The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has laid out an ambitious plan to secure additional resources to address its financial shortfalls, aiming to raise Kshs 30 billion to support the implementation of its Strategic Plan 2023-2028.

Speaking during a training session for Principals and Managers on resource mobilization on October 8, 2024, CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch called on staff to strengthen their efforts in generating funds for the College.

“Without adequate resources, the College cannot operate effectively or achieve its ambitious goals,” he said.

Adding that: “We are focusing on intensifying our resource mobilization efforts by exploring income-generating activities and optimizing fee collection to secure the additional funds required.”

Dr. Oluoch emphasized the importance of promoting environmental sustainability. He encouraged campuses to partner with like-minded institutions to promote tree planting and establish tree nurseries, aligning the College with green initiatives.

The government’s austerity measures, introduced in March 2024, have led to a 30 percent reduction in approved recurrent budgets for state corporations for the 2024/2025 financial year, heightening the need for innovative resource mobilization efforts at KMTC.

Additionally, Dr. Oluoch urged the KMTC community to support the nationwide rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, which will replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

He revealed that KMTC has been tasked with leading SHA awareness and mobilization efforts in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties.

To prepare for this transition, KMTC has introduced a Diploma in Health Insurance Management to equip the healthcare workforce for the new scheme.

This initiative is expected to significantly advance Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by making healthcare more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for all citizens.

Deputy Director of Finance, Planning, and Administration, Ms. Lucy Chebungei, highlighted that the additional funds raised will be directed toward expanding and modernizing KMTC’s facilities.

“If each Campus could raise as little as Kshs. 2 million annually, it would collectively amount to a significant sum that could greatly help us meet key needs,” she said.

The Deputy Director of Academics, Dr. Nyawira Mwangi, voiced concern over the declining availability of student funding, which could limit access to education for needy students.

“The UHC’s focus on ‘leaving no one behind’ mirrors our responsibility to ensure we establish a financial aid fund to support deserving students,” she said.Vivamus sagittis lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor auctor. Duis mollis, est non commodo luctus.

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has received a consignment of books valued at Kshs 44 million, following a recent donation by Book Aid International and Elsevier to enhance teaching and learning at the College.The books, largely published in 2023 and 2024, will provide students with the latest learning resources.

Speaking while receiving the donation on Friday (October 4, 2024) at the College headquarters in Nairobi, Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot thanked the foundation for its continued support. He noted that the donation will strengthen teaching and learning, helping to prepare students for both local and global job opportunities.

KMTC Chief Executive Officer – Dr. Kelly Oluoch said the books will place KMTC students on par with their counterparts in the Western world, adding that they will expose learners to current trends in the medical field. He thanked the institutions for their ongoing support, emphasizing how their donations have transformed teaching and learning over the years.

Dr. Oluoch also mentioned that the books will be distributed across the College’s campuses.

KMTC has enjoyed a strong partnership with Book Aid International and Elsevier, having received a similar consignment worth Kshs 22 million in 2022.

Also present at the event were Board Directors Mr. Paul Cheboi and Ms. Eunice Karanja, along with staff and students.

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.