Maasai Mara University has entered into a partnership and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AmaniHoiva Kenya Ltd, a subsidiary of AmaniHoiva Kotihoito Oy, a privately owned Finnish company to offer training for Health Care Assistants (HCA).
With support from Finnpartnership, AmaniHoiva has reviewed and enhanced the current curricula in training Health Care Assistants in different colleges in Kenya and opted to partner with Maasai Mara University to develop a curriculum in Health Care Assistants. The first batch of 50 local students will be trained as Health Care Assistants beginning in November 2022.
Support for the training programme
The County Government of Narok through its Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education also partners in the training through the provision and access to healthcare facilities to be used in training and also input in curriculum development and approval.
Students from rich families to pay more university fees
The training that employs Finland’s best practices will be a one-year programme with a major focus on practicum skills and exposure of trainees. The pilot training is based in one Ward in Narok County. Evaluation will be done after one year with the aim of furthering the partnership and rolling out the programme for a period of three to four years.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
During the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at Maasai Mara University Conference Hall, Faisal Egge, Chief Executive Officer, AmaniHoiva Kotihoito Oy emphasized her commitment to the cause,
“I am a product of this local community, Narok. I am an ordinary girl like most of the students here. I have a company in Finland that employs Nurses. You have the opportunity to be trained and get employed in my company”.
Faisal was accompanied by Taga Anst from the same company.
The county government was represented by directors from the ministry of health and the ministry of education.
“The county government health facilities will be at the disposal of the university for attachment and further skills development of the trainees”
promised Dr Francis Kiio Director of Health. The Directors agreed that indeed there was a gap in accessing affordable quality healthcare, and the launched training was so timely to address this gap. Mr Paul Chesimet reiterated that
“the county government is willing to cooperate with the ‘Maasai Mara” University to serve the wananchi”.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Maasai Mara University, Prof. Joseph Chacha said that beneficiaries of this programme should count themselves lucky. He thanked the brainchild of the programme, Ms Faisal, praised the sponsorship deal and more so for choosing Maasai Mara University for the pilot and launch of the same.
Dr Fredrick Otieno, Registrar, Academic Affairs assured the students and the sponsors of a conducive learning environment and promised that all necessary arrangements have been made for the smooth running of the programme.
Others in attendance were; Acting Deputy Vice- Chancellor Administration, Finance and Strategy, Prof. Nampushi James; representing Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof. Beatrice Manyasi; Dean School of Pure Applied and Health Sciences, Prof. Oyaro Nathan; Dean School of Natural Resources, Tourism and hospitality, Prof. Francis Mburu; Chair of Department Nursing, Ms Jackline Naulikha and acting Chair ofDepartment Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies Mr Muraya Moses.
Ms Elizabeth Okunda, Finnpartnership Regional Coordinator, Africa gave a brief background of their work and role in the programme.
About AmaniHoiva OY
AmaniHoiva is a care service company from Kokkola that provides services including home care, personal assistance and home services. Our services are used by the elderly, disabled and other people who need care.
At AmaniHoiva, we value old age and treat the elderly with respect in the African way. We treat you professionally, according to Finnish education, practices and standards – and of course in the Finnish language.
About Maasai Mara University
Maasai Mara University, is a public University situated 150kmin the South West of Nairobi en route to the great Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The vision of the University is to be a World-Class University committed to academic excellence for development.
Our Mission is to provide Quality University education through innovative teaching, research, and consultancy services for development.
The University has five schools (School of Science and Information Sciences, School of Arts & Social Sciences, School of Tourism & Natural Resource Management, School of Business and Economics, School of Education) which offer market-driven programmes.
About FinnPartnership
Finnpartnership is a business partnership programme financed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and managed by Finnfund. Finnpartnership aims to generate positive development impacts by promoting businessbetween Finland and developing countries.