Uzima University has issued a strong demand for a public apology and retraction from several media outlets over reports alleging that the institution failed to meet medical school standards.
Speaking to journalists at the university’s administration block on Tuesday, Vice-Chancellor Rev. Prof. Cosmas Rhagot K’otieno described the publications as false, misleading and damaging to the institution’s reputation.
The reports, which appeared in The Standard Newspaper, The Star Newspaper, Kahawa Tungu, Education News, Business Daily and other digital platforms, claimed that the university had failed to meet required standards for medical training.
Prof. Rhagot said the publications had caused significant reputational damage both locally and nationally, undermining confidence among academic partners, clinical collaborators and international research institutions that have worked closely with the university over the years.
“These publications have seriously tarnished the image of Uzima University and negatively affected relationships we have painstakingly built with local and international partners,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor warned that unless the media houses and other publishers issue immediate retractions and apologies, the university would pursue legal action.
According to Prof. Rhagot, the university’s international partnerships are aimed at enhancing medical training, research and clinical collaboration while strengthening the institution’s academic programmes. He said the circulation of what he termed outdated and inaccurate information had undermined the university’s strategic collaborations and achievements.
“In light of this, we demand from Standard Group PLC, Education News, The Star Newspaper, Business Daily, Business Today, Kahawa Tungu blog and all other digital platforms, institutions and individuals responsible for the publication a full retraction in bold, on the same page, of the same size and with the same prominence as the original story,” said Prof. Rhagot.
“We also demand a public apology, a corrective statement reflecting the current status of Uzima University and appropriate legal remedies for the damages caused.”
Prof. Rhagot noted that Uzima University received a Letter of Interim Authority on March 4, 2020, before being awarded a full charter by President William Ruto on May 8, 2025, following evaluations conducted by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and East African Community partner states.
He said the university is currently listed among approved medical and dental training institutions by CUE, KMPDC, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and the East African Community.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that during a joint East African Community re-inspection conducted on November 25, 2024, the institution scored 80.9 out of 100.
He reassured students, parents and alumni that Uzima University remains a fully accredited and compliant institution committed to producing competent and ethical healthcare professionals.
Prof. Rhagot also urged media organisations to uphold accuracy, fairness and responsible journalism when reporting on institutions of higher learning.
“We remain a credible, compliant and forward-looking university dedicated to excellence in medical education, research and service to society,” he said.
