The program for training of Clinical Officers has been conducted by the Government of Kenya for many years to provide health care services in Kenya. This training started at certificate level in 1928 until 1967 when the diploma program was introduced. In the late 70‘s specialization at Higher Diploma level in Ear Nose and Throat, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and others were started. Members of this profession are responsible for preventive, promotive, and curative health care services in Kenya. The graduates of the program will therefore play vital roles in the health care service provision as skilled personnel withindepth understanding of the basic sciences as foundation for clinical courses and adequate skills in management and leadership in community health. The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine course of Egerton University will offer opportunities to Clinical Officers for further academic development and at the same time improve standards of health care services in the country.
Clinical Officers have continued to play vital roles as clinicians and managers not only in rural facilities but also in the running of district, provincial and national hospitals. Training Clinical Officers at a higher level is one way of raising the standards of health care delivery to Kenyans since they provide about 80% of health services especially in the rural areas. It is envisaged that the BSc graduate in Clinical Medicine will apply critical thinking and come up with practical solutions to solve the various patients or clients‘ health problems and needs. The improvement in the services will be achieved through incorporation of the knowledge, skills and attitude acquired.
The program has been designed to recognize that its graduates will have an advanced training in basic sciences, clinical and community health in order to provide health care that will integrate curative and preventive health care. This program will also give an opportunity for the practicing Clinical Officers to upgrade their education and skills while opening avenues for the graduates to advance in postgraduate and research areas. Unlike the graduates of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine will operate as clinicians capable of providing general medical and community preventive care. To become doctors, they will require more training in surgical skills. The professional practice of Clinical Officers is regulated by an Act of parliament (Cap. 260 of the Laws of Kenya) which is charged with training, registration
and licensing. This ensures that high standards are maintained during training and practice while observing professional ethics of conduct.