Health CS Announces HELB Support for KMTC Students, Flags Off Vehicles
The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, has assured that financially needy students at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) will begin accessing loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) within this financial year.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, during the flagging off of eight vehicles at the KMTC headquarters in Nairobi, the CS said he had received instructions from H.E. President Dr. William Ruto to ensure KMTC students benefit from HELB like their counterparts in universities and other tertiary institutions.
Hon. Duale affirmed his commitment to this directive, stating he would quickly convene discussions with relevant government agencies to facilitate prompt implementation.
“I will do my responsibility to deliver on those instructions and ensure KMTC students benefit from HELB,” he stated.
Earlier this year, the College received Kshs. 500 million from the National Treasury to support students facing financial hardship. However, out of 34,000 applicants, only half secured funding, leaving thousands still in need of assistance.
On the provision of healthcare services, the CS noted that the Ministry has addressed all outstanding issues related to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Social Health Authority (SHA), and Taifa Care. He remarked that these steps would help the nation realize its goal of accessible and affordable healthcare for all Kenyans.
Regarding the College’s expansion, Hon. Duale assured that measures are in place to ensure quality standards and appropriate staff-to-student ratios, as mandated by regulatory bodies and international standards.
He emphasized the need to apply economies of scale to optimize resources. “As a Ministry and a country, we must apply economies of scale,” he said, citing Garissa County as an example where one KMTC campus effectively serves multiple constituencies.
The CS further observed that constructing infrastructure alone does not render a campus operational, stressing that substantial investment is required for full functionality. He observed that KMTC’s existing 90 campuses adequately meet the country’s needs, and further expansion could strain resources.
During his address to new students at KMTC Nairobi Campus, Hon. Duale reminded them that they are joining the health sector at a time of major reforms, such as the implementation of the Social Health Authority.
The Director-General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, echoed these sentiments, urging the College 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 Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its sustained support. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch highlighted that the newly acquired vehicles would facilitate access to clinical placement areas, rural training sites, and community diagnosis locations - key components in KMTC’s training. With a current student population of 87,000, KMTC stands as the country’s largest middle-level tertiary institution.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Board Directors Ms. Hardlyne Lusui, Eng. Joseph Atonga, Ms. Eunice Karanja, Mr. Paul Cheboi, and Mr. Adan Harakhe, alongside senior managers. Also present were campus principals, including Mr. Richard Korir (Molo), Mr. Kumbu Mwololo (Ugenya), Mr. Tom Oogo (Nyamache), Ms. Zipporah Kimanthi (Isiolo), Dr. Jesse Gicheha (Kangundo), Mr. Walter Odhiambo (Lugari), Mr. Patrick Njagi (Imenti), and Ms. Felistus Kimanzi (Mbooni), together with college staff and students.
