The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has received a major boost following the release of Ksh 500 million by the National Treasury to support financially needy students through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
The allocation, captured in the April 2025 Supplementary Budget, will (in the short term) ease the financial burden many KMTC students face and ensure continuity in their medical training.
Confirming the development, KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch announced on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, that the funds have officially been released and disbursement will be done through HELB.
“The HELB portal is now open, and students interested in applying for the financial support can do so starting today. The application window will remain open until June 24, 2025,” he said.
“Both first-time and returning applicants are eligible to apply,” he added.
The funds were released following sustained engagement and intervention by key government stakeholders.
During the official opening of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference, held on June 4, 2025, in Nairobi, Health CS Aden Duale had assured students of the government’s commitment to unlocking the funds to support those facing financial hardship.
Can KMTC students apply for HELB loans?
KMTC students were among the beneficiaries of HELB funding until the end of the 2023/2024 financial year. However, as part of broader government austerity measures aimed at reducing public expenditure, this funding stream was among those impacted, leaving many students without access to much-needed financial support.
“The absence of this crucial support placed a significant strain on our students, threatening their ability to continue with training,” said Dr. Oluoch.
“This compelled the College to intensify engagements with key institutions, including the Ministry of Health and the Parliamentary Committee on Health, to advocate for the reinstatement of the funding,” he added.
In recent months, the KMTC has intensified efforts to mobilize financial support for needy students.
These efforts include the establishment of a dedicated student funding kitty and the active engagement of alumni, encouraging them to contribute towards supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.
