Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has cautioned that the expansion of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) will only go forward with proper planning in place.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 17, during the flag-off of eight new vehicles at the KMTC headquarters, Duale said expanding the college without adequate staffing, equipment, and funding would only stretch resources and compromise training quality.
“Infrastructure is not an end in itself. We must apply economies of scale,” he said, citing Garissa County where a single campus effectively serves several constituencies as an example of efficient planning.
The CS stressed that student numbers must be matched with enough trainers and resources as required by regulatory standards.
He warned that opening new campuses without the right balance could render them ineffective.
Duale also addressed the long-standing cry for financial aid for KMTC students, revealing that under President William Ruto’s directive, learners from disadvantaged backgrounds will start receiving loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) within this financial year.
Earlier, the Treasury had set aside Ksh500 million for needy students, but only 34,000 secured support, leaving many more stranded. The new directive is expected to ease the burden for thousands still waiting.
Established in 1927, KMTC is Kenya’s largest medical training institution, with 71 campuses across the country.
More than 85 percent of Kenya’s health workforce has passed through its doors, making it a critical pipeline for the country’s healthcare system.
