KCMC University inaugurates in Kilimanjaro

KILIMANJARO: A NEW era has begun in the country’s education sector with the inauguration of the newly established KCMC University in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.

The event, held over the weekend, was presided over by the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda. Before its elevation to university status, the institution was a constituent of Tumaini University Makumira (TUMA) and operated under the name Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo).

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Prof Mkenda hailed the upgrade of KCMC University as a significant milestone for the country’s health sector.

“This university will greatly expand the production of health experts, promote more valuable research and improve the overall health services in the country,” he said.

He further said, “The elevation of this institution to a fully-fledged university reflects the excellent work done in research, teaching and other medical-related activities over the years. Your primary task now is to protect and further develop the reputation you’ve earned in the medical field.”

Prof Mkenda also encouraged the university’s leadership to continue prioritising research, particularly in health-related fields.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with higher education institutions to improve the health sector, including the recruitment of specialised doctors and other health experts.

“Research, especially in health issues, is foundational for any higher learning institution, particularly those focusing on medical education. The government will continue to support researchers, especially those publishing in international health journals,” he added.

The minister also noted the government’s ongoing programme to reward researchers who contribute to advancing the medical field through their publications.

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During the ceremony, the Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) and the university’s first Chancellor, Dr Alex Malasusa affirmed the Church’s continued support for the government’s educational efforts.

“Apart from our primary mission of preaching, the Church will continue collaborating with the government on initiatives aimed at improving education and health services,” said Dr Malasusa.

He commended the government for its efforts to enhance educational curricula and infrastructure, which have contributed to the increased enrolment of students in higher learning institutions.

Earlier, KCMC University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ephata Kaaya expressed gratitude for the government’s support, particularly through the ministries of education and health.

“The support since the institution’s inception in 1997 has been crucial in helping us achieve our current status as a fully-fledged university,” Prof Kaaya noted.

He also mentioned that the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) officially granted KCMC University full university status in March 2025.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the KCMC University Governing Council, Prof Lughano Kusiluka, assured that the council would continue to uphold regulations governing higher education institutions.

He said that the university’s mission is to produce the best health experts, who will serve both locally and internationally