Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) hosted a Book Distribution Launch at its headquarters in Nairobi on June 11, 2025, marking the donation of 40,000 medical textbooks by Books for Africa. This generous contribution aims to strengthen the availability of learning resources for over 70,000 students across KMTC’s 90 campuses nationwide, supporting quality training for future healthcare professionals.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Irene Karani, representing both the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the State Department for Public Health, hailed the strong partnership between KMTC and Books for Africa.

Speaking on behalf of PS Mary Muriuki and PS Roseline Njogu, Ms. Karani said, "This collaboration exemplifies the power of diaspora partnerships in advancing Kenya’s healthcare system. Access to up-to-date learning materials is essential for training competent and compassionate health professionals. I encourage our students to seize this opportunity not only to grow their skills but also to explore global career prospects." She added, "The government remains committed to supporting our graduates through employment facilitation and skills development."

Mr. Louis Brownstone, Project Leader and Board Member of Books for Africa, thanked KMTC and government stakeholders for their support in facilitating the event. He said, "Books for Africa is committed to ending the ‘book famine’ across the continent by providing educational materials where they are needed most. These 40,000 medical textbooks, will play a key role in empowering students to improve healthcare outcomes in Kenya and beyond."

He added that education is the great equalizer, and books are the foundation of a strong education system. “We hope this partnership will have a lasting impact on health training in Kenya," he noted.

KMTC Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot welcomed guests and described the donation as more than a gift of books. "Today’s donation is a celebration of strong partnerships and a demonstration of our collective commitment to health training excellence. These textbooks are seeds of innovation and lifelong learning that will empower our students to become the next generation of healthcare leaders." he said. "The involvement of our diaspora and government ministries is crucial to sustaining such impactful collaborations," he added.

KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Books for Africa, highlighting the donation as a timely and significant boost to the College’s academic resources. He stated, "This generous donation will ensure equitable access to vital learning materials across all KMTC campuses, enhancing classroom delivery, independent study, and research. Our ongoing investment in digital platforms complements these resources to prepare students for the modern healthcare environment." "We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Books for Africa and other stakeholders to continue improving healthcare training in Kenya," he added.

The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the books from Books for Africa to KMTC, for onward distribution across the College.

Kenya Medical Trancing College (KMTC) invites you to participate in the 8th KMTC Scientific Conference scheduled to take place from 4th to 6th June 2025 at the Kenya Medical Training College Nairobi Campus. The conference is an opportunity to showcase high-impact or best practices in the health care industry. 

Conference theme: 

Advancing health equity in a rapidly changing environment.

The subthemes for the activity are:

• Health Professions Education

• Health care financing

• Digital transformation and artificial intelligence in health and education

• Climate change and health

• Health research in advancing health care

• Health, disease and wellness

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Nairobi Campus is currently hosting a two-week training under the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Program, bringing together 52 participants from 11 African countries.

The training, held in partnership with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is part of a broader strategy to bridge mental health service delivery gaps across the continent. Participants were competitively selected from over 3,600 applicants, highlighting the growing recognition of mental health as a critical area in public health.

The Nairobi cohort includes countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Ghana, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. KMTC becomes the fourth host institution for this short course, following successful sessions in Egypt, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

Speaking during the official opening, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sultani Matendechero, who represented the Principal Secretary for Health Standards and Professional Management, Ms. Mary Muthoni, emphasized the urgency of mental health reform in the region. “Mental health must be treated as a public health priority. Institutions like KMTC are central to this agenda by equipping healthcare workers with relevant competencies,” he said.

KMTC Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot welcomed the participants, noting, “Developing human resources for health is essential in achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to be part of this regional effort.”

Echoing this sentiment, KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch described the programme as a continental movement and a significant opportunity for the College. “Through this initiative, KMTC reinforces its regional leadership in mental health education and capacity building,” he said.

The training, which will run from May 12 to 23, 2025, covers a wide range of topics tailored to the Eastern African context. Participants are fully sponsored, and support includes air travel, accommodation, conference materials, and certification upon completion.