The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has intensified efforts to reinstate funding from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) for its students, following the cessation of the financial aid in the 2023/2024 financial year. This decision to halt HELB support, attributed to government austerity measures and budget cuts, has left many students struggling to finance their education, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
KMTC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, confirmed that the college, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has engaged in talks with the National Treasury and relevant parliamentary committees to secure the reinstatement of HELB funding. This financial support was previously instrumental in helping students cover the costs of tuition, accommodation, and other essential expenses.
The discontinuation of the HELB funding has had a particularly harsh impact on students from low-income families who are now unable to afford the costs of their medical training. Dr. Oluoch emphasized the critical need for the return of this financial aid, highlighting that the government’s initial withdrawal of the support had limited access to healthcare education for many students with potential but without the means to finance their studies.
Notably, a presidential directive is also in place, urging the restoration of HELB funding in the coming financial year, signaling potential relief for students and the institution. Dr. Oluoch assured that KMTC, alongside the Ministry of Health, would continue working diligently with the National Treasury to ensure that this directive is implemented.
KMTC’s partnership with HELB dates back to 2022, when both institutions signed an agreement to facilitate a dedicated financial scheme for students in need. The agreement aimed to mobilize resources to support students through tuition, accommodation, and other essential allowances. In fact, KMTC’s receipt of Sh680 million in funding from the National Treasury in 2022 marked a historic achievement, placing it alongside public universities and national polytechnics in receiving government support.
Currently, KMTC enrolls over 54,000 students across various programs, including Higher Diplomas, Diplomas, Certificates, and Short Courses. The continuation of HELB support is crucial for the college to ensure that all qualified students have the opportunity to pursue careers in healthcare.
With the ongoing negotiations and the promise of a presidential directive, KMTC remains hopeful that the financial aid will be reinstated soon, providing a vital lifeline for its students as they train to become the next generation of healthcare professionals.
