MBChB Class of 2026 Marks Milestone with Finalist Dinner at Grand Royal Swiss Hotel
The MBChB Class of 2026 marked a defining moment in their medical training with a Finalist Dinner held on Friday, 30 January 2026, celebrating the completion of their undergraduate medical education and the transition toward professional practice. The event took place at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, running from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, and brought together students, faculty members, healthcare leaders, and partners in medical education for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and celebration.
Organized by the finalists themselves, the dinner served as both a symbolic closure to years of rigorous academic and clinical training and a forward-looking forum to engage stakeholders on the future of medical graduates in Kenya. The atmosphere blended elegance with purpose, underscoring the significance of the occasion not only for the graduating class but also for the institution and the healthcare system at large.
Faculty Engagement and Opening Remarks
The event was graced by members of the faculty, whose presence reinforced the strong academic and mentorship bonds developed throughout the students’ training. The dinner was officially opened by Professor Stephen Ogendo, who delivered an address that set the tone for the evening. In his remarks, Professor Ogendo congratulated the finalists on reaching an important milestone and reminded them that while academic excellence is vital, character remains the
defining currency in the professional world.
He encouraged the future doctors to uphold integrity, humility, and compassion as they transition into service, noting that clinical competence must be matched with ethical conduct and professionalism. His message resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom are preparing to enter a demanding healthcare environment where personal values often shape professional outcomes.
Internship Posting Concerns Take Center Stage
A key highlight of the evening was the participation of Dr. Joshua Okise, Chief Executive Officer of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), whose presence underscored the close relationship between training institutions and service facilities. In his address, Dr. Okise raised concerns regarding recent developments in internship posting policies that directly affect the MBChB Class of 2026.
He explained that under Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) policy, medical graduates are expected to be posted for internship within 90 days of completing their studies. However, directives from the Ministry of Health (MoH) currently stipulate that internship posting cannot occur before formal graduation. For Maseno University, which traditionally holds a single graduation ceremony in November, this creates a potential gap of up to 11 months between completion of coursework and internship placement.
Dr. Okise cautioned that such a prolonged delay could have serious consequences, including loss of clinical sharpness, erosion of confidence, and significant financial and psychological strain on graduates awaiting placement. He appealed to the university administration to explore mechanisms that would enable earlier conferment of degrees, thereby safeguarding the professional readiness and well-being of the finalists.
