The Nakuru County Department of Health Services has entered into a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St. Paul’s University (SPU) to promote mental health and enhance healthcare delivery across the county. The partnership, formalized at the Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital Conference Centre, aims to support mental health interventions for healthcare workers and bolster their well-being and effectiveness.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, County Executive Committee Member for Health, Roselyn Mungai, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing mental health challenges among healthcare professionals. “This partnership is a significant step towards improving the mental well-being of our healthcare workers, which is critical for delivering quality healthcare services to our residents,” said Mungai.
The MOU, signed by Mungai and SPU Nakuru Campus Vice Chancellor Rev. Canon Prof. James Kombo, focuses on action-oriented research aimed at improving healthcare outcomes in the county. Prof. Kombo highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration will not only contribute to enhancing healthcare services but also provide our students with invaluable practical experience in real-world settings.”
As part of the agreement, SPU health science students will receive on-the-job training, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to quality healthcare service delivery in Nakuru County. The partnership is expected to advance mental health services, foster research, and improve healthcare training, aligning with the county’s goal of strengthening its healthcare system.
“This MOU underscores our shared commitment to addressing mental health and advancing healthcare delivery through research and training,” added Prof. Kombo.
The partnership is seen as a major boost for Nakuru County, with both institutions working closely to create a healthier and more resilient healthcare workforce while ensuring better healthcare services for the community.