BONDO, Kenya – The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is spearheading efforts to reinstate Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding for its students to alleviate the financial burden on thousands of aspiring healthcare professionals.
The move comes after the government’s austerity measures led to the discontinuation of the crucial financial aid program, leaving many students from disadvantaged backgrounds struggling to afford their education.
KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch confirmed that the college, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is actively engaging the National Treasury and parliamentary committees to restore the funding.
“The withdrawal of HELB support has had a profound impact on our students, particularly those from underprivileged communities,” Dr. Oluoch said during a visit to KMTC Bondo, where he inspected ongoing campus projects and met with students and staff.
The push for reinstatement has gained momentum following a presidential directive to restore the funding in the upcoming financial year.
“We are committed to working closely with the National Treasury to ensure this directive is implemented,” Dr. Oluoch added.
College steps up negotiations to reinstate HELB funding The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) through the Ministry has initiated discussions with the government to reinstate Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding for its students. Until the end of the 2023/2024…
The HELB funding, which was discontinued at the end of the 2023/2024 financial year, had previously provided critical support to KMTC students, covering tuition, accommodation, and other essential expenses.
In 2022, KMTC made history by becoming the first medical training institution to receive a Sh680 million allocation from the National Treasury through HELB, targeting students from the most vulnerable backgrounds.
The partnership between KMTC and HELB, formalized in July 2022, was designed to mobilize resources and establish a dedicated financial aid scheme.
The initiative not only provided monetary support but also non-monetary assistance to ensure students could focus on their studies without financial strain.
With over 54,000 students enrolled in Higher Diplomas, Diplomas, Certificates, and Short Courses, KMTC plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
The institution’s strategic plan aims to position it as a globally competitive hub for healthcare training.
However, the loss of HELB funding has threatened to derail these ambitions, particularly for students who rely on financial aid to pursue their education.
During his visit to KMTC Bondo, Dr. Oluoch emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to advance the college’s goals.
“We are committed to ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints,” he said. “Restoring HELB funding is not just about supporting individual students; it’s about investing in Kenya’s healthcare future.”
The reinstatement of HELB funding would not only provide immediate relief to struggling students but also reinforce Kenya’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive healthcare workforce.
