Prior to David Karuri’s admission for the five-year course at the University of Nairobi’s School of Medicine, he understood the prerequisites that the medical field demanded. To get into med-school, David knew he needed to ace his national exams, and so he did. He was the top performing student at Nairobi Primary School during the KCPE exams, and this helped him secure admission into Strathmore School where he sat his KCSE and scored an A.
The “daktari” title was officially added to David’s name after he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery. In 2010, he trained as an intern at Thika Level 5 Hospital and thereafter began his practice at Muriranjas Hospital in Murang’a County.
From his first posting, Dr. Karuri’s resolve to break boundaries was evident. He was dedicated to his patients and tried his best to go above and beyond what his job required. While at Muriranjas, Dr. Karuri became aware of the high maternal mortality rates. The hospital had not had a successful caesarean section procedure since 1932. Determined to lead the hospital’s transformation, Dr. Karuri put his skills to work and carried out a successful surgery; both mother and child were healthy. This accomplishment propelled his career forward and brought him to the world’s attention. His climb had just begun.
With this feather in his cap, Dr. Karuri was confident that he was a becoming a fine artist, and with his paintbrush as a scalpel, he could help more people and paint a brighter future in Kenya’s healthcare. But the hope needed backing up, and being the man he is, he decided to sharpen his expertise.
He enrolled for a Master’s program at Aga Khan University and specialized in General Surgery. After completing this course, Dr. Karuri shifted his focus and time to helping Kenyans living beyond the capital. He was posted in West Pokot County under the Ministry of Health as the lead surgeon consultant at Kapeguria County Referral Hospital.
In 2018, a determined Dr. Karuri showed us once again how committed he was to saving lives. On Friday, 29th June, a 21 year-old Marvin Odhiambo was wheeled into Kapenguria County Referral Hospital in critical condition. He had been involved in a road accident at nearby Maukutano Township while on his way home on a boda boda. Upon examination, a blood clot was found in Marvin’s brain, and he was recommended for surgery. Nothing of this magnitude had ever been attempted in West Pokot County, and Dr. Karuri was the one to shoulder this Herculean task. After spending five hours in the operating room, Dr. Karuri together with 11 other #KeHealthWorkers saved Marvin’s life, a successful procedure that will always be remembered in Kenya’s medical history.
Through his work, Dr. Karuri has been able to touch countless lives, and the impact he has had is incomprehensible. Dr. Karuri is a man of several firsts, and as he continues to give his all to his patients, we believe that there are more achievements on the horizon of his career.