistic philosophies.

Soita added, "Our aim is to open a student's mind to what is possible in health education and also to know what it means to be healthy." The college is adopting a competency-based learning approach, focusing on experiential, problem-based learning techniques.

AMREF Health Africa, a key partner of the institution, was represented by Dr. Edna Kimaiyo, who emphasized ongoing support through training, outreach, and capacity building. "We're proud to partner with Kwale in building a robust community health system," she said, highlighting the provision of mobility tools like bicycles for enabling last-mile care.