KMTC Courses and Fees 2026: Complete Guide to Kenya Medical Training College

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) offers over 126 courses at certificate, diploma, and higher diploma levels across 98 campuses in 45 of Kenya’s 47 counties. For the 2026 academic year, regular Kenyan students pay KES 82,200 in Year 1 and KES 78,000 in Years 2 and 3, making it one of the most affordable medical training institutions in East Africa. The March 2026 intake has 21,774 available slots across 36 programmes — applications open via KUCCPS and directly through the KMTC portal.


What Is KMTC and Why Does It Matter?

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is a State Corporation established through an Act of Parliament under the Ministry of Health, entrusted with training various disciplines in the health sector to serve Kenyan interests, East Africa, and beyond.

In plain terms, KMTC is the backbone of Kenya’s healthcare system. KMTC graduates account for more than 85% of the local middle-level workforce in health facilities in Kenya. Walk into any hospital, health centre, or clinic across the country, and the nurses, clinical officers, lab technologists, and pharmacists you encounter are overwhelmingly KMTC-trained.

As of September 2024, the student population stands at over 60,000 — making KMTC one of the largest single health training institutions in the entire African continent.

For students seeking a medical career in Kenya in 2026, KMTC remains the most direct, most affordable, and most employment-certain route available.

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KMTC at a Glance (2026)

DetailFacts
Full NameKenya Medical Training College
TypeState Corporation under Ministry of Health
Established1927 (Act of Parliament 1990)
Number of Campuses98 (across 45 of 47 counties)
Total Courses Offered126+ (certificate, diploma, higher diploma)
Current Student PopulationOver 60,000
March 2026 Intake Vacancies21,774 slots across 36 programmes
ISO CertificationISO 9001:2015 Certified
HeadquartersOff Ngong Road, P.O. Box 30195-00100, Nairobi
CEO (2026)Dr. Kelly Oluoch
Websitekmtc.ac.ke
Fee Payment PlatformJiunge (Paybill 222222)

KMTC Courses Offered in 2026

KMTC currently offers more than 126 courses at certificate, diploma, and higher diploma levels. Courses are grouped into three qualification tiers, each with distinct entry requirements and career outcomes.

Higher Diploma Programmes

Higher diploma programmes are designed for practising healthcare professionals who already hold a diploma and wish to specialise further. Higher diploma courses include Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Health Promotion and Community Health, and Medical Education.

Full list of KMTC Higher Diploma programmes:

  • Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery
  • Higher Diploma in Health Promotion and Community Health
  • Higher Diploma in Medical Education
  • Higher Diploma in Palliative Nursing Care
  • Higher Diploma in Perioperative Nursing
  • Higher Diploma in Paediatric Nursing
  • Higher Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
  • Higher Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine

Entry requirement: A diploma in a relevant healthcare field from a recognised institution, professional registration, and relevant work experience.


Diploma Programmes

These are the most sought-after KMTC qualifications — three-year programmes that qualify graduates for professional registration with regulatory bodies including the Nursing Council of Kenya, Clinical Officers Council, and Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board.

Minimum entry: KCSE Mean Grade C (Plain) with specific cluster subject requirements.

Full List of KMTC Diploma Courses:

DepartmentDiploma Programme
Clinical MedicineDiploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery
NursingDiploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing
NursingDiploma in Kenya Registered Nursing
NursingDiploma in Kenya Registered Nursing and Midwifery
Medical LaboratoryDiploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences
PharmacyDiploma in Pharmacy
PhysiotherapyDiploma in Physiotherapy
RadiographyDiploma in Radiography and Imaging
Dental TechnologyDiploma in Dental Technology
Community Oral HealthDiploma in Community Oral Health
OptometryDiploma in Optometry
Occupational TherapyDiploma in Occupational Therapy
Orthopaedic & TraumaDiploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine
Medical EngineeringDiploma in Medical Engineering
Emergency MedicineDiploma in Emergency Medical Technology
Public HealthDiploma in Environmental Health Sciences
Public HealthDiploma in Health Promotion and Community Health
Health ManagementDiploma in Health Insurance Management
Health CounsellingDiploma in Health Counselling
NutritionDiploma in Nutrition and Dietetics

Certificate Programmes

Certificate programmes are two-year courses designed for students with C- (Minus) or D+ in specific cases. They provide an entry point into the healthcare workforce and can also serve as a stepping stone to diploma-level training.

Minimum entry: KCSE Mean Grade C- (Minus) for most; D+ for some programmes with strong cluster subject performance.

Selected Certificate Courses:

ProgrammeMinimum Grade
Certificate in Clinical MedicineC-
Certificate in Health Promotion and Community HealthC-
Certificate in Health Records and Information TechnologyC-
Certificate in Medical EngineeringD+
Certificate in Medical Laboratory TechnologyC-
Certificate in PharmacyC-
Certificate in Community Health Nursing (ECHN)C-
Certificate in Health Insurance ManagementC- (Biology revised to D Plain, 2026)
Certificate in Nursing (KRCHN)C-
Healthcare AssistantD+

KMTC Short Courses (Continuing Professional Development)

KMTC also offers a rich portfolio of short courses for working health professionals. These are competitively priced and allow practitioners to meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Short CourseTarget GroupDurationFee (KES)
HIV Testing and Counselling (HTS)Health workers, NGO staff3 weeks24,500
Adherence CounsellingHTS certificate holders1 week + 1 month practicum16,500
EchocardiographyRadiographers, health professionals3 months (part-time)150,000
Monitoring and EvaluationProject managers, health officers4 weeks35,500
Healthcare EntrepreneurshipHealthcare workers2 weeks25,500
Health Systems ManagementDiploma health professionals4 weeks (online)40,500
Leadership Development ProgrammeHealthcare teams4 workshops of 3 days each50,500
Safe PhlebotomyLab technicians, nurses, clinical officers3 days15,500
Infection Prevention and ControlHealthcare workers, support staff5 days7,500
First Aid and Basic Life SupportDrivers, hoteliers, police, teachers2 weeks (part-time)10,500
Sign Language for Health WorkersHealth workers6 months40,000
Foundation in Community HealthForm four leavers (D Plain minimum)6 months32,500
NCLEX-RN Preparation CourseRegistered nurses12 weeks (online)20,000
Point of Care Ultrasound in MidwiferyPracticing midwives (Certificate in Nursing min.)6 months full-time100,500

Source: KMTC Official Fee Structure 2025/2026


KMTC Fees Structure 2026 (Official, Verified Figures)

The following fee structure is taken directly from the KMTC Official Fee Structure Document for the 2025/2026 Academic Year, signed by CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch on 20th June 2025. These are the most accurate and authoritative figures available.

Regular Kenyan Students (3-Year Diploma)

Fee ItemYear 1 Sem 1 (KES)Year 1 Sem 2 (KES)Year 1 Total (KES)Year 2 Total (KES)Year 3 Total (KES)
Registration Fee2,0002,000
Processing Fee1,5001,500
Activity Fee1,0001,0002,0002,0002,000
Examination Fee5,0005,00010,00010,00010,000
Library and ICT2,0002,0004,0004,0004,000
Tuition Fee15,00015,00030,00030,00030,000
Research & Development5,0005,00010,00010,00010,000
Transport Fee6,0006,00012,00012,00012,000
Maintenance Fee5,0005,00010,00010,00010,000
Student ID Card700700
TOTAL43,20039,00082,20078,00078,000

Total 3-Year Diploma Cost (Regular Kenyan): KES 238,200

Additional charges for specific courses:

  • Community Health Nursing students: Skills Lab Fee — KES 1,500 (Year 1)
  • Clinical Medicine students: Skills Lab Fee — KES 2,750 (Year 1)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics students: Student Logbook — KES 500 (Year 1)
  • Environmental Health Sciences students: Student Logbook — KES 500 (Year 1)

East African Students (Non-Kenyan EAC Citizens)

Year 1 Annual (KES)Year 2 Annual (KES)Year 3 Annual (KES)
Tuition Component70,00070,00070,000
Total Annual Fees122,200118,000118,000

Total 3-Year Diploma Cost (East African): KES 358,200


Foreign Students (Non-EAC International)

Year 1 Annual (KES)Year 2 Annual (KES)Year 3 Annual (KES)
Tuition Component200,000200,000200,000
Total Annual Fees252,200248,000248,000

In-Service Students (Kenyan Healthcare Workers Upgrading)

Working healthcare professionals upgrading their qualifications pay the same rates as foreign students for tuition, making this the most expensive local category.

Year 1 Annual (KES)Year 2 Annual (KES)
Total Annual Fees252,200248,000

In-Service (E-Learning) Students

Year 1 Annual (KES)Year 2 Annual (KES)
Tuition Component70,00070,000
Total Annual Fees122,200118,000

Higher Diploma Fees

Fee ItemYear 1 Annual (KES)Year 2 Annual (KES)
Health Service Management Fee10,000 (Year 1 only)
Total Annual Fees132,200118,000

Higher Diploma in Palliative Nursing Care (Special Programme): Total cost: KES 147,500 (5 modules at KES 25,000 per module + registration, processing, examination, and maintenance fees)


Accommodation Fees

Room TypeCategoryCost (KES)
Shared RoomNormal Students Hostel30,000 per semester
Single RoomSingle Student50,000 per semester

Accommodation availability and exact rates vary by campus. Confirm directly with your campus upon reporting.


In-Service CHEWS (6-Month Programme)

Total CostKES 60,000

Covers registration (KES 2,000), processing (KES 1,500), ID (KES 700), examination (KES 10,000), tuition (KES 35,000), research (KES 5,000), transport (KES 5,000), and maintenance (KES 800).


Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (Distance/E-Learning)

Total Cost: KES 122,500 — covering 4 modules at KES 25,000 per module plus administrative fees.


How to Pay KMTC Fees (2026 Official Method)

KMTC processes all payments exclusively through the Jiunge Platform, which integrates with the government paybill number 222222.

Step-by-step payment process:

  1. Visit jiunge.com and click on “Pay Fees”
  2. Sign up and verify your account via email
  3. Log in using the OTP sent to your email (expires in 30 seconds)
  4. Search for “Kenya Medical Training College”
  5. Enter your registration number and click “Add”
  6. Click “View Services” then “Tuition Fees (Tap & Pay)”
  7. Enter the amount and choose your payment mode (M-Pesa or bank)
  8. Confirm and initiate payment with your M-Pesa PIN

Instalment option: Students may pay in two instalments — a first instalment of KES 129,700 on or before registration, and KES 124,000 on or before commencement of the second semester.


KMTC Entry Requirements 2026

To join KMTC to pursue a Certificate course, you must have a minimum of C- with specific qualifications in cluster subjects in KCSE. For Diploma programmes, you must have attained a minimum of C with specific qualifications in cluster subjects.

Here is a summary by programme level:

Programme LevelMinimum KCSE Mean GradeAdditional Requirements
Certificate (most courses)C- (Minus)Specific cluster subject grades required
Certificate in Medical EngineeringD+ (Plus)D+ English/Kiswahili, D in Maths, D- in Physics or Biology
Healthcare AssistantD+ (Plus)Specific cluster subjects
Diploma (all courses)C (Plain)Specific cluster subject combinations
Upgrading CourseRelevant CertificateMust hold certificate in respective field
Higher DiplomaRelevant DiplomaProfessional registration + work experience required

Subject-specific requirements (selected courses):

  • Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery: C (Plain) overall; C in English/Kiswahili; C in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Maths
  • Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing: C (Plain) overall; C in English/Kiswahili and three sciences
  • Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences: C (Plain) overall; C in Biology, Chemistry and one of: Maths, Physics, Agriculture
  • Diploma in Pharmacy: C (Plain) overall; C in Chemistry and Biology; C- in Maths or Physics
  • Diploma in Physiotherapy: C (Plain) overall; C in English/Kiswahili; C in Biology and two sciences
  • Diploma in Dental Technology: C- in Biology and one of Metal Work, Physics, Chemistry, Maths

KMTC Campuses in Kenya 2026 — Complete Overview

The March 2026 intake offers 21,774 slots across 36 programmes offered in 98 KMTC campuses nationwide.

KMTC campuses are spread across the country, with some counties like Nairobi and Nyeri having at least two campuses. Kirinyaga and Samburu are the only two counties in Kenya without KMTC campuses.

KMTC’s student population currently stands at over 60,000 as of September 2024, having grown from 22,000 in 2013 thanks to the expansion programme.

Major KMTC Campuses by Region

Nairobi and Central Kenya:

CampusCountyLocation
Nairobi (Main/HQ)NairobiAlong old Mbagathi Road, 3km from CBD
MathariNairobiMathari area, Nairobi
ThikaKiambuThika town
KaruriKiambuKaruri Ward, Kiambaa Sub-County (~24km from CBD)
GatunduKiambuGatundu constituency
NyeriNyeriNyeri town
MurangaMurangaMuranga town
ChukaTharaka-NithiWithin Chuka University campus
EmbuEmbuEmbu town
ImentiMeruKinyakine, Imenti, Meru County
MeruMeru1km off Meru town, near Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital

Rift Valley and Western Kenya:

CampusCountyLocation
EldoretUasin GishuEldoret town, next to Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital
NakuruNakuruCrescent Road, Milimani Estate, Nakuru
NyahururuLaikipiaNyahururu County Referral Hospital
KabarnetBaringoKabarnet town, next to Baringo County Referral Hospital
ItenElgeyo MarakwetIten town
MosoriotNandiAlong Eldoret–Kapsabet road
KakamegaKakamegaKakamega town, next to Kakamega County Referral Hospital
SigalagalaKakamegaSigalagala area
BungomaBungomaBungoma town, adjacent to Bungoma County Referral Hospital
ChweleBungomaOff Bungoma–Kimilili junction
BusiaBusiaNext to Busia County Referral Hospital, near Kenya-Uganda border
KapenguriaWest PokotAdjacent to Kapenguria County Referral Hospital

Nyanza and Coast:

CampusCountyLocation
KisumuKisumuKisumu town
RachuonyoHoma BayRachuonyo South
Homa BayHoma BayAdjacent to Homa Bay District Hospital
NyamacheKisiiNyamache town, adjacent to Nyamache Sub-County Hospital
BondoSiayaBondo town, next to Bondo District Hospital
MombasaMombasaAlong Sheikh Abdullas F. Road, Mombasa County
MsambweniKwaleMsambweni, Kwale County
KilifiKilifiKilifi town area
GarissaGarissaOff Sankuri Road, Garissa
LoitokitokKajiadoLoitokitok town

Northeastern and Arid Counties:

CampusCountyLocation
LodwarTurkanaLodwar town
IsioloIsioloAdjacent to Isiolo Level 5 Hospital
NginyangBaringoNginyang area
MwingiKitui1km off Mwingi–Garissa road

KMTC Application Process 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Route 1: KUCCPS (Government-Sponsored Students)

The January 2026 application window targeted candidates who sat their KCSE examinations in 2024 or earlier. Applicants who sat KCSE in 2025 will have to wait for the September 2026 intake because they are yet to receive their examination results.

  1. Log into KUCCPS at students.kuccps.net using your KCSE index number and password.
  2. Browse available KMTC programmes — the portal lists all 36 programmes and 98 campuses eligible for placement.
  3. Select your preferred programmes and campuses in order of priority.
  4. Submit your application before the published deadline (January 27, 2026 for the March intake).
  5. Await placement results — successful applicants receive admission letters.
  6. Apply for HELB funding at helb.co.ke to offset your fees.
  7. Report to your campus on the stated reporting date with required documents.

Route 2: Direct / Self-Sponsored Application

  1. Visit kmtc.ac.ke/portal (the KMTC Admissions Portal).
  2. Read the application guidelines carefully before proceeding — both pre-service and in-service guidelines are available on the portal.
  3. Register an account and complete the online application form.
  4. Upload scanned copies of: KCSE certificate, National ID or birth certificate, school leaving certificate, and passport-size photograph.
  5. Indicate your preferred campus and course.
  6. Submit your application and await confirmation by email.
  7. Upon admission, pay fees through the Jiunge platform (Paybill 222222).

Documents required for reporting:

  • Original KCSE certificate and result slip
  • Original National ID or birth certificate
  • Hepatitis B and Typhoid vaccination certificates from a recognised health facility
  • NHIF cover card or parent’s NHIF card
  • Passport photographs (4–6 copies)
  • Admission letter printout

KMTC Intakes 2026

KMTC operates on an academic calendar with two distinct semesters. The first semester begins during early September to late January. The second semester begins in early February to late July.

This translates to two main annual intakes:

IntakeApplication PeriodReporting MonthWho Can Apply
March 2026January 7–27, 2026 (via KUCCPS)March 2026KCSE 2024 and earlier graduates; self-sponsored students
September 2026Mid-year (announced via KMTC portal)September 2026KCSE 2025 graduates + self-sponsored students

The KMTC application portal for the September 2026 intake will be opened later in the year. Monitor kmtc.ac.ke and the KUCCPS portal for official announcements.


Career Opportunities for KMTC Graduates

KMTC graduates are among the most employable professionals in Kenya. The healthcare sector’s chronic shortage of mid-level health workers, combined with the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, ensures sustained demand for qualified KMTC alumni.

Where KMTC graduates work:

  • National and county government hospitals and health centres
  • Mission and faith-based hospitals (AIC, Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist networks)
  • Private hospitals and medical centres
  • NGOs and international organisations (WHO, UNICEF, MSF, AMREF, IRC)
  • Community Health programmes
  • Insurance companies (health insurance processing roles)
  • Overseas employment in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Middle East, and other African countries

Approximate starting salaries in Kenya’s public sector (2026):

ProfessionMonthly Starting Salary (KES)
Clinical Officer40,000 – 65,000
Registered Nurse (KRN/KRCHN)35,000 – 55,000
Medical Laboratory Technologist35,000 – 55,000
Pharmacy Technologist35,000 – 55,000
Physiotherapist40,000 – 65,000
Radiographer40,000 – 65,000
Nutritionist and Dietitian30,000 – 50,000
Health Records Officer25,000 – 45,000
Medical Engineer35,000 – 60,000

Private sector and international employers typically offer significantly higher packages, particularly in the Gulf states, the UK, and North America where Kenyan-trained health workers are actively recruited.


Pros and Cons of Joining KMTC

ProsCons
AffordabilityOne of the cheapest medical training institutions in KenyaIn-service and foreign student fees are significantly higher
Employment rateOver 85% of Kenya’s hospital workforce are KMTC graduatesCompetition for government jobs can be high
Campus network98 campuses in 45 counties — study near homeCampus placement is not always guaranteed to your first preference
International recognitionKMTC graduates work in USA, UK, Canada, Middle EastSome overseas employers require additional credential evaluation
Course variety126+ programmes at multiple levelsNot all courses available at all campuses
Clinical exposureAll campuses located adjacent to hospitalsClinical attachment periods can involve personal living expenses
Intake frequencyTwo intakes per yearMarch intake KUCCPS window is only 3 weeks long
ISO certifiedISO 9001:2015 certification assures qualityQuality of facilities varies between campuses

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much are KMTC fees in 2026?

For regular Kenyan students, KMTC charges KES 82,200 in Year 1 (including a one-time registration fee of KES 2,000 and processing fee of KES 1,500), and KES 78,000 per year in Years 2 and 3. The total cost over a three-year diploma programme is KES 238,200 for regular Kenyan students. East African students pay KES 358,200 over three years, while foreign students and in-service students pay KES 748,200. All payments must be made through the Jiunge platform using Paybill 222222.

2. What is the minimum grade to join KMTC?

For diploma programmes, the minimum KCSE mean grade is C (Plain) with specific cluster subject requirements that vary by course. For certificate programmes, the minimum is C- (Minus), with some programmes accepting D+ when combined with strong performance in specific subjects. The Certificate in Medical Engineering has the most accessible entry at D+ overall.

3. How many KMTC campuses are there in Kenya?

As of the March 2026 intake, KMTC operates 98 campuses nationwide, spread across 45 of Kenya’s 47 counties. Kirinyaga and Samburu are the only counties without a KMTC campus. The main campus and headquarters is located along Old Mbagathi Road in Nairobi.

4. When is the next KMTC intake in 2026?

There are two KMTC intakes in 2026. The March 2026 intake opened applications on January 7, 2026 and closed on January 27, 2026 via the KUCCPS portal — it is available for KCSE 2024 and earlier graduates. The September 2026 intake will open later in the year and will include KCSE 2025 graduates. Monitor kmtc.ac.ke and kuccps.ac.ke for the exact September application dates.

5. Can I choose which KMTC campus to attend?

Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS may not get their preferred campus, as placement depends on available vacancies. Self-sponsored (privately sponsored) students have more flexibility to indicate their preferred campus on the KMTC admissions portal. Campus selection is subject to availability of the chosen programme at the requested location.

6. Does KMTC offer nursing courses?

Yes. KMTC offers several nursing programmes: Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing, Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing and Midwifery, Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing, and the Certificate in Community Health Nursing (ECHN). All require a minimum KCSE mean grade of C (Plain) with passes in English/Kiswahili and the relevant science subjects.

7. Can I get a HELB loan for KMTC?

Yes. HELB loans are available to eligible students at KMTC. You can apply at helb.co.ke after receiving your admission letter. HELB TVET loans for KMTC students typically range from KES 35,000 to KES 60,000 per year, depending on programme level and assessed financial need. Additionally, apply for county bursaries and NG-CDF bursaries from your local offices simultaneously.

8. What is the most marketable KMTC course?

Based on employment rates, salary prospects, and demand in both Kenya and overseas labour markets, the most marketable KMTC courses in 2026 are: Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing, Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Diploma in Pharmacy, and Diploma in Physiotherapy. KMTC’s own leadership has publicly cited pharmacy as one of the most marketable healthcare careers, given growing demand in both public health facilities and private pharmacies across Kenya.


Final Verdict

KMTC is not just the cheapest route to a medical career in Kenya — it is the most direct, most nationally distributed, and most employment-certain path for students who want to work in healthcare. With 98 campuses, over 126 courses, two annual intakes, and a fee structure that costs under KES 240,000 for a full three-year diploma, KMTC remains the benchmark for accessible medical training in East Africa.

The key to getting in is preparation: understand the exact KCSE cluster subject requirements for your preferred course, apply through KUCCPS the moment the window opens (it closes fast), and submit your HELB and bursary applications simultaneously. Competition for the most popular programmes — clinical medicine, nursing, and pharmacy — is intense. Apply accurately, apply early, and apply to multiple programmes in order of preference.

For students who qualify, there are few better investments in Kenya than a KMTC diploma.

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