The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and the Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF) reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against avoidable blindness through a high-level strategic engagement held today (June 12, 2025), at the KMTC Headquarters in Nairobi.

The meeting, which brought together key representatives from both institutions, was led by CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch and FHF CEO Mr. Ross Piper.

In his remarks, Dr. Oluoch noted that the KMTC FHF collaboration has continued to bear tangible results in strengthening ophthalmic training across the country.

“This partnership has already demonstrated measurable impact in the training of eye care professionals. Today’s meeting serves as a reaffirmation of our shared vision to enhance these efforts through innovation, investment in modern equipment, and strategic collaboration,” he said.

The partnership aims to scale up the training of skilled ophthalmic health workers, equip training campuses with state-of-the-art learning tools, promote research in eye care, and explore the integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in eye health education.

Mr. Piper, while commending the achievements realized so far, emphasized FHF’s continued commitment to the partnership.

“KMTC remains a critical partner in our mission to end avoidable blindness. We are proud of our progress together and look forward to deepening our collaboration to expand access to quality training and eye care services,” he said.

During the meeting, discussions centered on long-term strategies to expand the reach and effectiveness of ophthalmic training, strengthen human resource capacity for eye health, and support sustainable models for community-based eye care.

The delegation included key officers from KMTC’s academic and resource mobilization departments, representatives from the Ministry of Health’s Ophthalmology Unit, and FHF’s programme and policy experts.

As the team explored the next steps for implementation, the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to transform eye health in Kenya and beyond, one trained professional at a time.

Also present were senior officials from the Ministry of Health and technical experts from FHF specializing in programme development, monitoring and evaluation, and global communications.

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Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) hosted a Book Distribution Launch at its headquarters in Nairobi on June 11, 2025, marking the donation of 40,000 medical textbooks by Books for Africa. This generous contribution aims to strengthen the availability of learning resources for over 70,000 students across KMTC’s 90 campuses nationwide, supporting quality training for future healthcare professionals.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Irene Karani, representing both the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the State Department for Public Health, hailed the strong partnership between KMTC and Books for Africa.

Speaking on behalf of PS Mary Muriuki and PS Roseline Njogu, Ms. Karani said, "This collaboration exemplifies the power of diaspora partnerships in advancing Kenya’s healthcare system. Access to up-to-date learning materials is essential for training competent and compassionate health professionals. I encourage our students to seize this opportunity not only to grow their skills but also to explore global career prospects." She added, "The government remains committed to supporting our graduates through employment facilitation and skills development."

Mr. Louis Brownstone, Project Leader and Board Member of Books for Africa, thanked KMTC and government stakeholders for their support in facilitating the event. He said, "Books for Africa is committed to ending the ‘book famine’ across the continent by providing educational materials where they are needed most. These 40,000 medical textbooks, will play a key role in empowering students to improve healthcare outcomes in Kenya and beyond."

He added that education is the great equalizer, and books are the foundation of a strong education system. “We hope this partnership will have a lasting impact on health training in Kenya," he noted.

KMTC Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot welcomed guests and described the donation as more than a gift of books. "Today’s donation is a celebration of strong partnerships and a demonstration of our collective commitment to health training excellence. These textbooks are seeds of innovation and lifelong learning that will empower our students to become the next generation of healthcare leaders." he said. "The involvement of our diaspora and government ministries is crucial to sustaining such impactful collaborations," he added.

KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Books for Africa, highlighting the donation as a timely and significant boost to the College’s academic resources. He stated, "This generous donation will ensure equitable access to vital learning materials across all KMTC campuses, enhancing classroom delivery, independent study, and research. Our ongoing investment in digital platforms complements these resources to prepare students for the modern healthcare environment." "We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Books for Africa and other stakeholders to continue improving healthcare training in Kenya," he added.

The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the books from Books for Africa to KMTC, for onward distribution across the College.

From a young age, I was drawn to health sciences and dreamed of becoming a nurse. However, after completing my KCSE, financial constraints meant my parents could not afford a nursing degree. 

Though disappointed, I did not let go of my dream. Instead, I pursued a Bachelor of Education in Science at Egerton University, majoring in Biology and Chemistry, a course that gave me a strong scientific foundation and opened unexpected doors.

Later, I had the opportunity to study abroad and chose to specialize in Microbiology at Saint Louis University in the Philippines. 
It was here that my passion for medical research and diagnostics deepened. On returning home, I secured teaching roles at Kampala International University in Dar es Salaam and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). 

While working with medical laboratory students at MMUST, I discovered just how much I enjoyed clinical training. It sparked a renewed passion I had not fully explored before.

The desire to become a certified medical laboratory scientist began to take root. Still, I intentionally decided to first complete my PhD in Microbiology at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China.

The experience was deeply enriching, both academically and personally. But even then, the pull toward hands-on clinical practice never left me.

In 2021, I enrolled in the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences at KMTC Kakamega Campus. Though I held a PhD, I needed practical skills in hematology, blood transfusion, histopathology, and other areas vital to laboratory medicine. KMTC provided just that. 
The curriculum was rigorous and hands-on, with real hospital exposure that shaped my skills and confidence.

One of the most impactful parts of my training was the clinical attachment at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu. Working in a high-volume lab across departments like microbiology, hematology, and clinical chemistry gave me invaluable experience in real-time diagnostics.

While older than most of my classmates, I easily blended in. Their energy was infectious, and the sense of community was strong. 

The lecturers were equally supportive, mentors who guided me with dedication and patience. I remain especially grateful to the late Mr. George Omoyo and others like Mr. Cheloti, Dr. Radol, Mr. Kipkemboi, and Mr. Ayieko, who shaped my technical and professional journey.

However, my time at KMTC was not without its challenges. As a university lecturer, researcher, and parent, balancing academics, work, and family was no small feat. I would teach by day, manage research projects, fulfill administrative tasks, then attend classes, complete assignments, and prepare for exams. Many days started before sunrise and ended well after dark.

There were difficult moments, especially during exams and clinicals, when the pressure was huge. 

But I stayed grounded in my purpose: to become a better mentor and practitioner. The support from KMTC lecturers, who accommodated my tight schedule with understanding, was instrumental. So was the untiring support of my family, who stood by me through it all.
After three demanding years, I passed the KMTC final qualifying exam and the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) licensing exam. 
Graduation day, December 5, 2024, was the moment it all came full circle.

As I stood in my gown, I could not help but reflect on the little girl who once dreamed of working in health care, the sacrifices made along the way, and the joy of finally earning the title of licensed Medical Laboratory Technologist.
This journey has taught me that pursuing your dream is never too late. Returning to class with younger students after years in academia was humbling. 

It reminded me that education is a lifelong pursuit and that passion, not age, defines potential.
As I move forward, I am committed to continuing my work in teaching, research, and clinical mentorship. 
My hope is to inspire others, students, peers, and future health professionals, to embrace growth at every stage, and to know that with purpose and persistence, even the most winding path can lead to something extraordinary.