The Government will soon roll out a new funding framework to enable Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students to access Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) support, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced on Thursday.
Speaking during the 94th KMTC graduation ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani—where 22,776 students were awarded certificates and diplomas—Kindiki said the State is taking urgent steps to integrate KMTC trainees into the national student financing model.
“I have been informed by the PS that KMTC students are not accessing HELB funding. I am convinced by the request to that effect,” he told the gathering, adding that he would convene a meeting involving the Cabinet Secretaries for Health, Treasury and Education to agree on a funding formula.
“Not every parent can afford to pay for education at the KMTC. Just like we are supporting university and TVET students, KMTC students need to be supported.”
The Deputy President said many trainees face immense financial strain and that extending HELB support would ensure equitable access to health training opportunities across the country.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the 94th KMTC graduation ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani—where 22,776 students were awarded certificates and diplomas/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking during the 94th KMTC graduation ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani—where 22,776 students were awarded certificates and diplomas/DPCS
Kindiki used the ceremony to outline key reforms in the health sector under the Kenya Kwanza administration, describing them as the most ambitious transformation of the system in recent years.
He noted that the government has made significant progress in expanding access to affordable healthcare, partly through the mass registration of Kenyans under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“Today, unlike in 2022 when only 7.5 million Kenyans had medical cover under NHIF, we are just shy of 28 million Kenyans who have a medical cover,” he said, adding that the government is working to fine-tune and perfect SHA to improve service quality.
He highlighted the deployment of 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across the country as a major milestone in strengthening primary healthcare.
KMTC, he noted, plays a vital role in training Community Health Assistants who work closely with CHPs to ensure that health services reach every household.
“KMTC’s role in this success cannot be overstated,” Kindiki said, praising the institution for supporting the delivery of community-centered healthcare.
As part of the government’s long-term investment in health training, Kindiki announced plans to hire 1,000 KMTC tutors within the current financial year and to equip and operationalize 18 stalled KMTC campuses built by county governments and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
He added that 54 campuses will benefit from student hostels funded through the Affordable Housing Programme.
“This year, we have invested Sh9.7 billion in KMTC to support staff recruitment, infrastructure development, equipping of classes and laboratories, personnel emoluments, and student welfare,” he said.
The Deputy President also urged the institution to deepen investments in research, innovation and digital training.
He cited national efforts to expand fibre connectivity and ICT infrastructure, saying KMTC’s integration of digital health tools—including e-learning and telemedicine—was reshaping the training and practice of health professionals.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking during the 94th KMTC graduation ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani—where 22,776 students were awarded certificates and diplomas/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking during the 94th KMTC graduation ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani—where 22,776 students were awarded certificates and diplomas/DPCS
Kindiki further said the government was strengthening global labour mobility through bilateral agreements and partnerships that are opening employment pathways for Kenyan health workers.
“I am immensely proud of the outstanding work Kenyan medics are doing internationally. Many are alumni of this great institution,” he said.
Encouraging the graduands, he pointed to government programmes such as Kazi Kwa Ground, Kazi Mtandaoni and Kazi Majuu, urging them to embrace available opportunities to sharpen their skills and participate in building the country’s health system.
“As you enter the workforce, remember you are not merely joining the health system, but shaping its future,” he told the graduates.
The event was attended by Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, KMTC Board Chair Joseah Cheruiyot, and CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, among other officials.
