The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) held its fifth Staff Reward and Recognition Ceremony in Kisumu on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, to honor the outstanding achievements and commitment of its staff.

This year’s event celebrated the dedication that continues to position KMTC as a leader in healthcare training both in Kenya and beyond.

In his address, Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot expressed his gratitude for the hard work and commitment of the staff.

“KMTC’s success is built on the dedication and passion of our staff, individuals who go above and beyond to contribute to the realization of our shared vision,” he noted.

Mr. Cheruiyot revealed that KMTC has consistently celebrated staff achievements since the inaugural ceremony in 2013, as part of its commitment to recognizing excellence.

He added that the College has employed 607 new staff members in the last six months to enhance operational synergy.

Additionally, he announced the allocation of Kshs. 100 million toward staff pension schemes, emphasizing the College’s commitment to supporting staff welfare as they approach retirement.

Board Directors Eng. Joseph Atonga, Ms. Eunice Karanja, Mr. Paul Cheboi, Dr. Martin Sirengo, Mr. Benson Giuthua and Ms. Hardlyne Lusui conveyed a unified message. They thanked the staff for their dedication, highlighting that the College’s success has largely been due to their hard work.

CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch acknowledged the challenges staff face, particularly with limited resources and ongoing austerity measures. “We recognize that you are working under challenging circumstances. Let’s remain resilient and focused on achieving the College’s goals, even as we navigate these difficult times together,” he said.

Dr. Oluoch emphasized Management’s open-door policy and its commitment to supporting staff through mentorship, motivation, and resolving work-related challenges. He urged staff to prioritize their well-being by taking breaks, practicing self-care, and embracing empathy.

Encouraging staff to apply for available research funds, Dr. Oluoch also emphasized the importance of personal and professional growth, urging staff to further their education and sharpen their skills to enhance career prospects. 

He reaffirmed KMTC’s commitment to implementing its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan and called on staff to continue supporting these efforts. “Let us use the rewards from this event as motivation to keep giving our best, while also strengthening the bonds we share as colleagues,” he concluded.

Other categories included long service for both teaching and non-teaching staff, employee/team of the year, alumni recognition, resource mobilization, managerial excellence, campus exemplary performance, principal of the year, special recognition, and leadership.

Dr. Oluoch received the top leadership award for his exceptional contributions to KMTC, where he successfully negotiated funding from the Higher Education Loans Board, reducing student dropouts among learners across the College.

Under his leadership, the student loan scheme attracted 10,000 new applicants, including 6,740 continuing students. The College also achieved accreditation from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, ensuring that KMTC courses are recognized locally and internationally.

The awards recognized staff across various categories, including research, innovation/creativity, new academic programs, student admissions, and departmental academic performance in Final Qualifying Examinations.

Other categories included long service for both teaching and non-teaching staff, employee/team of the year, alumni, resource mobilization, managerial excellence, campus exemplary performance, principal of the year, special recognition and leadership category.

The ceremony concluded on a high note, with awardees receiving trophies, cash awards, a 13th month salary, certificates of recognition, commendation letters, among other honors. The awardees were rewarded for the milestones achieved in the financial year 2022/2023.

Also present were the Management team, Campus Principals, awardees, staff and students of the Kisumu Campus.

As the College celebrates its 97 years of existence, it has consistently produced health professionals to bridge the human resource for health gaps in Kenya and beyond.

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), in partnership with the Homa Bay County Government and various non-governmental organizations, organized a free medical camp that brought much-needed healthcare services to the people of Homa Bay and Rachuonyo. The medical camp, which attracted over 1,000 clients, offered critical services such as general health check-ups, cancer screenings, dental care, eye surgeries, and health education.

The primary objective of the camp was to improve access to healthcare in Homa Bay, a region known for its high prevalence of malaria, sickle cell anaemia, among other diseases. Organized as part of KMTC’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts and coinciding with Customer Service Week and World Sight Day, the event aimed to provide essential medical services while promoting health education and awareness among the local population. A wide range of services were offered, including cancer screening, dental care, eye check-ups, and cataract surgeries. Additionally, KMTC students and faculty collaborated with local healthcare workers to provide care, learning hands-on clinical skills in the process.

The camp was supported by key partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Fred Hollows Foundation, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Kenya). Homa Bay County government officials and the College were instrumental in mobilizing resources and support for the medical camp.

KMTC CEO, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, expressed gratitude for the strong partnerships that made the event possible, emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare. “In this medical camp, we aim to educate the community on essential health matters, from proper sanitation to nutrition, while offering specialized services like cancer screenings and cataract surgeries. This is part of our larger mission to improve healthcare access for all,” he said.

Dr. Oluoch highlighted the role of the camp in advancing KMTC’s training mission. “Our students have gained valuable experience by working alongside seasoned medical professionals, and this reinforces our commitment to community service as part of their learning,” he added​.

Additionally, Dr. Oluoch urged participants to enroll to the Social Health Authority which has replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). He noted that this initiative will significantly advance Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by making healthcare more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for all citizens.

Speaking during the activity, the Homa Bay County Medical Outreach Coordinator Ms. Molly Ochar, thanked the College for the partnership and the free medical camp. “We are proud to work alongside KMTC to improve the health of our people,” she said. “Such initiatives go a long way in addressing the healthcare challenges faced by our communities.”

The Deputy Principal Administration & Finance in Nairobi Campus Ms. Caroline Oyugi appreciated the College Management for the support and the County Government of Homabay for the great partnership in promoting community health services for the public.

Over 1,078 clients received treatment during the three-day medical camp. Significant milestones were achieved, including 26 cataract surgeries that restored sight and the distribution of 300 pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in need​. Moreover, three new cases of hypertension were detected and treated immediately, while sickle cell screening identified three positive cases, ensuring that affected individuals could access follow-up care.

The camp’s emphasis on preventive care led to cancer screenings, with one cervical cancer case detected, underscoring the importance of early intervention. The medical camp not only addressed current health issues but also empowered the community with knowledge, promoting healthier lifestyles.

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As the world observes Global Handwashing Day on October 15, 2024, key leaders gathered at KMTC Manza Campus to commemorate the importance of hand hygiene in promoting public health. The event was led by the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, alongside Deputy Governor of Machakos County, Mr. Francis Mwangangi, and KMTC CEO, Dr. Kelly Oluoch. Together, they launched the “Epuka Uchafu, afya nyumbani” initiative, aimed at enhancing community health through better sanitation practices.

In her keynote address, PS Muthoni underscored the vital role hand hygiene plays in infection prevention, highlighting that simple practices like handwashing can significantly reduce the spread of illnesses.

“Proper handwashing with soap and running water can prevent up to 50% of infections. It is crucial for teachers, trainers, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to continually educate the public, especially children, on maintaining proper hand hygiene,” she stated.

PS Muthoni also recognized the essential role of Human Resources for Health in achieving the Ministry of Health’s strategic goals. She acknowledged KMTC as a leading institution in training healthcare professionals, whose skills are crucial to advancing health outcomes in the country and beyond. The PS commended the College for hosting the event and contributing to national health initiatives.

She further encouraged participants to support the Presidential Tree Planting Initiative, which not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to reducing airborne diseases. Additionally, she urged attendees to enroll to the Social Health Authority which has replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). She noted that this initiative will significantly advance Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by making healthcare more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for all citizens.

KMTC has been tasked with leading SHA awareness and mobilization efforts in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties. To prepare for this transition, the College has introduced a Diploma in Health Insurance Management to equip the healthcare workforce for the new scheme.

KMTC CEO, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, reflected on the significance of the Global Handwashing Day being hosted at the campus where his own medical career began. He emphasized the importance of hand hygiene as a preventive measure against communicable diseases, stressing that public health must remain a national priority.

“At KMTC, public health is at the core of our mission, focused on disease prevention. Our contribution to primary healthcare is exemplified through the education of future healthcare professionals who champion such preventive measures,” he remarked. Dr. Oluoch also noted that KMTC has previously donated over 100 water tanks to communities to ensure consistent access to clean water, a key resource in the fight against disease.

Notable attendees included AMREF Director, Dr. Meshack Ndirangu, Machakos Chief Officer Public Health Mr. Simon Mwaiko, and Acting County Commissioner, Mr. Rotich David, KMTC staff and students.

During the event, Dr. Oluoch encouraged student leaders to cultivate a supportive environment by being mindful of their peers’ well-being and addressing signs of mental distress. He inspired the students to recognize their potential as leaders, reminding them that their commitment to supporting each other can foster a strong community and serve as a foundation for their future leadership roles.