Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has announced that students at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) facing financial challenges will begin accessing Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding within the current financial year.
Speaking on Wednesday at the KMTC headquarters in Nairobi during the flagging off of eight newly acquired college vehicles, CS Duale said the directive came directly from President William Ruto.
The CS affirmed his commitment to ensuring KMTC students benefit from HELB loans, just like their peers in universities and other tertiary institutions.
“It is my responsibility to deliver on those instructions and ensure KMTC students benefit from HELB,” said the CS, adding that he would immediately convene discussions with relevant government agencies to expedite the implementation process.
KMTC students were among the beneficiaries of HELB funding until the end of the 2023/2024 financial year. The government scrapped off the funds in measures aimed at reducing public expenditure, leaving many students without access to the much-needed financial support.
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Earlier this year, KMTC received Ksh500 million from the National Treasury to support financially needy students. However, of the 34,000 applicants, only about half secured funding, leaving a significant number without support.
The Director-General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth urged the KMTC management to uphold the quality of its training and integrate technology and simulation laboratories for enhanced learning. “KMTC graduates are sought after worldwide,” he said, adding, “Maintaining excellence will strengthen their international reputation and opportunities.”
KMTC Board Chairperson Joseah K. Cheruiyot, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its continued support. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, added that the newly flagged-off vehicles would enhance student access to clinical placements, rural training sites, and community diagnosis programs, critical components of KMTC’s curriculum.
By Obegi Malack
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