Health CS says all KMTC Students to benefit from Sh500 million Gov’t funding

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that all students at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) will benefit from a government funding of Sh500 million aimed at enhancing medical education and healthcare services through research-based policies, strategic collaborations, and fair student support.

During the opening of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference, Duale highlighted the significant role of KMTC in the ongoing reforms in the health sector under the Kenya Kwanza administration. He stated, “KMTC is not just along for the ride; it is leading the way. With over 107,000 community health promoters trained and primary healthcare services established in all 47 counties, KMTC is essential for providing affordable, accessible, and dignified care to all Kenyans.”

Duale confirmed that public teaching and referral hospitals under the Ministry of Health will no longer charge KMTC students for clinical rotations. “That will not happen again. Kenyatta Hospital, KU Teaching and Referral, MTRH, and Mathari will not impose charges on our students. We are also working with the Council of Governors to standardize this across counties,” he assured.

On the topic of student financing, Duale mentioned ongoing discussions with the National Treasury to secure the Sh500 million allocated for KMTC students. “We are actively working to ensure this funding is released,” he stated, promising that no KMTC student will be overlooked.

He also stressed that support for students will be fair and not influenced by geographic or socio-economic factors. Additionally, Duale cautioned against the rise of substandard health training programs in the country, emphasizing that transformative research requires collaboration. “Partnerships make our work relevant and impactful on a global scale,” he reiterated.

Duale criticized some institutions for producing graduates without sufficient regard for quality or relevance, asserting, “KMTC will not contribute to this issue. Every course must address a genuine public health need.” He urged the college to uphold high curriculum standards, rigorous admission criteria, and outcome-focused teaching to maintain its status as the national benchmark.

He also encouraged KMTC to seek sustainable funding through endowments, philanthropic partnerships, and alternative financing models. “Let this conference not just be about good speeches and presentations, but a pivotal moment where science leads to action,” he urged.

Duale assured attendees that the Ministry’s policies would be data-driven and pledged to act on the conference’s outcomes. “We must instill hope, trust, and order in the health sector. That is my mission,” he declared.

KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch opened the conference by expressing gratitude for the government’s support and noted that KMTC is strengthening partnerships with local and international organizations, including Africa CDC, the African Union, and universities in Canada and the U.S. He highlighted the institution’s significant growth since its founding in 1927, from just four students to over 70,000 across 90 campuses and six satellite centers.

“We view research not merely as a thesis requirement but as a public health responsibility,” Dr. Oluoch stated, revealing that KMTC currently has 36 research presentations, including 11 posters. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as a shortage of 3,350 staff, which would require Sh6.8 billion to address, and limited access to clinical training facilities. He noted that clinical training areas have become increasingly competitive and costly due to rising fees from private institutions and public hospitals, and he expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to finding solutions.

KMTC Board Chairperson Joseph Cheruiyot reaffirmed the institution’s support for the Ministry’s leadership and the President’s health agenda, stating, “From management to our gate officers, we are one team. We have psychologists and nutritionists ready to support you, Waziri, whenever you need to relax.”

Conference speakers reiterated that research is central to KMTC’s strategic objectives, emphasizing the development of a comprehensive research and innovation policy and investments in infrastructure to support commercialization and intellectual property protection.