Effectiveness of a Mentorship Programme at the Department of Medical Engineering in Kmtc Nairobi Campus, Kenya

Abstract

Background to the Study: The quality of medical engineering students is a concern globally, largely due to the lack of supportive structures for transitioning into the industry. Mentorship programmes can address this by providing necessary support. This research at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Nairobi campus, aimed to assess the mentorship programme's effectiveness in the Medical Engineering department. It specifically evaluated whether mentorship supports a learning culture, the level of student awareness about mentorship programmes, and the impact on academic performance. Methodology: The study utilized the action-reflection and andragogy hypothesis models, applying a heuristic approach. It employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants included 530 students and 7 faculty members, sampled through stratified random sampling and Cochran’s formula. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, encompassing frequencies, percentages, means, Chi-square, regression, and correlation analysis. Results: Findings revealed low awareness of the mentorship programme, with only 28% (n=62) of students aware of it, while 49% (n=112) had mentors, primarily lecturers or peers. Despite informal mentorship, 55% of participants in interviews and discussions reported academic improvement due to mentorship. However, only 20.7% of 163 respondents were satisfied with their mentors' professional activity facilitation, and 72.3% (n=86) felt the mentorship did not meet expectations. A significant positive relationship between mentorship and academic performance was found, with a βeta score of 0.935 and a p-value of 0.001. Connclusion: The study concluded that the mentorship programme positively impacts academic performance at KMTC Nairobi campus. Recommendations: It recommended increasing student awareness, establishing a formal mentorship programme, forming a professional mentors' committee, and implementing effective monitoring and evaluation by the Ministry of Education. Recognizing and rewarding mentors and mentees was also suggested to encourage participation.