KMTC Students to Receive HELB Funding Under New Tertiary Education Bill
Students at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) could soon access structured government funding for the first time, after fresh directives from William Ruto signalled a major shift in tertiary education financing.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 14, during the commissioning of an Affordable Housing Project at KMTC’s Nyamache Campus, the President instructed the Ministry of Education to ensure KMTC learners are factored into the proposed reforms under the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill.
The legislation aims to consolidate key funding bodies — including the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the TVET Fund and the University Fund — into a single streamlined entity designed to harmonise financial support for students across all tertiary institutions.
“As you work around the Bill, ensure that KMTC students receive an allocation for the next semester,” President Ruto stated, underlining the urgency of the reforms.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the Bill is currently before Parliament for deliberation. Should it pass into law, it will extend funding eligibility to all tertiary learners, including those enrolled at KMTC.
For years, KMTC students have faced difficulties accessing structured government funding, often missing out on support readily available to university students through HELB. The proposed reforms are therefore expected to level the playing field and ease financial pressure on thousands pursuing medical training.
Beyond funding, the President also pledged additional government investment to expand KMTC’s capacity, including the recruitment of more teaching staff to improve the quality of training.
During the event, Dr Ruto officially commissioned a new affordable housing project at the Nyamache Campus, which will provide accommodation for up to 340 students. The development is expected to significantly enhance student welfare and create a more conducive learning environment.
Founded in 1927, KMTC remains Kenya’s largest institution for training healthcare professionals and operates under the Ministry of Health. With more than 70 campuses nationwide, the college has become a critical pillar in the country’s healthcare system.
Its programmes are widely regarded as highly marketable, largely due to their direct link to employment within the public health sector. According to recent data from the Ministry of Health, more than 85 per cent of Kenya’s medical workforce has undergone training at KMTC.
If implemented, the new funding framework could mark a turning point for the institution, opening up access to financial support for thousands of students and strengthening the pipeline of healthcare professionals in the country.
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KMTC Students to Receive HELB Funding Under New Tertiary Education Bill