The Government has announced a multimillion-shilling package for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) towards hiring teaching staff to boost quality training.

The announcement of Kshs. 500 million by H.E President William Samoei Ruto on Wednesday (August 30, 2023) is a landmark for the College as it continues to churn out health workers.

Speaking when he commissioned KMTC Navakholo Campus in Kakamega County, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to training more healthcare workers for local

and international markets, stating, “We want to train our young people so that we have enough personnel for our needs and also tap into the opportunities that exist in other countries.”

This financial commitment will bolster the College’s capacity to offer top-notch education to aspiring healthcare professionals.

Highlighting the importance of swift action, President Ruto directed MPs who have overseen the construction of KMTC Campuses that are yet to become operational to expedite the process.

“We want to ensure that these facilities are ready to train the more than 40,000 students who eagerly apply for diverse courses at the College,” he said, emphasizing the value of need-based training courses in addressing local health challenges.

“By focusing on courses that directly address the health needs of our communities, we are taking proactive steps to solve our healthcare issues from within. This approach ensures that we have capable professionals who are attuned to our unique health challenges,” he added.

Health Cabinet Secretary Ms. Susan Nakhumicha lauded the inauguration as a milestone for Kenya’s healthcare sector. She shared insights into the Campus’s immediate plans, stating,

“Starting this September, the KMTC Navakholo Campus will welcome students for training in Health Promotion and Community Health Assistant. This move is a testament to our commitment to enhancing promotion and preventive healthcare strategies.”

The newly commissioned Navakholo Campus has been built by the Navakholo National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), under the leadership of the area MP Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe.

Accompanying the President were various national leaders including Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, and Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Moses Wetangula.

They were received at the College by the KMTC Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah Kiplangat Cheruiyot and KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch among others.

Deputy President H.E. Rigathi Gachagua visited Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Iten on Friday, June 23, 2023, to commission two newly constructed classrooms and lay a foundation stone for a new tuition block.

These developments have been made possible through the funding by the Keiyo North National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), under the leadership of Member of Parliament Hon. Adams Kipsanai at a cost of Kshs 3 million and a further Kshs 25 million for the construction of a tuition block.

During the commissioning ceremony, DP Gachagua commended Hon. Kipsanai for his effective utilization of resources, emphasizing the positive impact these classrooms will have on the students. He stated, “The government is committed to improving the health and well-being of its citizens and we are cognizant that it begins here, with the training of the necessary human resources.”

He further praised Hon. Kipsanai, saying, “We are appreciative of the MP’s efforts in providing the funds for these classrooms.”

The Deputy President also pledged his support for the completion of the tuition block, stating, “In line with this, I pledge to support the construction of the tuition block, containing six classrooms, to its completion.”

Hon. Kipsanai expressed his gratitude for the government’s support in strengthening the health systems to better serve the people of Kenya. He stated, “We are happy to see KMTC Iten become a Centre of Excellence in the training of healthcare professionals in the county, and that is why we have embarked on this infrastructural development journey to actualize this.”

He also highlighted the ongoing projects at KMTC Iten, mentioning, “In addition to the tuition block under construction with support from the NG-CDF, KMTC is also in the process of constructing five classrooms funded through internally-generated revenue and has purchased a bus to enhance teaching and learning.”

KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, conveyed the College’s gratitude for the government’s support and expressed their commitment to producing competent graduates. He said, “We are grateful for the government’s support and pledge to continue churning competent graduates to support the actualization of the Universal Health Coverage Agenda.”

The commissioning of the classrooms and the laying of the foundation stone for the new tuition block at KMTC Iten mark significant progress in expanding educational facilities and improving the training of healthcare professionals. With the government’s commitment and the diligent efforts of stakeholders, KMTC Iten is set to become a leading institution in producing highly skilled healthcare workers in the region.

In a remarkable demonstration of the College’s commitment to community health and dedication to the principles of Primary Health Care (PHC) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), students from KMTC Siaya organized a community health diagnosis and action day.

The event aimed to identify prevalent health issues and factors influencing them, while actively engaging the community in finding practical solutions.

Led by the third year, second semester nursing class, the students embarked on a comprehensive community diagnosis, analyzing the patterns of health problems within the local population.

“The purpose of our community health diagnosis is to understand the health challenges faced by the community and work together towards finding effective solutions,” explained one of the nursing students. “Through this initiative, we hope to promote the principles of Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage, making quality healthcare accessible and affordable to all.”

Health education sessions were conducted to empower individuals and families with the knowledge needed to prevent diseases and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Recognizing the significance of immunization in preventing infectious diseases, the students facilitated immunization drives to ensure community members were up-to-date with essential vaccinations. Furthermore, the students addressed environmental concerns by organizing clean-up activities and advocating for sustainable practices.

During the action day, the students provided treatment for minor ailments, offering much-needed relief to community members suffering from common illnesses. Their empathetic approach and dedication to addressing individual health concerns were widely appreciated by the attendees.

Expressing their appreciation for the students’ efforts, the Siaya Assistant County Commissioner Mr. Masayen Kosian had this to say, “We are truly grateful for the remarkable work carried out by the nursing students.” “Their dedication to improving the health of our community is commendable. We encourage them to continue giving back to society as they progress in their studies, and we look forward to their future success,” he added.

Among those in attendance were Deputy County Public Health Nurse Mr. Solomon Osewe and Ministry of Health officials.

The community health diagnosis and action day organized by the Siaya Campus nursing students serve as a shining example of the transformative potential of Primary Health Care which is the cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage. By actively engaging the community and implementing practical interventions, these students have taken a significant step towards promoting a healthier and more equitable future for all.