KMTC introduces over 120 professional courses, expands beyond nursing

Kenya Medical Training College KMTC ceo Kelly Oluoch during a briefing at his office in Nairobi/EZEKIEL AMING'A

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has unveiled over 120 professional courses as part of efforts to broaden training options and dispel the perception that the institution mainly offers nursing programmes.

The move comes as the college seeks to respond to shifting student preferences and growing demand for specialised, skill-based health courses with clear pathways to employment.

Speaking during a briefing at his office in Nairobi on Thursday, KMTC Chief Executive Officer Kelly Oluoch said the institution has diversified its academic offering across multiple health disciplines to meet both local and international labour market needs.

Oluoch said the college now organises its programmes under seven faculties and 18 departments, covering a wide range of health sciences beyond nursing.

“We want to demystify the fact that KMTC only offers a few courses. Kenya Medical Training College has 126 courses that applicants can choose from,” he said.

He added that the courses are structured under key faculties, including clinical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, public health sciences, information technology and medical education, diagnostic sciences, and nursing sciences.

Under clinical sciences, Oluoch said the college offers programmes such as clinical medicine, emergency medical services and trauma medicine.

The pharmaceutical sciences faculty provides diploma-level pharmacy courses, while the public health sciences focuses on disease prevention and community health.

He said the institution has also expanded training in health information systems to support digital record-keeping in the sector.

“We also have information technology and medical education faculty, which is very important when it comes to keeping medical records digitally,” Oluoch said.

The diagnostic sciences faculty includes courses such as medical laboratory sciences, medical imaging and optometry, while nursing sciences remains the largest faculty offering certificate, diploma and higher diploma programmes.

Speaking during the briefing, Oluoch said KMTC continues to play a key role in supplying the country’s health workforce, accounting for more than 85 per cent of middle-level health professionals in Kenya.

He noted that the demand for KMTC graduates extends beyond the local market, with increasing opportunities in international labour markets.

“KMTC provides highly skilled health workers not only for the local market but also internationally,” he said.

He cited Germany as one of the destinations where graduates have secured employment, revealing that 84 students in occupational therapy and physiotherapy were processed for overseas placement last year.

To enhance global competitiveness, the CEO said the college has introduced foreign language training, including French, German, Arabic and Amharic.

“This is to enable our students to work not only locally but also in a market of their choice,” he said.

Oluoch said the college is also equipping learners with entrepreneurship skills and working with county governments to improve employability after graduation.

He noted a growing shift among applicants towards shorter, skills-oriented courses that offer quicker entry into the job market.

“More applicants are asking for shorter duration courses and skill-based programmes with a clear pathway to employment,” he said.

In response, KMTC has adjusted its programmes to allow faster completion while maintaining training standards.

The CEO said the college operates 92 campuses and six satellite campuses across the country to improve access to medical training.

“We have strategically placed our campuses to ensure students can access training near their homes, which also reduces the cost burden on parents,” he said.

Oluoch assured that all campuses offer the same quality of education, with standardised timetables and examinations across the country.

He said the application portal is currently open, with students able to apply through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) or via the KMTC website.

“We have a place for everyone who wants to join KMTC, from certificate to diploma and higher diploma levels,” he said.