The Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) has flagged the African International Technical College in Mogotio for advertising and purporting to offer a nursing related course without necessary approvals.
According to a recent notice by NCK, the learning institution advertised nursing related courses despite not being accredited to offer the learning services.
The council stated that any institution offering nursing related courses without its approval is not recognized and does not meet the required standards of training and professional practice.
“It has come to our attention that African International Technical College is advertising and purporting to offer a nursing related course without the necessary approval from NCK,” said the nursing council.
Earlier this year, the institution announced its January intake while advertising various courses including certified nursing assistant.
Meanwhile, NCK while cautioning members of the public in its notice says such courses are not recognized in its programs.
“The Council wishes to draw your attention to section 21 of the Nurses and midwives ACT CAP 257 laws of Kenya which stipulates that any person conducting nursing training courses without Council approval upon Conviction is guilty of an offence liable to fine,” read the notice.
“The person is liable to a fine not exceeding Sh500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both,” it continued.
Mr Kevin Ng’eno, a compliance officer at NCK said the institution did not seek prior accreditation before advertising the course.
Mr Ng’eno said there have been institutions offering a range of nursing courses including Nurse Aid, Nursing Assistant and Certified Nursing Assistant.
“The courses are offered by different institutions without a clear job description knowing very well that the courses are not recognized by the regulatory body,” he said.
According to the NCK portal, the council has approved 145 nursing and midwifery training institutions to train students at degree and basic post basic diploma levels.
African International Technical College however does not form part of the 145 institutions spread across the country.
NCK further states that it has the mandate to offer accreditation of nursing programs or courses to any institution intending to offer the services.
For a training institution to be accredited to offer the services, the council must first conduct a visit at the institution to ascertain its readiness to admit learners.
“The council shall conduct monitoring of program implementation and adherence to quality training to ensure that the institution continues to maintain set standards of nursing and midwifery practice as stipulated in the standards of Nursing Education and Practice in Kenya,” the council said.
The council has now called on members of the public to be on the lookout and verify the accreditation of status of any institution before enrolling in any nursing or midwifery related courses.
