Health CS Aden Duale reaffirms support for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) during the 8th Biennial Scientific Conference
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 4 – Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) while issuing a strong caution against the unchecked expansion of health-related courses across the country.
While presiding over the official opening of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference at the institution’s headquarters in Nairobi, Duale stressed that KMTC must remain a centre of excellence focused on producing competent, service-ready professionals.
The conference themed “Advancing Equity in a Rapidly Changing Environment,” brings together stakeholders from healthcare, academia, research and related sectors to exchange knowledge, innovations and strategies for strengthening health training and service delivery an essential pillar in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch confirmed that this year’s conference has attracted participants from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Hungary, Canada and United States.
“The theme calls us to action to create solutions that reflect changing health parttens and persistent iniquities, this year we have 36 research papers and 11 poster presentation from staff a rigorous review process was undertaken to ensure quality additionally four students will present their work this year a remarkable improvement from just one in the past conferences, Outcomes of this conference will inform policy at both institutional and national levels,” said Oluoch.
During a consultative meeting with the Board and Senior management, CS Duale underscored the need for accountability, transparency, and integrity in the training of the country’s health workforce. He urged KMTC leadership to continuously review and align course offerings to national health priorities.
“KMTC will not offer credentials without competence, We will not allow institutions to become part of the problem All training programmes must be aligned to the evolving needs of public health in Kenya”, said CS Duale.
CS Duale has further assured Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students that the government is committed to unlocking Ksh 500 million allocated to support financially needy learners.
“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”, he added.
KMTC in April 2025 was allocated Ksh 500 million in the supplementary budget to support students through the HELB, However the funds have yet to be disbursed.
In addition , the CS directed referral hospitals under the Ministry to waive 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, We must eliminate barriers that hinder access to quality training,” he added.
Joseah K. Cheruiyot, Board Chairperson reiterated 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.
Furthermore, Duale flagged off five double cabin vehicles to be distributed across five KMTC campuses, the vehicles are expected to ease student access to clinical training sites, enhance supervision and support community-based service delivery.
