By Peace Muthoka.
Amref International University (AMIU) celebrated a major milestone on Friday, July 11, 2025 as it held its 6th graduation ceremony alongside the official launch of its new state-of-the-art Northlands Campus in Ruiru, Nairobi.
The colorful event saw 417 students graduate with degrees, diplomas, and certificates in various health disciplines, marking a new chapter in the university’s journey to shape Africa’s health landscape.
The occasion was graced by Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, representing H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, who awarded 10 full scholarships to outstanding students pursuing careers in health sciences.
In a speech delivered by Mrs. Kenyatta, the former President lauded AMIU for championing homegrown health solutions and investing in the next generation of medical leaders.
“This campus will be instrumental in equipping our communities with locally driven solutions,” she read. “Innovation, indigenous research, policy diversity, and compassion this is now your responsibility.”
The Northlands Campus, a flagship investment in health education, boasts advanced laboratories, a cutting-edge innovation hub, digital classrooms, and a world-class library. With the capacity to serve up to 10,000 students through both in-person and virtual learning, the campus responds to the urgent demand for skilled health workers across the continent.
Speaking at the event, AMIU Vice Chancellor Prof Joachim Osur underscored the university’s strong focus on practical, community-based learning that is rooted in African realities.
“We are not just teaching from books. We’re training students in real-world health environments to prepare them to tackle the unique challenges our communities face,” he said.
Under the theme “Localising Innovations to Strengthen Primary Health Care in Africa,” the event drew government officials, development partners, university staff, students, alumni, and leaders from Amref Health Africa.
Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, praised AMIU’s bold approach to transforming health systems from within the continent.
“We can only build sustainable, resilient health systems if our education models reflect African contexts,” he stated. “This is the future led by Africans, for Africans.”
The development of the Northlands Campus was made possible through philanthropic support, including a significant gift from global donor Ms MacKenzie Scott and continued backing from the Kenyatta family.
AMIU’s expansion aligns with global goals, particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 4 on Quality Education. With each graduating class, the university strengthens its role as a beacon of health education and innovation in Africa.
As debates grow around the value of university education in today’s world, Prof Osur challenged graduates to redefine what a degree means through action and purpose.“Degrees are not obsolete. They only lose value when the knowledge goes unused. Our graduates leave here not just with papers but with passion, skill, and purpose,” he said.
