KMTC Students Set for Funding Boost, But Debate Grows Over Priorities

Students at Kenya Medical Training College may soon receive government financial support, a move that could ease the burden many have faced for years. President William Ruto has directed education officials to ensure KMTC learners are included in a new funding structure expected to begin in the next academic cycle. The plan is part of wider reforms targeting how tertiary students are financed across the country.

The proposed changes are anchored in a new bill that aims to combine institutions such as the Higher Education Loans Board, the TVET Fund, and the University Fund into one unified body. The goal is to simplify access to loans and scholarships. While university students have long benefited from structured support, KMTC learners have often been left out. “Ensure that KMTC students receive an allocation for the next semester,” the President said, signalling urgency in implementing the reforms.

Even so, the announcement has not gone without criticism. Peter Salasya has openly questioned the government’s priorities, arguing that students are dropping out due to fees while resources are being channelled into infrastructure. His remarks have sparked conversations about whether the focus should shift more toward immediate financial relief.

At the same time, the government is pushing to improve learning conditions. Plans to hire more trainers and expand student housing are already underway, with new accommodation expected to support hundreds of learners. For many students, however, the real test will be whether the promised funding becomes a reality. The reforms could transform access to medical training, but only if they move beyond policy into action.