Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to secure employment opportunities for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) graduates within Kenya and abroad.
Addressing the 92nd graduation ceremony of KMTC at Kasarani Stadium, Gachagua, underscoring the government’s commitment to offering job prospects for healthcare providers, assured the audience that the global demand for such professionals was substantial.
He revealed that the government had received requests from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Germany for healthcare providers, indicating the international appeal of Kenyan-trained professionals.
He expressed optimism that the graduates would soon have opportunities to work in these countries, contributing to global healthcare.
Acknowledging the critical role of a well-trained healthcare workforce in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Gachagua emphasized the government’s dedication to providing essential health services without imposing financial burdens on citizens.
He commended the graduates, noting that their skills would enhance the nurse-to-patient ratio, ultimately improving health outcomes.
Gachagua also addressed the issue of capacitation, emphasizing the government’s consideration of expanding access to Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans for more learners in the health sector.
In light of Kenya’s shortage of healthcare workers, with only eight nurses per 10,000 populations compared to the World Health Organization’s recommended 25, the government aims to address this gap through initiatives supporting education and training.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, herself an alumna of KMTC, echoed the government’s commitment to supporting the institution in training competent medical professionals.
She emphasized the importance of a well-equipped healthcare workforce in achieving UHC and affirmed her dedication to ensuring that graduates find employment opportunities, either within or outside the country.
A total of 22,695 students graduated from KMTC, with 870 receiving higher diplomas, 12,917 diplomas, and 8,908 certificates.
Dr. Kelly Oluoch, the college CEO, highlighted the comprehensive training undergone by the graduates, asserting their readiness to contribute to advancements aligned with the government’s transformation agenda.
With 72 campuses across the country, KMTC’s graduates constitute more than 85% of the local middle-level healthcare workforce.
By Obegi Malack
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