KMTC opens free digital emergency training to equip Kenyans with health skills

• KMTC has opened a free digital learning programme that seeks to equip thousands of Kenyans with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively when disasters strike.

• The initiative is expected to strengthen coordination among emergency responders while extending lifesaving training beyond healthcare professionals to communities across the country.

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has taken a bold step towards transforming emergency preparedness by launching a free digital learning programme that seeks to equip thousands of Kenyans with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively when disasters strike.

The initiative is expected to strengthen coordination among emergency responders while extending lifesaving training beyond healthcare professionals to communities across the country.

Officially launched in Nairobi on Wednesday, July 1, the Kenya Multi-Agency Interoperability Awareness eLearning Programme is a collaborative effort involving KMTC, the Ministry of Health, the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) and the British High Commission.

Although the programme targets health workers and emergency personnel, its online delivery makes it accessible to a much wider audience, reinforcing the idea that emergency response is everyone’s responsibility.

According to the organisers, the programme is designed to bridge one of the biggest weaknesses in disaster management—poor coordination among agencies responding to emergencies.

During major incidents such as road crashes, floods, fires, disease outbreaks or terrorist attacks, medical teams, police officers, firefighters, county governments, humanitarian organisations and disaster response units are often required to work together.

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However, differences in communication systems, operating procedures and command structures have sometimes slowed response efforts, leading to avoidable loss of life.

KMTC believes the new course will change that by providing a common framework for planning, communication and decision-making.

Participants will be trained to understand how different agencies operate and how they can work together more effectively during emergencies.

Instead of each institution responding independently, responders will be equipped with shared principles that encourage collaboration, rapid information sharing and coordinated action.

The programme is adapted from the United Kingdom’s internationally recognised Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP), a model developed to improve cooperation among emergency services following major incidents.

While JESIP was initially introduced as part of counter-terrorism preparedness, its principles have since proved invaluable in managing natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, public health emergencies and humanitarian crises.

Hillary Muhalya