DP Kindiki: Gov’t to make HELB loans accessible to all KMTC students

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki made the announcement on Thursday during KMTC’s 94th graduation ceremony at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, where 22,776 graduates received certificates and diplomas across various health disciplines.

“I have been informed that KMTC students are not accessing HELB funding. I have taken note of this concern and will convene a meeting with Cabinet Secretaries from Health, Treasury, and Education, as well as other relevant State departments, to agree on a formula to extend HELB support to KMTC students,” said Kindiki amid applause. “Not every parent can afford KMTC tuition. Just as we support university and TVET students, KMTC students deserve the same support.”

Kindiki highlighted the financial pressures facing health trainees, emphasizing that access to HELB loans will help ensure no aspiring health professional is left behind.

The Deputy President also reflected on broader reforms in Kenya’s health sector under the Ruto administration over the past three years. “Healthcare is the foundation of human dignity, the heartbeat of every nation. Over the past three years, Kenya has undertaken the most ambitious transformation of its health system,” he said.

He cited achievements including mass registration of Kenyans under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has expanded medical coverage from 7.5 million in 2022 to nearly 28 million today. The government has also deployed 107,000 Community Health Promoters, forming the largest primary healthcare workforce in the country.

“KMTC’s role in this success cannot be overstated. The College trains Community Health Assistants who work hand-in-hand with Community Health Promoters to ensure healthcare reaches every household,” Kindiki noted.

The Deputy President further outlined government interventions to strengthen KMTC, including the employment of 1,000 tutors this financial year, operationalizing 18 previously stalled KMTC campuses, and establishing hostels across 54 campuses under the Affordable Housing program. He disclosed that Ksh 9.7 billion has been invested this year to support staff recruitment, infrastructure development, laboratory equipment, and student welfare.

Kindiki called on KMTC to prioritize research, innovation, and technology integration, highlighting digital connectivity initiatives that enable e-learning, telemedicine, and health informatics training. He also urged graduates to seize emerging employment opportunities, including government programs such as Kazi Kwa Ground, Kazi Mtandaoni, and Kazi Majuu, which aim to enhance skills, technology adoption, and labor mobility both locally and internationally.

“You are not merely joining the health system; you are shaping its future. Every life you touch and every community you serve contributes to the Kenya we are building together,” Kindiki told the graduates.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni, KMTC Board of Directors led by Chair Joseah Cheruiyot, KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, and other dignitaries.