By Akwa Kelly Pride

On November 14, the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS) marked ten years of preparing professionals who now serve in hospitals, research centers, regulatory spaces, industry, product management, and community health across the region in a grand celebration. Established in 2015, the school has marked several milestones over time, and by 2025, it had expanded, welcomed new programs, and celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of Bachelor of Science in Applied Biochemistry.

Laying the foundation for the anniversary celebration was the first Annual Research Symposium, where students presented their research, showcasing confidence, a reflection of how curiosity, commitment, and mentorship have shaped SPHS through the years. It was a moment of pride that showed the steady growth of a research culture that continues to strengthen the school.

The second phase of this celebration was the Career and Network Linkage, which provided a platform for the students to engage with alumni, partners, and leaders from across the health sector. The keynote speaker, Dr Sultani Matendechero, Senior Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health, Kenya, opened the day with a thoughtful message on the future of pharmacy practice in Kenya. An inspiring moment was witnessing firsthand the success stories of the alumni, who stand as living proof of the exceptional graduates the school produces. Their journeys reminded everyone that the mission of SPHS does not end at graduation; it continues in every space our graduates now influence across Kenya and beyond.

The celebrations concluded with the Pharmacy@10 dinner, organized in collaboration with the Alumni Relations Department. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr Wairimu Mbogo, the President of Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, who spoke on the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, noting that after 60 years, the organization has finally elected a female president. Also in attendance was Ambassador Dennis Awori, the USIU-Africa Chancellor, who spoke about excellence, innovation, and the future of education, commending the SPHS alumni for doing great in their field, making a mark in the world. During the dinner, 15 awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievements in research, leadership, teaching, innovation, and community impact.

Looking back on the decade, one truth stands out: the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a story of resilience, growth, and a community that continues to show up for one another. The school has built strong academic programs, nurtured research, produced leaders, created opportunities, and sent graduates into the world who carry our values with them. The past ten years have clearly shown that the future of SPHS is bright. There is more to build, more to explore, and countless students ready to step into the world and make a meaningful difference.