KMTC Mortuary Science, Mortician, Course {Best Guide}

When Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) launched its Mortuary Science program in March 2023, few could have predicted its rapid rise to becoming one of the College’s most sought-after courses.

According to CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, demand for the program has grown exponentially since its introduction.

“Initially, we received 250 applications against our capacity of 50 slots. We have since expanded to accommodate more students, and today, the number of applicants runs into hundreds,” he revealed.

The course is regulated, ensuring a capped intake to maintain high training standards.

Dr. Oluoch noted that most applicants are sponsored by public health facilities or private institutions.

“These are organizations already offering mortuary services and looking to strengthen their technical capacity. Additionally, individuals seeking to venture into the mortuary business find our program highly beneficial,” he said.

Traditionally, mortuary attendants in Kenya were trained informally, often learning on the job in private funeral parlors.

However, a 2018–2021 study by senior lecturers at the University of Nairobi and pathologists from Kenyatta National Hospital highlighted significant gaps in the training and practice of morticians.

The mortician training program equips students with the skills and mindset to handle human remains with care, respect, and professionalism. Graduates are prepared to work both in Kenya and internationally.

The program, which started at the Nairobi Campus, has since expanded to additional campuses, with plans to roll out in four more in the coming years.

“Ultimately, all main campuses in the eight former provincial headquarters will offer the course,” said Dr. Oluoch.

The diploma program takes three years to complete. However, those with a certificate in mortuary science from a recognized institution can enroll in an upgrading course, which takes two years.

Available KMTC Courses

1. Certificate in Community Health Assistant
2. Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology
3. Certificate in Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nursing
4. Certificate in Medical Emergency Technician
5. Certificate in Medical Engineering

6. Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics
7. Certificate in Orthopaedic Trauma Medicine
8. Certificate in Public Health
9. Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery
10. Diploma in Community Health
11. Diploma in Community Oral Health
12. Diploma in Dental Technology

13. Diploma in Emergency Medical Technology
14. Diploma in Health Counselling
15. Diploma in Health Insurance Management
16. Diploma in Health Promotion
17. Diploma in Health Records and Information Technology
18. Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing

19. Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing
20. Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing and Midwifery
21. Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing, Mental Health and Psychiatry
22. Diploma in Medical Engineering
23. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences
24. Diploma in Medical Social Work

25. Diploma in Mortuary Science
26. Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
27. Diploma in Occupational Therapy
28. Diploma in Optometry
29. Diploma in Orthopaedic Technology
30. Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine
31. Diploma in Pharmacy
32. Diploma in Physiotherapy

33. Diploma in Public Health
34. Diploma in Radiography and Imaging
35. Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy

To view minimum requirements and available KMTC campuses, log in to the KUCCPS Student’s Portal via the link students.kuccps.net.