In todays latest KMTC News -Health CS Hon. Aden Duale Pledges Support for KMTC Students During Scientific Conference.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has assured Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students that the government is committed to unlocking Ksh 500 million allocated to support financially needy learners.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, during the official opening of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference in Nairobi, the CS reaffirmed his commitment to follow up with the National Treasury to ensure the release of the funds.
“My colleague, the CS for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi, is a personal friend. I will contact him directly to establish the status of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds for KMTC students,” he said.
In April 2025, KMTC was allocated Ksh 500 million in the supplementary budget to support students through the HELB. However, the funds have yet to be disbursed.
The CS further noted that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Education to ensure that KMTC students are accorded equal access to government funding, similar to their peers in universities and TVET institutions.
During the engagement, the College leadership also raised concerns about students’ financial burden in accessing clinical placement sites, as some facilities continue to charge fees.
Hon. Duale directed referral hospitals under the Ministry to waive the charges for KMTC students and pledged to escalate the matter to the Council of Governors.
“I will begin with facilities under my jurisdiction and, during an upcoming meeting at State House, rally governors to waive fees in county hospitals as well,” he stated.
“We must eliminate barriers that hinder access to quality training,” he added.
Regarding staffing, the CS acknowledged existing gaps and assured the College that the Ministry is engaging relevant government agencies to develop long-term solutions to strengthen KMTC’s training capacity.
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The conference, themed “Advancing Health Equity in a Rapidly Changing Environment,” featured 36 research papers, 11 poster presentations, and four student-led presentations.
Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot reiterated the College’s commitment to research and innovation, noting that KMTC has developed a robust Research and Innovation Policy and continues to expand strategic partnerships globally.
CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch confirmed that this year’s conference has attracted participants from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Hungary, Canada, and the United States.
“The outcomes of this conference will inform policy at both institutional and national levels,” he said.
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Prof. Sylvester Kimaiyo, Executive Director of Care Programs at the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) and Professor of Internal Medicine at Moi University, delivered the keynote address.
Earlier, the CS commissioned seven vehicles to enhance teaching and learning across the KMTC Campuses.
Also present were the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, and KMTC Board Directors Mr. Paul Cheboi, Ms. Hardlyne Lusui, Dr. Hezron Omollo, and Mr. Adan Harakhe.
