Dr Anne Mukuna, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), has expressed warm congratulations to the newly graduated nursing students of Egerton University, and called on them to anchor their professional lives in ethics and moral integrity. She emphasized that a nurse must thoughtfully assess risks, navigate complex situations, and always uphold the NCK’s code of conduct.
“The nursing landscape is delicate — you must pay attention to documentation,” Dr Mukuna warned.“Often, documentation is treated as the final task and risks being neglected. But if it’s not recorded, from the Council’s perspective, it is as though it never happened.” Her remarks echo NCK’s strong guidance on professional record-keeping. She urged students to diligently revisit the documentation section of their training, stressing that their trustworthiness as caregivers depends on it: “Handle carefully the trust your patients place in you.”
During the oathing and pinning ceremony, two students — Moses Wanji and Juliet Maina — were recognized for their exemplary character.Prof. Bernard Aduda, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research and Extension, congratulated the graduating class, noting that they are now empowered to “read the signs” and act compassionately. He described the ceremony as a vital milestone — a symbol of readiness to serve with heart as well as skill.
The event’s keynote speaker, a pioneer in paediatrics from the University of Nairobi and a renowned mentor to many at Egerton, reflected on the students’ clinical rotations — in obstetrics, maternal health, paediatrics and more. Some were emotionally challenging; others were moments of profound joy and new life.She urged the graduates to remain humble, to continue learning from each other, and to care deeply for their patients. “Tame your ego,” she advised, “and always remember: while you give care, you may also need care in return.”
“Patients may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel,” she reminded them. She also challenged the graduates to step into leadership — to shape policy, influence public discourse, and take up meaningful roles.“If you’re not at the table, you are the menu,” she said, urging more nurses to occupy influential platforms.
Drawing from Numbers 6:24–26 in the Bible, she closed her stirring address to sustained applause — calling the grads to live by the trust they have been given, from the first breath of life to its final moments.Humphey Njuguna, Representative of Nakuru County Referral Hospital advised the students to be steadfast and of service to the Country. Dr Njuguna told them to cultivate lifelong learning and self-reflection.
"Professional growth doesn’t end with graduation. Engage in continuous development; learn from peers, seek feedback, and reflect on your experiences. This aligns with global nursing ethics frameworks like the ICN Code of Ethics, which call on nurses to maintain competence and exercise professional judgment," he stated.
The students took nursing oath and were pinned by members of the Faculty of Health Science led by Dean Prof. Samson Obure, Chair of Nursing Department Dr Alice Maranga, Chair of Community Health Dr Orenge, Dr Amos Otara.
