The Lab Medicine Society of Kenya (LMSK) has taken a monumental step forward, signing a game-changing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Students' Association (KeMELSA) at the prestigious Med Lab Jamhuri celebration held at MLT3 hall in the University of Nairobi's main campus on December 12, 2023.
The event, co-presided over by LMSK President Mr. Phelix Otieno and KeMELSA Deputy President Mr. Calvince Omondi of Kenyatta University, who acted on behalf of KeMELSA President Mr. Derrick Wanjala who wasn' able to attend the event, showcased a remarkable collaboration between LMSK and the diverse medical laboratory student bodies, including MKU Medical Laboratory Students' Association (MMLSA), Association of Kenyatta University Medical Laboratory Students (AKUMELS), Jomo Kenyatta University Laboratory Students' Association (JKULSA), Association of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology Students of The University of Nairobi (AMELSTUN), and Medical Laboratory Students Association of Kisii University (MELSAKU).
The student leaders of the following associations, though in absence, have expressed their full support for the MoU document and will append their signatures digitally on a later date; Association of Masinde Muliro University Medical Laboratory Students, Maseno University Medical Laboratory Students' Association, KeMU Medical Laboratory Students' Association, Murang'a University of Technology Medical Laboratory Students Association, Alupe University Medical Laboratory Students' Association, Technical University of Mombasa Medical Laboratory Students' Association, and Technical University of Kenya Medical Laboratory Students' Association.
The MoU, focusing on mentorship programs, social networking, unity among medical laboratory degree holders, social media presence, internships, employment opportunities, expanding the scope of medical laboratory science training, scholarships, youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and uplifting social standards, signals a historic milestone in the Laboratory Medicine profession in Kenya.
LMSK, in recognizing students as a vital human resource foundation, has pledged to include undergraduate degree students' associations as partners, solidifying their position as a mother society for all associated student groups. This collaboration ensures that undergraduate degree students' concerns are addressed comprehensively, making LMSK their topmost partner.
The organized and well-attended event featured informative speeches, entertainment, and the enthusiastic support of various universities. All participating universities signed the MoU, and copies will be submitted to the heads of Medical Laboratory Science Departments for awareness.
This historic collaboration sets a precedent for the future, inspiring medical laboratory graduates to join LMSK and contribute to the growth and excellence of the profession. Together, LMSK and KeMELSA are shaping the future of Laboratory Medicine in Kenya.
