Health Ministry, KMTC and UNHCR Deepen Partnership to Expand Healthcare Training
The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, hosted UNHCR Representative to Kenya Ms. Fatima Mohamed-Cole at Afya House for discussions on strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and UNHCR.
The Cabinet Secretary was joined by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni, KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, UNHCR officials and senior officers from the Ministry of Health.
The meeting focused on developing a skilled health workforce and expanding access to quality healthcare training for refugees and host communities.
“We reaffirmed our shared commitment to developing a resilient health workforce and strengthening health systems in refugee-hosting regions to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for all,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
During the meeting, the partners reviewed progress made at KMTC Lodwar, where the collaboration has expanded training opportunities through scholarships, infrastructure development and improved learning facilities.
The leaders also explored plans to extend the partnership through the proposed establishment of a KMTC Campus in Dadaab, Garissa County, in line with the Government’s Shirika Plan.
KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch welcomed the partnership with UNHCR, noting that it will go a long way in expanding access to healthcare training for marginalised communities.
“We appreciate the Ministry of Health for selecting KMTC to take part in this important partnership. It will help us reach more learners from marginalised communities and prepare health workers who can serve where they are needed most,” said Dr. Oluoch.
The partnership was formalised in 2024 through a Memorandum of Understanding between KMTC and UNHCR. Since then, 175 learners from refugee and host communities have enrolled in Community Health Nursing and nursing upgrading courses.
In 2025, KMTC and UNHCR announced 50 scholarships for eligible refugees and Turkana County residents. A similar scholarship programme offered in 2024 attracted approximately 6,000 applications, reflecting the high demand for healthcare training in the region.
UNHCR is also supporting the construction of a library and tuition block at KMTC Lodwar to increase teaching space, improve access to learning resources and strengthen the Campus’ capacity to train more health professionals.
The initiative is helping build a skilled health workforce to serve communities in Kakuma, Kalobeyei and other parts of Turkana County while supporting Universal Health Coverage.
