KMTC Taveta joins KEMRI and KFS in environmental conservation exercise

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Taveta joined the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Taveta and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for a tree-planting exercise to promote environmental conservation and climate resilience in Taita Taveta County.

The initiative, held at the KEMRI Taveta Centre on April 17, 2026, brought together KEMRI researchers, KMTC staff and students, and KFS officers in a collaborative effort to strengthen environmental sustainability within the region.

More than 155 trees were planted around the KEMRI grounds during the exercise as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve biodiversity, and support a greener environment for research, learning, and community engagement.

Speaking during the occasion, Head of KEMRI Taveta Centre Dr. Edward Kareithi Githinji commended KMTC Taveta leadership for its invaluable support and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening the partnership through future environmental conservation activities.

Dr. Githinji also noted that KEMRI remains committed to supporting KMTC Taveta students through research and mentorship initiatives.

KMTC Taveta Campus Principal Mr. Joshua Mkoji and Deputy Principal Mrs. Agatha Wakio mobilised staff and students to participate in the exercise alongside KEMRI researchers and KFS officers.

Mr. Mkoji noted that environmental conservation plays a critical role in promoting human health and improving health outcomes within communities.

The recognition featured in the KEMRI Bulletin (Issue 194-May 2026) further reflects KMTC’s growing role in fostering strategic partnerships that promote environmental conservation, community engagement, research collaboration, and sustainable development.

KMTC Principals undergo media relations training to strengthen public engagement and brand visibility

In today's fast-paced world, a single statement can shape public perception within minutes. Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has brought together College Principals for a Media Relations Training to strengthen leadership communication, media engagement, and stakeholder outreach across its campuses.

The workshop, officially opened by KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, brings together Campus Principals and members of the College Management team, for candid conversations on the realities of leadership communication in modern institutions.

Dr. Oluoch noted that while managing institutions is demanding, communicating effectively under public scrutiny remains one of the greatest tests of leadership.

“One of the biggest challenges in management is balancing the provision of credible and timely information while at the same time protecting the image and integrity of the institution,” said the CEO.

He emphasised that with a student population of over 81,000 across the country, Principals must remain equipped to communicate professionally, confidently and responsibly with the media and the public.

The CEO further urged campuses to continue supporting the admission and orientation of newly selected students to ensure they settle smoothly into campus life.

Addressing staffing concerns, Dr. Oluoch noted that recruitment plans are underway to strengthen service delivery by bridging student–staff ratios in line with KMTC’s growth.

Also present at the workshop was Deputy Director, Finance, Planning and Administration (DDFP&A), Ms. Lucy Chebungei, who commended Principals for their dedication and acknowledged the growing complexities surrounding media engagement in institutional leadership.

“Media relations and management can sometimes place leaders in difficult situations, especially when deciding what to communicate and the position from which to speak. This training is therefore timely and necessary,” she noted.

Corporate Communications Manager, Ms. Onsoumu Marcellah, said the training comes at a time as the College continues to expand its presence across the country, requiring a strong and unified corporate identity. She noted that the training will sharpen Principals’ capacity to engage proactively with the media, articulate the College’s milestones, and amplify student and campus achievements in a consistent and professional manner.

Over five days, Principals will learn to understand and navigate the evolving media landscape, protect and build KMTC’s reputation, engage professionally with journalists, and use digital and social media strategically to enhance public trust and showcase campus achievements.

KMTC CEO Tours Nyahururu, Nyandarua and Kinangop Campuses to assess development projects

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) CEO, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, on Friday (May 8, 2026) visited Nyahururu, Nyandarua, and Kinangop campuses to inspect ongoing development projects and engage students and staff on matters affecting training and service delivery.

The visit forms part of the College’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve student welfare, and enhance the quality of health sciences training across its campuses.

At Nyahururu Campus, the CEO inspected the ongoing hostel construction project under the Affordable Housing Programme, which is expected to accommodate up to 480 students upon completion.

Dr. Oluoch reaffirmed the College’s commitment to expanding accommodation capacity to support the growing student population and improve the learning environment.

The project is expected to ease accommodation challenges and provide a more conducive atmosphere for academic excellence.

During interactive sessions held across the three campuses, students raised proposals aimed at improving their learning experience, including expanding internet connectivity, improving sporting facilities, improving access to student funding, security, and academic support services.

In his response, the CEO assured students that the issues raised would inform future planning and resource allocation during the upcoming budgeting cycle.

“Our commitment is to ensure that every KMTC Campus is adequately equipped to deliver quality training in health sciences. These visits help us understand the unique needs of each Campus and plan effectively so that no student or staff member is left behind,” said Dr. Oluoch.

The CEO reiterated that the College remains focused on sustainable growth, quality assurance, and strengthening training standards to meet the evolving demands of the health sector.

He also encouraged students to remain focused on their studies, avoid peer pressure, and shun harmful behaviours that could negatively affect their future.

“At the College, you enjoy freedom and opportunities that can shape your future positively. I encourage you to use that opportunity to improve yourself and excel in your studies,” he said.

Dr Oluoch was accompanied by Deputy Director, Academics, Dr Nyawira Mwangi; Deputy Registrar, Research, Ms. Egla Kigen; Deputy Registrar, Quality Assurance, Ms. Lucy Kuria; and Deputy Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Hezron Ochiel.