The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has opened the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the first of its kind in the Coast region, in what leaders described as a major boost to the education and healthcare sectors.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar revealed that the Government of Kenya allocated Sh266 million for the construction of the facility and a further Sh35 million for specialised ventilation and refrigeration equipment.

She said county hospitals, ranging from level one to level five, had been placed at the disposal of students for clinical practice, with staff at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital providing additional support.

“The new school would stand out by blending medical studies with biomedical engineering, data science, and other modern technologies, building on TUM’s reputation for innovation,” said Prof. Laila.

Prof. Marleen Temmerman of Ghent University, Belgium, outlined the lengthy process of establishing the programme, from designing the curriculum to securing the necessary approvals from the Commission for University Education.

She explained that the training will be problem-solving, community-focused and patient-centred, with students expected to gain hands-on experience in both hospitals and community health facilities.

“This year, 60 students were admitted to begin their six-year course in medicine, 12 of whom are fully funded by the governor’s scholarship scheme,” said Prof. Temmerman.

She added that a renewed partnership between Ghent University, TUM, and Coast General Hospital will enhance research, student exchange, and training.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir welcomed the development as a turning point for the county, promising continued investment in education through scholarships.

“This marks a historic day for Mombasa. Each sub-county will have two top students sponsored to study medicine, with the expectation that they will remain and serve our people,” he said.

Abdulswamad emphasised that the pioneer cohort of 12 sponsored students was chosen strictly on merit. “We did not consider skin colour, tribe, religion or gender. What mattered was ability. We now expect these students to give back to the community in future,” he added.

Deputy Governor Francis Thoya used the occasion to call for deeper collaboration between the county and the university in other fields. “Beyond medicine, there is a need to widen opportunities for young people in engineering, technology and data science. This can only be achieved through stronger partnerships,” he said.