The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) today offers 126 specialised courses aligned to the evolving needs of Kenya’s health system and the broader global healthcare environment.

This is contrary to a public perception that KMTC as an institution, only offers Nursing and Clinical Medicine programmes.

Speaking during a press briefing on April 30, 2026 in Nairobi, KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch said these courses span clinical, technical, diagnostic, rehabilitative, preventive, and emerging areas of healthcare, including Medical Laboratory Sciences, Pharmacy, Public Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, Radiography, Medical Engineering, Optometry, and Health Information, among many others. 

“This breadth is important because the full cycle of healthcare delivery depends on a wide range of competencies, from diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to health information management, community health, nutrition support, and medical equipment management,” said Dr Kelly Oluoch.

Competency-based training and workforce contribution

At the core of KMTC training is a strong emphasis on competency and hands-on experience. 

Through a Competency-Based Curriculum, approximately 70 percent of learning is focused on practical exposure in real clinical settings, ensuring that graduates are confident, skilled, and ready for the workplace.

This practical approach is one of the reasons KMTC graduates remain central to service delivery across the country. 

In fact, over 85 percent of Kenya’s middle-level health workforce are graduates of KMTC, underscoring the College’s role in building the competencies required to sustain healthcare delivery at every level. 

From hospitals and health centres to laboratories, pharmacies, communities, and specialised service units, KMTC graduates are part of the teams that keep the health system functioning effectively.

  Changing student preferences

There is a noticeable shift in how students are making career choices. More learners are opting for programmes that provide practical skills, shorter training periods, and clearer pathways to employment. 

KMTC programmes respond to this demand by combining hands-on training with strong employability outcomes.

Global labour mobility and foreign language training

Healthcare demand continues to grow globally, and KMTC’s training is strategically aligned with international standards to ensure graduates can compete effectively in global labour markets. 

The College recognizes that preparing students for opportunities beyond Kenya requires not only technical competence but also communication skills that enable them to work effectively in diverse international settings.

To support this vision, KMTC has integrated foreign language training into its programmes, equipping students with the linguistic competencies needed to practice in different regions around the world. 

This prepares graduates to transition seamlessly into healthcare roles in international markets without the need for retraining, making them competitive candidates for opportunities in countries across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

Meanwhile, the March 2026 intake is ongoing and successful applicants will join the College in May 2026.

All applications for KMTC pre-service courses are submitted through the KUCCPS Student Portal. The application link is also available across KMTC’s social media platforms and on the KMTC website, making it easier for prospective students and their families to access the portal and apply.

During the application process, applicants are allowed to choose up to a maximum of two courses and to select the campus of their choice from the 92 campuses across the country.