The National Assembly Committee on Health has urged the management of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) to ensure its courses align with labour market demands and employment opportunities.
Members of the Committee, led by Chairperson Dr James Nyikal (Seme), said the institution must remain responsive to the needs of learners and the job market.
The issue emerged during a budget implementation oversight visit to KMTC headquarters in Nairobi.
During a meeting with KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr Kelly Oluoch and other senior officials, the Committee members emphasised the need for the institution to produce graduates equipped with skills that meet market demands and improve their chances of securing employment.
What role does KMTC play?
Dr Nyikal said KMTC, as a government institution, must prioritise the needs of its main employer, the government.
“KMTC should not be driven by the same needs as private institutions, which may offer courses that do not align with market demands,” said Dr Nyikal.
He added that the institution should not leave graduates feeling frustrated and desperate after completing their studies with certificates and diplomas that do not translate into employment opportunities.
Committee members Dr Robert Pukose (Endebess), Martins Owino (Ndhiwa) and Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central) echoed similar sentiments.
They noted that investing in training learners without considering their employment prospects amounted to a loss for both the institution and the graduates.
“The courses offered by KMTC should be viable in the job market. We do not want a situation where graduates from the institution fail to secure employment opportunities that match their qualifications and skills,” said Dr Pukose.
In response, Dr Oluoch said KMTC would review and reorganise its courses to ensure that its curriculum remains aligned with current labour market needs.
The CEO also noted that the institution offers a mandatory entrepreneurship course to all learners to equip them with additional skills and enhance their employability.
Earlier, the Committee conducted a similar oversight visit to Nairobi Enterprises Ltd, a firm that supplies pharmaceutical products and healthcare equipment.
The company is collaborating with the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) on antivenom development.
Officials of the two entities briefed the Committee on the progress that has been made in as far as coming up with a locally produced anti-snake venom.
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