Lister Onsongo Suspended: CS Duale Cancels Nursing Internship Placements Amid Scandal
In a swift and decisive move to uphold integrity in healthcare training, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has suspended Dr. Lister Onsongo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK). The suspension, announced on Monday, July 21, 2025, comes amidst allegations of irregular and unlawful placeme
In a swift and decisive move to uphold integrity in healthcare training, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has suspended Dr. Lister Onsongo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
The suspension, announced on Monday, July 21, 2025, comes amidst allegations of irregular and unlawful placement of nursing students into internship programs.
Furthermore, CS Duale has revoked the internship letters issued to 42 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing students.
Who were reportedly submitted for placement before completing their academic qualifications.
This action signals a firm commitment by the Ministry of Health to enforce professional standards.
And ensure accountability within the nursing regulatory body and training institutions.
Health CS Aden Duale suspends NCK CEO Lister Onsongo and revokes 42 nursing internship placements due to unlawful submissions of students before completing their academic programs
Lister Onsongo was suspended over nursing internship scandal
To ensure the smooth operation of the NCK during this period, CS Duale has appointed Ms. Ann Mukuna.
The Council's Director of Standards and Compliance, to take over as CEO in an acting capacity.
The Health CS reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to ethical practices in healthcare.
"The Ministry is committed to upholding the integrity of healthcare training and deployment.
All individuals found culpable – whether at the Ministry of Health, the NCK.
Or within the leadership of the implicated universities – will be held fully accountable," Duale warned.
He stressed that the matter is being treated with "utmost urgency" to safeguard professional standards and protect the rights of both nursing graduates and the general public.
Health CS Aden Duale suspends NCK CEO Lister Onsongo and revokes 42 nursing internship placements due to unlawful submissions of students before completing their academic programs
Uncovering the Irregularities
The Ministry of Health's investigation unearthed a serious breach of regulations involving the NCK and at least ten public and private universities across the country. According to a statement from CS Duale, these institutions unlawfully presented 42 BSc Nursing students for an internship. Despite the students not having fulfilled the prerequisite of completing their academic programs. "This action is in direct contravention of the Nursing Council Act and the guidelines approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC)," Duale stated. The CS emphasized that such irregularities compromise the integrity of Kenya's healthcare training system. And pose a risk to public safety by potentially allowing underqualified individuals into critical healthcare roles. The affected 42 students have been immediately instructed to vacate their duty stations. As a comprehensive internal audit of the entire cohort of 2,098 BSc Nursing interns is launched. This wider audit aims to ascertain the full extent of any anomalies within the internship placement system.Suspension and Interim Leadership
Dr. Lister Onsongo's suspension is pending the outcome of this extensive internal audit. Lister Onsongo was suspended over nursing internship scandal
To ensure the smooth operation of the NCK during this period, CS Duale has appointed Ms. Ann Mukuna.
The Council's Director of Standards and Compliance, to take over as CEO in an acting capacity.
The Health CS reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to ethical practices in healthcare.
"The Ministry is committed to upholding the integrity of healthcare training and deployment.
All individuals found culpable – whether at the Ministry of Health, the NCK.
Or within the leadership of the implicated universities – will be held fully accountable," Duale warned.
He stressed that the matter is being treated with "utmost urgency" to safeguard professional standards and protect the rights of both nursing graduates and the general public.