KMTC Unveils New Specialised Courses for Aspiring Health Workers

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has announced the introduction of three new healthcare courses in efforts to strengthen Kenya’s workforce, as the country moves to address emerging healthcare needs.

Among the programmes introduced are a Diploma in Speech Therapy, a Higher Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy, and a Higher Diploma in Audiology.

The announcement was made by KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr Kelly Oluoch during the Kenya Health Summit 2026  held between August 18 and 19 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

During a Presidential Listening Session, President William Ruto highlighted KMTC’s introduction of new specialities as part of efforts to respond to changing health needs.

“Invited by the President to elaborate, Dr. Oluoch highlighted the College’s introduction of the Diploma in Speech Therapy, Higher Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy and Higher Diploma in Audiology, among programmes aimed at closing emerging skills gaps in the health sector,” the college stated in a statement on Thursday, August 27, while confirming the additional courses.

The expansion comes as Kenya seeks to increase the number of skilled health workers available to support the country’s evolving healthcare system.

According to KMTC, the need for additional and specialised health workers was also evident in maternal and newborn healthcare, where shortages of personnel continue to affect access to quality and timely services.

The college has trained 429 Enrolled Community Health Nurses through support from UNHCR and Beyond Zero. The nurses are expected to strengthen maternal, newborn, and child health services, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and underserved areas.

At the same time, the college is expected to graduate approximately 25,000 health professionals in 2026, compared with about 15,000 graduates projected in 2022.

“KMTC trains about 85 per cent of Kenya’s middle-level health workforce. As the health system changes, our responsibility is to ensure that the workforce changes with it,” Oluoch said.

He added that the college would continue expanding training while developing specialised and emerging competencies required to deliver quality healthcare.

The announcement also comes months after KMTC introduced Primary Health Care (PHC) courses across all its faculties.

The new introductions will now add to over 126 courses that the college currently provides alongside several short courses.

Founded in 1927, the KMTC is the country’s largest institution for training healthcare professionals and operates under the Ministry of Health.