Maseno University, School of Pharmacy Presents the Inaugural Pioneer Class of 2026
Maseno University, School of Pharmacy marked a historic moment as its pioneer class, the cohort of 2026 prepared to graduate, capping a journey that began with high hopes in January 2022.
According to the Dean School of Pharmacy, Prof. Apollo Maima, the School was officially established in 2021 and welcomed its first batch of 70 students the following year.
The school of Pharmacy has now 40 students prepared to receive their Degrees by the end of this year 2026. In his address to the finalists class, Prof. Apollo Maima urged them to uphold discipline and maintain a strong work ethic as they transit into professional practice.
The event also heard from Dr. Mary Onyango, Patron of the Pharmacy Students Association (PSAMU), revealed that the Association was formally founded in 2024. Prior to that, Pharmacy students operated under the umbrella of MEDSAM. She noted that PSAMU has been Instrumental in Championship of students interests and has carried out community outreach, including distributing sanitary pads to local schools.
Charles Omundi, Chairperson of the Pharmacy Students, admitted that the journey has been tough, pointing out that attrition had reduced the original 70 to just 40 persevering individuals. Finalist representative, Valerie Knight echoed those sentiments, acknowledging the many obstacles faced, but expressed gratitude to lecturers, parents and sponsors whose support made the event and the journey a success.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Ogendo, Dean School of Medicine, advised the finalists to stay connected as the pioneering Alumni class of 2026. He encouraged them to embrace teamwork, treat clients with dignity and remain active in their WhatsApp groups to sustain the bonds they have built.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) was well represented, with President Dr. Wairimu Mbogo, Treasurer Prof. Sammy Masibo, Nyanza Branch leader Dr. Irene Olweny and other PSK teams in attendance. Across the board, speakers urged the finalists to cultivate curiosity and boldness, describing curiosity as their greatest competitive edge. Dr. Mbogo specifically appealed to them to safeguard public trust by handling every patient with care and professionalism.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Isaac Kibwage Fellow of PSK, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Vice Chancellor of Egerton University lauded the pioneer class for completing their practical training. He called on them to practice with love, empathy and attentive listening and to focus on improving the lives of Kenyans. He also stressed the importance of healthy competition and collaboration among young Pharmacists.
Looking to the future, Prof. Kibwage reminded the graduands that learning never stops in the rapidly evolving healthcare field. He urged them to embrace new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and to explore emerging areas such as Biotechnology, precision Medicine and Pharmaceutical Technology. He closed with a poignant reminder that every prescription they will ever write or dispense carries a human life behind it.
