NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to include students of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in a new government funding framework, with financial support expected to begin as early as May 2026.
The directive, issued Tuesday during the commissioning of an Affordable Housing Project at KMTC Nyamache Campus, signals a major policy shift aimed at addressing long-standing funding disparities affecting students in medical training institutions.
Ruto instructed education officials to ensure KMTC learners benefit under the proposed Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, which seeks to overhaul Kenya’s student financing system by consolidating existing funding bodies.
“As you work around the Bill, ensure that KMTC students receive an allocation for the next semester,” the President said.
The proposed law aims to merge the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the TVET Fund, and the University Fund into a single entity.
The unified body is expected to streamline the disbursement of scholarships, loans, and bursaries across all tertiary institutions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the Bill is currently before Parliament and, if enacted, will extend structured financial support to all tertiary students, including those enrolled at KMTC.
“For the first time, students in institutions like KMTC will have equal access to government funding alongside their university counterparts,” Ogamba said.
Historically, KMTC students have faced significant barriers in accessing government-backed financial aid, as the HELB system primarily prioritised university learners. This gap has often left medical trainees dependent on personal or family resources despite the high cost of healthcare education.
The reforms align with the government’s broader agenda to expand equitable access to education, in line with Article 43(1)(f) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which guarantees the right to education.
Beyond funding, President Ruto announced additional government support to strengthen KMTC’s capacity, including the recruitment of more teaching staff to match rising student enrolment.
At Nyamache Campus, the President also commissioned an Affordable Housing project that will provide accommodation for 340 students. The initiative is part of the government’s broader housing programme and is expected to improve student welfare and learning conditions.
KMTC, established in 1927, remains the country’s largest training institution for healthcare professionals, operating under the Ministry of Health with more than 71 campuses nationwide. Its programmes are closely linked to employment in Kenya’s public health system, making it a critical pipeline for medical personnel.
According to recent Ministry of Health data, over 85pc of Kenya’s healthcare workforce has undergone training at KMTC, underscoring the institution’s central role in national health service delivery.
The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on Parliament’s approval and the government’s ability to deliver timely and adequate funding to thousands of KMTC students poised to benefit.
