Nairobi: The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has pledged the government’s unwavering commitment to improving medical education and healthcare delivery through research-driven policy, strategic partnerships, and equitable student support.

According to Kenya News Agency, Duale made these remarks during the official opening of the 8th Biennial Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Scientific Conference, highlighting the institution’s pivotal role in the ongoing health sector reforms under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Duale emphasised that KMTC is integral to the delivery of affordable and accessible healthcare across all 47 counties, crediting the institution for training over 107,000 community health promoters. He announced that public teaching and referral hospitals would immediately cease charging KMTC students for clinical rotations, a move aimed at enhancing medical student training.

Addressing the issue of student financing, Duale revealed ongoing efforts with the National Treasury to unlock Sh500 million allocated to support KMTC students, ensuring equitable support regardless of geographic or socio-economic factors. He also cautioned against substandard health training programmes in the country, insisting on the importance of transformative research and global partnerships.

KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch expressed gratitude for the government’s support and noted the institution’s growth from its inception in 1927 to over 70,000 students today. However, he highlighted challenges such as staff shortages and limited access to clinical training areas, while expressing optimism about the government’s commitment to finding solutions.

KMTC Board Chairperson Joseph Cheruiyot reaffirmed the institution’s support for the Ministry’s leadership and the President’s health agenda, emphasizing a unified approach to achieving strategic goals. Speakers at the conference underscored the importance of research and innovation, with KMTC investing in infrastructure to support these initiatives.