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.
