Prof. Lucy Kawira Gitonga, PhD, OGW, of Chuka University, was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Inspiration Award 2025 in recognition of her unwavering commitment to shaping the future of nursing in Kenya through mentorship of students and early-career nurses under the Kenya Students and Novice Nurses (KESNNUR) initiative. She received this honor after delivering a keynote address titled “Innovation at the Bedside: Turning Everyday Nursing Challenges into Breakthrough Solutions” on 16th October 2025, at the KESNNUR Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting held at Wintervilla Resort and Spa, Embu.
Prof. Lucy emphasized the critical role of nurses as innovators and change agents in healthcare. She encouraged nurses to adopt a problem-solving mindset, embrace technology, and apply evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety, care quality, and system efficiency.
She highlighted the bedside as the primary site for practical innovation, where creativity and compassion intersect in daily nursing work. Drawing from her vast experience in nursing education, leadership, and clinical practice, she challenged nurses to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Prof. Lucy also stressed the importance of mentorship, interprofessional collaboration, and continuous professional development in fostering a culture of innovation within the nursing profession. Her powerful message deeply resonated with attendees, inspiring them to reimagine their practice environments as hubs of creativity and transformation. She urged nurses to recognize that even small, everyday ideas can lead to breakthrough solutions that shape the future of healthcare in Kenya and beyond.
Chuka University is …… Inspiring Environmental Sustainability for Better Life
