First Year Nursing students inducted into professional journey during NUNSA White Coat Ceremony

The University of Nairobi Nursing Students Association (NUNSA) held its annual White Coat Ceremony on 4th September,2026, a profound tradition designed to induct incoming students into the Nursing profession and charging them with a dedication to service and the humanity of care.

The event served as both a formal induction into the profession and a comprehensive orientation with speakers giving the freshmen pointers and advise on what to expect as they begin their training and clinical responsibility further in the profession.

The speeches placed heavy emphasis on the technical and regulatory requirements of the profession, with Departmental Chair Prof. Emmah Matheka highlighting the critical necessity of uptake of the nursing council indexing process, noting the importance of the index numbers in the profession as stipulated by the Nursing Council of Kenya.

Also addressing the students at the event, Simulation nurse Edith reminded students of the irreplaceable nature of practical skills in the profession, urging the new students to not only immerse themselves in theory classes, but also actively participate in practical classes.

 “We are in the era of AI, and it cannot replace the hand. Nursing is a skill, so make sure you show up to classes to learn practically,” she said in her address.

Associate Dean Undergraduate Studies, Prof Rose Kosgei provided powerful nuggets of wisdom to the freshmen marking their entry into a central role within the multidisciplinary healthcare sector.

“The coat is a promise, not a prize,” she stated.

Terming nurses as constant presence in the Kenyan healthcare system, she encouraged the students to prioritize character as their primary competency. She also emphasized the importance of mental well-being, warning against burnout and urging students to practice self-care, debrief after difficult experiences, and to reach out to the faculty for support.  

Reminding the students that they are at the starting point of a career in health care, patient safety was a recurring theme, with guest speakers and faculty members advising the students to observe it when they will be transitioning toward clinical exposure in their later years.

Chief Guest Ms. Peninah Kirea, termed nurses as the ultimate advocate for the patient, requiring immense discernment and responsibility in practice.

“By the time you’re making the decision to enter this profession remember that a lot of responsibility has been placed on your shoulders, because at the end of the day, the nurse is the advocate of the patient, this will begin from your level as a student,” she said.

This sentiment was echoed by Lecturer Lilian Omondi, who urged caution during ward interactions, noting that the profession deals with human lives.

Student leaders provided a warm welcome, offering practical guidance on navigating campus life. NUNSA Chairperson Joshua Kipsambu encouraged the freshmen to remain steady in their academic pursuits, while also emphasizing the importance of co-curricular activities to maintain mental health.

The ceremony concluded with a call to balance academics with self-care, ensuring that as they sail through campus, they remain hardworking, connected, and compassionate.