UoN Department of Nursing Science overhauls its Curriculum to champion CBC
The University of Nairobi (UoN) Department of Nursing Science has announced a restructuring of its Master of Science in Nursing (MSc Nursing), Postgraduate Diploma in Renal, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) programs to align CBC Education. This milestone was announced through a Curriculum Review Workshop held from January 7th to 9th, 2026, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Westlands.
The primary objective of the workshop was to transition the existing curricula to the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework. This shift moves nursing education toward a learner-centered model that emphasizes practical skills acquisition, measurable outcomes, and real-world professional relevance.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ayub Gitau, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, reminded the faculty of their role in the national agenda. He emphasized the urgency of the transition, noting that the government is looking to the University to develop a blueprint for competency-based education in the nursing sector. "We need to emerge from this curriculum with the blueprint for the nursing course... we must consider instructional technologies and pedagogies.
Prof. Professor Rosemary Imonje, Chairperson of the CBET-CPI steering committee challenged the participants at the workshop, ‘We must integrate modern pedagogies and instructional technologies from clear matrices to blocked clinical hours, we are refining every detail for our students.’ Prof. Imonje is spearheading a competency-based education curriculum review in Kenya.
Prof. Daniel K Ojuka, Dean. Faculty of Health Sciences emphasized: "A competent nurse is the backbone of Universal Health Coverage. “By embedding CBET principles, we ensure our graduates don’t just have a degree—they have the proven skills to save lives from Day 1.
Prof. Emmah K. Matheka, Chair, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, highlighted three critical pillars of this academic overhaul: the addition of specialized courses, a strategic re-coding of program modules, and a rigorous audit of credit hours. the faculty is reviewing contact and self-study hours in Midwifery in Nursing, Community Health Nursing, and Nursing Administration. The revised curriculum optimizes work-study-life balance by consolidating redundant material and increasing the weight of simulated practice and clinical practicums in their respective groups.
Key highlights of the restructured programs include: Future-Ready Specializations: To address emerging global trends, the department introduced new courses such as Digital Health Informatics, Advanced Genomics for Clinicians, and Global Health Security. Revised Academic Architecture: A new course-coding system now clearly distinguishes between Foundational (700-level), Specialized (800-level), and Research/Thesis (900-level) modules.
By critically examining teaching strategies and assessment methods, the department aims to produce ethical, highly skilled graduates capable of leading in complex clinical environments. Special attention was given to integrating clinical competencies, research skills, leadership, and professional ethics across all programs.
The Faculty of Health Sciences believes these changes will make the programs more accessible to full-time nurses while maintaining the rigorous standards required for both national and international accreditations. These outcomes are expected to significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of nursing education at the University of Nairobi.
