KMTC rolls out program to ensure the safety and well-being of students
In a continued effort to ensure the safety and well-being of students in higher education, the Kenya Medical Training College, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi Mombasa Campus and UNESCO’s O3 PLUS initiative, has launched the Safer Campuses Campaign in Mombasa County.
This event follows the national launch held at the KMTC headquarters in Nairobi earlier.
The campaign, aimed at fostering safer, more inclusive learning environments, brought together students and staff from KMTC Mombasa, Port Reitz, and Kilifi Campuses, as well as stakeholders from the University of Nairobi Mombasa Campus.
The launch featured a commemorative walk from Makadara Grounds to KMTC Mombasa, the commissioning of a Safe Space, tree planting activities, and speeches from key leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the KMTC CEO, Kilifi Campus Principal Mr. Alex Deche reaffirmed the College’s commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other threats to student safety.
“At KMTC, we strive to ensure a secure learning environment free from physical and technological violence. This campaign reinforces our resolve to empower students and enhance their academic journey,” he said.
Mr. Mamadou Lamine Sow, Chief of the Education Sector at UNESCO’s Regional Office for Eastern Africa, highlighted the campaign’s broader purpose.
“This initiative goes beyond preventing violence. It empowers young people to make informed health choices while promoting gender equality in education. Together, we can create safer campuses and pave the way for a brighter future,” he emphasized.
Representing Mombasa County’s Executive Committee for Health, Director of Public Health Dr. Salma Swaleh lauded the initiative.
“By creating safer and healthier campuses, we are enhancing the learning experience and prioritizing the well-being of our future leaders. This partnership is a vital step toward a more inclusive and secure education system,” she noted.
Speaking during the event, KMTC Mombasa Principal Dr. Jacinta N. Mukonzo described the launch as a defining moment for the campus.
“This launch marks a historical milestone in the history of our campus. With a high student population and the complexities of the learning environments in our society, we can no longer afford to keep quiet regarding GBV.
We need to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and empower action against GBV by taking concrete and verifiable steps in our campus. No young man or woman should bear the consequences of this avoidable menace,” she said.
Dr. Mukonzo further highlighted the campus’ commitment to supporting students.
“To this end, the campus has set up a space which any student can access, and help is at hand. We look forward to having a safe community for our students,” she added.
The Safer Campuses Campaign, under the UNESCO O3 PLUS Project, is a social and behavior change initiative targeting the prevention of GBV and other forms of violence in tertiary institutions. It builds on the momentum of the national launch, where leaders and stakeholders underscored the need for collective action to address safety, mental health, and gender-based challenges in educational settings.
The Mombasa event sets a precedent for increased collaboration in the Coastal region, reinforcing KMTC’s resolve to provide a conducive learning environment for its 66,607 students across 87 campuses nationwide.
