By Valary Makena
The University of Eldoret has unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the healthcare of athletes and patients in Uasin Gishu County and beyond, by introducing chiropractic services in collaboration with Life University of Georgia, USA. The launch seeks to address a critical gap in injury treatment and recovery for the region’s athletes, particularly those from a county renowned for producing world-class marathoners and sports champions.
During a recent visit by Life University President Rob Scot and John Don, the significance of this partnership was emphasized. Not only will it provide much-needed chiropractic care, but it also aims to shape the future of healthcare in the region by educating the next generation of professionals.
The initiative includes the introduction of a Bachelor’s degree in Chiropractic, which will be integrated into the University of Eldoret's existing programs in nursing and sports science. This academic offering is expected to help build a pool of qualified practitioners, alleviating the need for Kenyan athletes to seek treatment abroad.
Vice Chancellor Thomas Cheruiyot noted that the collaboration is focused on creating a comprehensive curriculum that caters to the unique needs of local and regional athletes, ensuring that they have access to effective, homegrown solutions for their injury rehabilitation and prevention.
Sila Misoi, an advocate for the initiative, shared his vision of making the University of Eldoret a center of excellence in chiropractic care. He believes that this program will significantly raise the standards of healthcare in East and Central Africa, providing athletes with the tools to recover faster and perform at their best.
Dr. Josephine Kandie, a former athlete turned chiropractor, also underscored the importance of the new program. Drawing from her personal experience with chiropractic therapy, she explained how the treatment had a profound impact on her performance and recovery. Dr. Kandie expressed optimism that this initiative would help local athletes prevent injuries, an issue that has long hindered many Kenyan sports stars.
As the project moves forward, the University of Eldoret plans to enhance its facilities to support the new curriculum, ensuring that both local and international students can take advantage of the state-of-the-art training environment. This program is expected to not only attract global interest but also establish Kenya as a leader in chiropractic education and practice.
The collaboration is poised to make a lasting impact on athletic healthcare in Kenya and across the African continent, promoting better health outcomes and improved performance for athletes from all disciplines.