KMTC Celebrates 97 years of existence as it rewards best performers

KMTC Celebrates 97 years of existence as it rewards best performers

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.

…Ends