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

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a significant government initiative aimed at enhancing medical education and healthcare services, pledging Sh500 million in funding for all students at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).

During the opening ceremony of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference, Duale highlighted the pivotal role of KMTC in the ongoing reforms within the health sector under the Kenya Kwanza administration. He stated, “KMTC is not merely a participant; it is leading the charge. With over 107,000 trained community health promoters and its foundational role in primary healthcare across all 47 counties, KMTC is essential in providing affordable, accessible, and dignified healthcare to every Kenyan.”

In a move to alleviate financial burdens on medical students, Duale announced that public teaching and referral hospitals will no longer charge KMTC students for clinical rotations. “This practice will cease immediately. Our students will not incur fees at Kenyatta Hospital, KU Teaching and Referral, MTRH, and Mathari. We are also in discussions with the Council of Governors to ensure uniformity across counties,” he assured.

On the topic of student financing, Duale revealed ongoing discussions with the National Treasury to ensure the timely release of the Sh500 million allocated for KMTC students. “We are working diligently to secure these funds,” he stated, emphasizing that no student will be overlooked in this initiative. He also assured that support would be distributed fairly, regardless of geographical or socio-economic backgrounds.

Duale cautioned against the rise of subpar health training programs in the country, asserting that meaningful research must be conducted in a collaborative environment. “Partnerships are crucial for ensuring our work remains relevant and impactful on a global scale,” he reiterated.

He expressed concern over institutions producing graduates without a focus on quality or relevance, declaring, “KMTC will not contribute to this issue. Every course must address a genuine public health need.” He urged the college to uphold high standards in its curriculum, admissions, and teaching outcomes to maintain its status as a national benchmark.

Additionally, Duale encouraged KMTC to seek sustainable funding through endowments, philanthropic partnerships, and innovative financing models. “Let this conference be more than just speeches and presentations; let it be a catalyst for action driven by science,” he urged.

The CS committed to ensuring that policies within the Ministry are data-driven and pledged to act on the conference outcomes. “We must instill hope, trust, and order in the health sector. That is my mission,” Duale asserted.

KMTC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, opened the event by expressing gratitude for governmental support and emphasizing the college’s efforts to strengthen collaborations with local and international organizations, including Africa CDC, the African Union, and universities in Canada and the U.S. He reflected on the institution’s impressive growth since its founding in 1927, which began with just four students and has expanded to over 70,000 students across 90 campuses and six satellite centers.

“We view research not merely as an academic requirement but as a public health responsibility,” Dr. Oluoch stated, revealing that KMTC currently boasts 36 research presentations, including 11 posters. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including a shortage of 3,350 staff members, which is estimated to require Sh6.8 billion to address, as well as limited access to clinical training facilities.

While recognizing the increasing competition and costs associated with clinical training areas, Dr. Oluoch expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to resolving these issues.

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 united as one team. Our psychologists and nutritionists are here to support you, Waziri, whenever you need a moment to unwind.”

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