Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged the latest graduating class of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) to seize the growing opportunities for healthcare professionals abroad as they embark on their careers. Speaking at KMTC’s 93rd graduation ceremony, held at the Moi International Sports Complex in Nairobi on Thursday, Kindiki emphasized that the rigorous training the students had received, focusing on clinical and practical work, has prepared them to be both competent and highly marketable professionals on the global stage.
The graduation saw an impressive 21,261 students receive their diplomas, a testament to the college’s growing role in equipping Kenya’s youth with the necessary skills to meet both local and international healthcare demands. The Deputy President acknowledged the college’s critical contribution to this mission, especially as the country seeks to create job opportunities for its young people in an increasingly competitive global labor market.
“Your training has not only prepared you for the local market, but it has also made you highly valuable internationally,” Kindiki told the graduates. “This balanced approach to training, combining practical clinical experience with theoretical knowledge, means that you are well-equipped to work anywhere in the world.”
In his address, Kindiki highlighted that the government is actively supporting the international mobility of Kenyan workers, particularly in the healthcare sector. He spoke about the various initiatives designed to help KMTC graduates transition into both local and foreign job markets. These include the National Council Licensure Examination Training (NCLEX) for those interested in pursuing opportunities in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. The government also offers basic foreign language courses and pre-departure training, ensuring that Kenyan graduates are competitive on the international stage.
“We are committed to creating employment opportunities for our youth,” Kindiki said, pointing out that the government’s efforts extend beyond domestic job creation to facilitating international employment options. “The international labor mobility program will serve as an additional opportunity to support graduates who are interested in exploring job markets abroad.”
A key focus of Kindiki’s speech was the strong relationship between Kenya and several countries, which continues to create openings for Kenyan healthcare professionals. One of the most notable collaborations is with the United Kingdom, where Kenya has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to send 20,000 nurses to work in the UK by 2025. The first wave of this initiative is already underway, with 76 Kenyan nurses leaving the country last year for employment in the UK. This agreement is part of the government’s broader strategy to meet global healthcare demands while providing Kenyan professionals with valuable international work experience.
Kindiki encouraged the graduates to embrace these opportunities and follow in the footsteps of Kenyan athletes who have become global ambassadors for the country. “Just like our athletes, you too can become the new cohort of Kenyan ambassadors abroad, renowned and accomplished,” he said. “This is your chance to make an impact on the world stage.”
As the global demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, Kenya’s healthcare training institutions like KMTC are playing a pivotal role in preparing the country’s youth for success in an interconnected world. With the government’s focus on enhancing international labor mobility and providing training for global job markets, Kenya’s graduates are well-positioned to contribute to the global healthcare workforce.
In conclusion, Deputy President Kindiki’s address at the KMTC graduation ceremony reflects the government’s recognition of the immense potential of Kenyan healthcare professionals. By taking advantage of the opportunities abroad, these new graduates are not only securing promising careers for themselves but are also contributing to Kenya’s growing reputation as a source of highly trained and competent professionals in the global labor market.
