KMTC HOSTS DELEGATION FROM ROCHE AND BEYOND ZERO
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.
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