Students at the Kenya Medical Training College will soon be able to apply for loans from the Higher Education Loans Board following a government decision to include the institution in the Higher Education Financing programme.
The move marks a major shift in education funding for medical trainees, many of whom have historically relied on limited financing options to complete their studies. KMTC confirmed that applications will commence once HELB releases the required funds and officially opens its application portal.
The development is expected to ease financial pressure on thousands of students pursuing careers in Kenya's healthcare sector.
KMTC learners set to benefit from HELB funding for the first time
The announcement follows a directive by William Ruto, who stated that KMTC students deserve equal access to government financial support available to university and tertiary institution learners.
According to KMTC, implementation will begin once HELB finalizes the necessary funding arrangements and opens the application process.
The President first made the commitment in April when he directed the Ministry of Education to integrate KMTC learners into the country's new higher education funding framework.
Key changes under the new programme
| Area | Previous Situation | New Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| HELB Loans | Not available | Available |
| Government Financing | Limited | Expanded access |
| Student Support | Revolving fund only | HELB funding included |
| Funding Equality | Unequal access | Equal treatment with other tertiary students |
The inclusion is expected to significantly improve access to affordable education financing for medical trainees.
President Ruto directed implementation earlier this year
The latest announcement builds on instructions issued by President Ruto in April.
At the time, he directed Julius Ogamba to ensure KMTC students were incorporated into the government's student funding model.
The directive was part of broader reforms aimed at expanding access to higher education and reducing financial barriers facing learners across different institutions.
KMTC says the rollout is expected to begin in the next academic semester once the funding mechanism is fully operational.
Timeline of KMTC's inclusion
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Presidential directive issued | April 2026 |
| Government implementation process begins | 2026 |
| KMTC confirmation issued | June 2026 |
| HELB applications expected | Upon portal opening |
The process is now entering the final implementation phase.
Thousands of medical students expected to benefit
For years, KMTC students have relied largely on a revolving fund system to finance their studies.
Unlike university students who can access HELB loans and scholarships, many medical trainees have faced challenges securing structured government funding.
Education stakeholders believe the inclusion of KMTC students in the Higher Education Financing programme will help bridge this gap.
Expected benefits for KMTC students
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| HELB loan access | Reduced financial burden |
| Improved affordability | Greater education access |
| Equal funding opportunities | Better support for trainees |
| Increased enrolment potential | More healthcare workers trained |
The move is expected to make medical training more accessible, particularly for students from low-income families.
KMTC remains critical to Kenya's healthcare workforce
Founded in 1927, KMTC has grown into Kenya's largest medical training institution.
The college operates more than 70 campuses across the country and plays a central role in training nurses, clinical officers, laboratory technologists, and other healthcare professionals.
KMTC at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1927 |
| Campuses | Over 70 |
| Core Role | Medical training |
| National Reach | Countrywide |
The institution remains a key pillar in Kenya's healthcare system and a major source of skilled health workers.
Funding boost expected to strengthen health sector training
The inclusion of KMTC students in the Higher Education Financing programme represents one of the most significant funding reforms for medical trainees in recent years.
By opening access to HELB loans, the government hopes to remove financial barriers that have prevented some students from pursuing or completing health-related courses.
As the country continues to expand healthcare services and address workforce shortages, the move could play a crucial role in increasing the number of trained medical professionals entering the sector while ensuring students receive the financial support needed to complete their studies successfully.
