The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) on Friday, October 4, 2024, welcomed a high-level delegation from Roche and Beyond Zero as part of an ongoing partnership to support the Enrolled Community Health Nursing (ECHN) Program.

Since 2016, KMTC has collaborated with Roche and Beyond Zero to offer scholarships to needy but deserving students from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties and other marginalized areas.

The visiting team, led by Roche’s Chief People Officer, Cristina A. Wilbur, and Beyond Zero’s Chief of Staff, Constance Gakonyo, met with KMTC leadership, including Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot and CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch.

Mr. Cheruiyot expressed gratitude to Roche, acknowledging the positive impact their support has had in reducing maternal mortality rates in ASAL regions.

CEO Dr. Oluoch added that the scholarships are providing much-needed hope to many families. “Some students arrive at KMTC with nothing but empty bags, demonstrating the depth of their need. Your support has truly changed their lives,” he said.

Dr. Oluoch highlighted the importance of training ECHNs for marginalized communities, stating, “When ECHNs are trained and deployed to their home regions, we see higher retention rates due to their local ties and understanding of cultural and linguistic barriers to healthcare access.”

The scholarships cover tuition fees, uniforms, meals, vaccinations, and other essentials.

Ms. Wilbur expressed her appreciation for KMTC’s commitment to the partnership, noting, “It is rare to find such a great partner, but we have found one in KMTC and Beyond Zero.” She emphasized Roche’s intention to continue the partnership for long-term impact.

During the visit, beneficiaries shared how the program has transformed their lives.

Since 2016, a total of 1,200 ECHNs have received training through a collaboration between KMTC, the World Bank, and Beyond Zero. In March 2024, an additional 124 trainees joined the program.

Also in attendance were Board Directors Mr. Paul Cheboi and Ms. Eunice Karanja, along with Deputy Director of Academics, Dr. Nyawira Mwangi, among others.

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has laid out an ambitious plan to secure additional resources to address its financial shortfalls, aiming to raise Kshs 30 billion to support the implementation of its Strategic Plan 2023-2028.

Speaking during a training session for Principals and Managers on resource mobilization on October 8, 2024, CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch called on staff to strengthen their efforts in generating funds for the College.

“Without adequate resources, the College cannot operate effectively or achieve its ambitious goals,” he said.

Adding that: “We are focusing on intensifying our resource mobilization efforts by exploring income-generating activities and optimizing fee collection to secure the additional funds required.”

Dr. Oluoch emphasized the importance of promoting environmental sustainability. He encouraged campuses to partner with like-minded institutions to promote tree planting and establish tree nurseries, aligning the College with green initiatives.

The government’s austerity measures, introduced in March 2024, have led to a 30 percent reduction in approved recurrent budgets for state corporations for the 2024/2025 financial year, heightening the need for innovative resource mobilization efforts at KMTC.

Additionally, Dr. Oluoch urged the KMTC community to support the nationwide rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, which will replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

He revealed that KMTC has been tasked with leading SHA awareness and mobilization efforts in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties.

To prepare for this transition, KMTC has introduced a Diploma in Health Insurance Management to equip the healthcare workforce for the new scheme.

This initiative is expected to significantly advance Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by making healthcare more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for all citizens.

Deputy Director of Finance, Planning, and Administration, Ms. Lucy Chebungei, highlighted that the additional funds raised will be directed toward expanding and modernizing KMTC’s facilities.

“If each Campus could raise as little as Kshs. 2 million annually, it would collectively amount to a significant sum that could greatly help us meet key needs,” she said.

The Deputy Director of Academics, Dr. Nyawira Mwangi, voiced concern over the declining availability of student funding, which could limit access to education for needy students.

“The UHC’s focus on ‘leaving no one behind’ mirrors our responsibility to ensure we establish a financial aid fund to support deserving students,” she said.Vivamus sagittis lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor auctor. Duis mollis, est non commodo luctus.

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has received a consignment of books valued at Kshs 44 million, following a recent donation by Book Aid International and Elsevier to enhance teaching and learning at the College.The books, largely published in 2023 and 2024, will provide students with the latest learning resources.

Speaking while receiving the donation on Friday (October 4, 2024) at the College headquarters in Nairobi, Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot thanked the foundation for its continued support. He noted that the donation will strengthen teaching and learning, helping to prepare students for both local and global job opportunities.

KMTC Chief Executive Officer – Dr. Kelly Oluoch said the books will place KMTC students on par with their counterparts in the Western world, adding that they will expose learners to current trends in the medical field. He thanked the institutions for their ongoing support, emphasizing how their donations have transformed teaching and learning over the years.

Dr. Oluoch also mentioned that the books will be distributed across the College’s campuses.

KMTC has enjoyed a strong partnership with Book Aid International and Elsevier, having received a similar consignment worth Kshs 22 million in 2022.

Also present at the event were Board Directors Mr. Paul Cheboi and Ms. Eunice Karanja, along with staff and students.