KMTC Alumni Unite to Launch Students’ Financial Support Initiative

Leaders, alumni, and supporters from across the KMTC community gathered  on June 27, 2025 at the Muthu Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi, for the KMTC Alumni Fundraising Breakfast. This event is dedicated to supporting needy students facing financial barriers in their medical training.

With thousands of KMTC students struggling to complete their studies due to lack of fees, many face difficult choices in their academic journey. Currently, 27% of students have deferred their studies for a year or more, while 23% have dropped out before their final qualifying examinations because they could not pay their fees.

 In response, the KMTC Alumni Association has appealed to all friends of goodwill to join hands in shaping the future of healthcare by supporting these students.

Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah Cheruiyot, represented by Director Mr. Benson Giuthua, addressed the gathering, expressing his deep connection to the KMTC community and appreciation for the stories of resilience and humility he had heard. “This event reflects a deep commitment to a cause that resonates with the very heart of our institution, ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to lack of financial resources. When you support the training of one student, you transform a generation and society. The future of our health sector rests on the shoulders of the very students we are supporting today.”

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch shared his personal journey and the importance of collective action. He highlighted the College’s legacy since its founding in 1927 and its approach to the centenary milestone. He emphasized KMTC’s renewed commitment to intentionally mobilize resources for students facing financial hardship.

“Throughout our history, KMTC has stood as a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless aspiring healthcare professionals. Today, as we approach 100 years, our responsibility goes beyond education, we must ensure that no deserving student is left behind due to financial challenges” Dr. Oluoch said.

Dr. Kelly Oluoch urged everyone present to become agents of change and champions who make a tangible difference in the lives of young learners. He emphasized the importance of developing sustainable strategies to identify and support the most deserving students, stating that this collective effort would help secure the future of healthcare in the nation. He called for unity and purposeful action from all in attendance.

Board Directors, including Director Eunice Karanja and Director Paul Cheboi, pledged to rally further support, calling on others to empower students and discover their purpose through giving. Director Dr. Hezron Omollo, a proud KMTC alumnus, shared his own struggles with fees and how support from well-wishers changed his life. “KMTC serves the poor of the poorest in our community. I am glad that there is now a formal channel to support needy students in my capacity. I undertake to support the course and deserving students that will revolutionize healthcare,” he said.

Deputy Directors Dr. Nyawira Mwangi and Ms. Lucy Chebungei added their encouragement.

Dr. Nyawira emphasized that while talent is found everywhere, not everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. She pointed out that many students are unable to finish their training simply because of circumstances beyond their control. “If we do nothing, many talented students will continue to miss out on their dreams. By donating resources, we can open doors for them and help them overcome the financial barriers they face,” she said.

Ms. Chebungei drew from her own experience working with needy students, highlighting just how transformative support can be. “The funds you are giving today will go a long way in supporting the very needy students. Every donation is more than a gift, it’s a lifeline for every student in need" she affirmed.

A particularly moving moment came when Ms. Jane Mpapale Nafula, a third year student undertaking a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery in Nairobi Campus, took the stage to share her own life experience. She described the difficulties and financial challenges she has faced in her education journey. “I know first hand what it means to almost lose your dream because of money. There were days I didn’t know if I would finish my studies, but through the kindness of others, I know I will make it. That is why I appeal to everyone here, let’s support needy students who face various hardships to complete their studies and make a difference to the world,”

The Chairperson of the KMTC Alumni Association, Mr. Newton Siele, closed with a passionate call to action: “I urge all alumni and friends of KMTC to join this worthy cause and make a difference in the life of a student. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind because of lack of fees. Let’s give back to the institution that made us who we are and help shape the future of healthcare in Kenya.”

Every contribution, no matter the amount, can make a difference.

To support needy KMTC students, please donate via MPESA Paybill 625625, Account Number 10865470, Account Name: Student Support.

Reprieve for KMTC Students as National Treasury Releases Kshs. 500 Million Loan to Support Needy Learners

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has received a major boost following the release of Ksh 500 million by the National Treasury to support financially needy students through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

The allocation, captured in the April 2025 Supplementary Budget, will (in the short term) ease the financial burden many KMTC students face and ensure continuity in their medical training.

Confirming the development, KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch announced on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, that the funds have officially been released and disbursement will be done through HELB.

“The HELB portal is now open, and students interested in applying for the financial support can do so starting today. The application window will remain open until June 24, 2025,” he said.

"Both first-time and returning applicants are eligible to apply," he added. 

The funds were released following sustained engagement and intervention by key government stakeholders. During the official opening of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference, held on June 4, 2025, in Nairobi, Health CS Hon. Aden Duale assured students of the government's commitment to unlocking the funds to support those facing financial hardship.

KMTC students were among the beneficiaries of HELB funding until the end of the 2023/2024 financial year. However, as part of broader government austerity measures aimed at reducing public expenditure, this funding stream was among those impacted, leaving many students without access to much-needed financial support.

“The absence of this crucial support placed a significant strain on our students, threatening their ability to continue with training,” said Dr. Oluoch. 

“This compelled the College to intensify engagements with key institutions, including the Ministry of Health and the Parliamentary Committee on Health, to advocate for the reinstatement of the funding,” he added. 

In recent months, the College has intensified efforts to mobilize financial support for needy students. These efforts include the establishment of a dedicated student funding kitty and the active engagement of alumni, encouraging them to contribute towards supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

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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