The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has marked a historic milestone with the launch of the first School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Leaders present during the launch led by County Governor Abdulswamad Nassir hailed the move describing the moment as a breakthrough for the Coast.

“This is a historic day for Mombasa. We have opened doors for our youth and secured the future of healthcare in our county. Each sub-county will have two top students on full scholarship, who will remain to serve our people,”

Nassir also revealed that the county government has sponsored 12 students to study medicine at the new school.

 Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki called on the youth from Mombasa county to take advantage of the new school to pursue their careers.

"We now have our own school of medicine here, you do not need to travel all the way to Nairobi or other areas, soi my call to you is take full advantage of this new school. As your leaders we are ready to help you where we can." said Faki.

On her part Professor Marleen Temmerman, from Ghent University in Belgium who are part of the funders of the project, commended the National and County governments for their cooperation towards achieving the project.

“This year, 60 students began their six-year journey to become doctors, 12 of them supported by the governor’s scholarships. With partnerships between TUM, Ghent University, and the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, students will gain world-class training and hands-on experience in both hospitals and community facilities,” Prof. Temmerman said.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib commended the university's management for the achievement noting that the move now puts Mombasa in the national market.

"I remember very well that sometimes back I raised an issue in Parliament on why we do not have a medicine school, I have also had several discussions with the Vice Chancellor concerning the same,  it gives me a lot of joy to witness this happening." noted Badi.

This new achievement makes TUM one of only thirteen universities in Kenya chartered to offer medicine.