The Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) plans to introduce a Masters Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Science to train specialists on providing support services to those abled differently.
The programme seeks to address the growing demand of specialists in physical therapy, speech therapy, pathology among other fields.
According to Dr. Mwangi Matheri, the Head of Rehabilitation Sciences Department at JKUAT, the programme will help address the growing concerns of shortages of rehabilitation professionals and trainers in the country, coming at a time when the number of persons with some form of disability continues to rise.
He said they are pushing to have the program integrated into the Higher Education curricula to secure sustainable training of qualified experts in physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy as well as pathology.
Dr Matheri noted that the program will commence in September 2026. It will create several opportunities for graduates to work in universities as trainers, Rehabilitation officers as well as self producing professional rehabilitators.
His sentiments were echoed by Prof.Graziella Van den Bergh, AfroRehab project leader who said they are working closely with several African countries to have the programme introduced in their universities.
Prof Van de Bergh encouraged students to enroll in this program to grow academically, enhance their careers as well as help the many people suffering from disability world over.
On her part Dr. Naomi Wanjiru, a lecturer from Moi University said the programme will bring the services closer to the people noting that currently most of them travel to universities to seek the services from experts which is costly and time consuming.
Besides, she added that those interested to pursue the course are forced to look for training and education outside the country.
The program is collaboration between four Africa universities and two European Universities from Norway and Finland.
