Complete Guide to KMTC Courses and KCSE Requirements 2026: Entry Grades, Fees, and Application Process

Comprehensive Breakdown of Certificate, Diploma, and Higher Diploma Programmes at Kenya Medical Training College with Specific Subject Grade Requirements

Kenya Medical Training College stands as the country’s premier institution for training middle-level healthcare professionals, operating 98 campuses nationwide and offering pathways from certificate through higher diploma qualifications. The March 2026 intake has opened 21,774 training vacancies across 36 programmes, creating unprecedented opportunities for KCSE graduates from 2000 through 2024 to access quality medical education.

Understanding the specific grade requirements for each programme enables prospective students to make informed course selections aligned with their KCSE performance, maximizing admission chances while pursuing career aspirations in Kenya’s expanding healthcare sector.

Understanding KMTC’s Entry Grade System

The Kenya Medical Training College structures its admission requirements across distinct qualification levels, each demanding specific KCSE mean grades combined with targeted subject performance in cluster subjects critical to medical practice.

Primary Qualification Categories

Diploma Programmes represent the institution’s flagship offerings, requiring KCSE mean grades of C (Plain) as the baseline qualification. These three-year integrated programmes prepare graduates for professional registration with regulatory bodies including the Nursing Council of Kenya, Clinical Officers Council, and Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board.

Certificate Programmes provide entry points for students achieving C- (Minus) mean grades, with select courses accepting D+ (Plus) qualifications when combined with strong performance in specific cluster subjects. These two-year programmes deliver focused technical training enabling graduates to work as healthcare assistants across various specializations.

Higher Diploma Programmes target practicing professionals holding relevant diplomas who seek advanced specialization, typically requiring credit or distinction passes in foundational diploma qualifications combined with professional registration and work experience.

Diploma Programmes: Complete Requirements Breakdown

Diploma qualifications at KMTC demand C (Plain) mean grades supplemented by specific cluster subject achievements that vary according to programme specialization. The 2026 intake offers 27 diploma programmes across clinical medicine, nursing, laboratory sciences, allied health, and health management disciplines.

1. Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery

This flagship programme trains clinical officers who provide essential medical services in hospitals, clinics, and community health facilities across Kenya.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)
• Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Bondo, Busia, Eldoret, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Iten, Kabarnet, Kakamega, Kapenguria, Kapkatet, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Loitokitok, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Msambweni, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Port Reitz, Shianda-Mumias, Sigowet, Teso, Thika, Voi, Webuye (35 campuses)

This programme consistently ranks among the most competitive KMTC offerings, with graduates achieving employment rates exceeding 95 percent within six months of completion. Clinical officers work in government hospitals, private facilities, NGO health programmes, and increasingly in telemedicine platforms expanding healthcare access.

2. Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing

Community health nursing represents the largest nursing category in Kenya’s health workforce, with graduates delivering preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services in communities, health centers, and hospitals.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: 45 locations including Bomet, Bondo, Bungoma, Busia, Chemolingot, Chuka, Eldoret, Embu, Garissa, Gatundu, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Iten, Kabarnet, Kakamega, Kakamega-Navakholo, Kapenguria, Kapkatet, Kaptumo, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitale, Kitui, Kuria, Lake Victoria, Lodwar, Loitokitok, Machakos, Makindu, Makueni, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Mosoriot, Msambweni, Murang’a, Mwingi, Nairobi, Nakuru, Narok, Nyahururu, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Port Reitz, Rachuonyo, Siaya, Sigowet, Thika, Voi, Webuye

The extensive campus network ensures geographic accessibility, enabling students to train close to home communities while gaining practical experience in diverse healthcare settings.

3. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences

Medical laboratory technologists perform diagnostic tests essential for disease detection, treatment monitoring, and public health surveillance, making this programme critical to Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)
• Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Embu, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitui, Kombewa, Lake Victoria, Machakos, Meru, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Port Reitz (12 campuses)

Graduates from this programme achieve strong employment outcomes, with demand driven by expansion of county hospital laboratories, private diagnostic centers, research institutions, and blood bank facilities nationwide.

4. Diploma in Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical technologists dispense medications, counsel patients, manage drug supplies, and ensure pharmaceutical care quality in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Kakamega, Kisumu, Manza, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri (7 campuses)

Pharmacy graduates benefit from regulatory protection ensuring only registered pharmaceutical technologists may dispense prescription medications, creating stable career pathways with competitive compensation.

5. Diploma in Radiography and Imaging

Radiographers operate diagnostic imaging equipment including X-rays, CT scanners, MRI machines, and ultrasound devices, providing physicians with critical diagnostic information for treatment planning.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Mathematics A: C (Plain)

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Bungoma, Eldoret, Homa Bay, Kapkatet, Kisumu, Manza, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Siaya (11 campuses)

The expanding installation of advanced imaging equipment in county hospitals drives sustained demand for qualified radiographers, with specialized opportunities in interventional radiology, mammography, and nuclear medicine emerging for experienced practitioners.

6. Diploma in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists assess and treat patients with movement disorders, injuries, and disabilities, providing rehabilitation services essential for recovery from accidents, strokes, sports injuries, and surgical procedures.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain) for Subject 3
• Chemistry or Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain) for Subject 4

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Gatundu, Homa Bay, Machakos, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyamira, Nyeri, Port Reitz (8 campuses)

Kenya’s aging population, increasing road traffic accidents, and growing awareness of rehabilitation services drive expanding career opportunities for physiotherapy graduates in hospitals, sports medicine facilities, private practices, and community-based rehabilitation programmes.

7. Diploma in Dental Technology

Dental technologists design, fabricate, and repair dental prosthetics including dentures, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances, working in dental laboratories attached to hospitals or independent commercial facilities.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Mathematics A or Metalwork or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Nairobi, Nakuru (2 campuses)

Limited training capacity relative to demand creates favorable employment prospects for dental technology graduates, with opportunities spanning public hospital laboratories, private dental laboratories, and increasingly, digital dental manufacturing facilities.

8. Diploma in Medical Engineering

Medical engineering technologists install, maintain, calibrate, and repair sophisticated medical equipment essential for modern healthcare delivery, from ventilators to imaging machines to laboratory analyzers.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Mathematics A: C (Plain)
• Physics or Physical Sciences: C- (Minus)
• Biology or Biological Sciences or Chemistry or Design and Related Drawing or Electricity or Metalwork: D+ (Plus)

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Eldoret, Meru, Nairobi (3 campuses)

The increasing sophistication of medical equipment in Kenyan hospitals creates sustained demand for qualified medical engineering technologists, with specialized career pathways emerging in dialysis equipment, therapeutic equipment, and diagnostic machinery maintenance.

9. Diploma in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover, or maintain daily living and working skills, providing crucial rehabilitation services for individuals with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C- (Minus)
• Agriculture or Chemistry or Home Science or Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: C (Plain)

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Lugari, Machakos, Makindu, Makueni-Mbuvo, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyamache, Teso, Ugunja (10 campuses)

Kenya’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities drives government commitment to rehabilitation services, creating expanding employment opportunities for occupational therapy graduates in special needs schools, rehabilitation centers, and community-based programmes.

10. Diploma in Orthopaedic Technology

Orthopaedic technologists fabricate, fit, and maintain orthopaedic devices including prosthetics, orthoses, braces, and specialized footwear, enabling mobility and function for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C (Plain)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Design and Related Drawing or Mathematics A or Metalwork or Physics or Physical Sciences or Woodwork: C- (Minus) for Subject 3
• Chemistry or Design and Related Drawing or Mathematics A or Metalwork or Physics or Physical Sciences or Woodwork: C (Plain) for Subject 4

Programme Duration: 3 years

Available Campuses: Kisumu, Machakos, Nairobi, Port Reitz (4 campuses)

Additional Diploma Programmes

Diploma in Optometry (Nairobi, Ugunja):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C, Mathematics A C, Biology/Biological Sciences C-, Physics/Physical Sciences C

Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine (8 campuses):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C, Biology/Biological Sciences C, Chemistry/Mathematics A/Physics/Physical Sciences C

Diploma in Public Health (Karuri, Nairobi):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C, Biology/Biological Sciences C, Mathematics A C-, Chemistry/Physics/Physical Sciences C

Diploma in Health Records and Information Technology (5 campuses):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C, Mathematics A C, Biology/Biological Sciences D+, plus one additional cluster subject at C

Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics (4 campuses):

• Mean Grade C-, English/Kiswahili D+, Biology/Biological Sciences D+, Chemistry/Physical Sciences D+, plus one additional cluster subject at D

Diploma in Community Oral Health (Mosoriot, Nairobi):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C, Biology/Biological Sciences C, two additional cluster subjects at C

Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy (Nairobi):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C-, Biology/Biological Sciences C-, Chemistry/Mathematics A/Physics C

Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing (Gatundu):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C, Biology/Biological Sciences C, Chemistry/Mathematics A/Physics/Physical Sciences C

Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing and Midwifery (4 campuses):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C, Biology/Biological Sciences C, Chemistry/Mathematics A/Physics/Physical Sciences C

Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing, Mental Health and Psychiatry (3 campuses):

• Mean Grade C, English/Kiswahili C, Biology/Biological Sciences C, Chemistry/Mathematics A/Physics/Physical Sciences C

Certificate Programmes: Accessible Entry Points

Certificate programmes at KMTC provide accessible pathways for students who achieved C- (Minus) or in specific cases D+ (Plus) mean grades, enabling entry into healthcare careers through focused two-year training programmes.

Certificate Programmes Requiring D+ Mean Grade

Three certificate programmes accept candidates with D+ (Plus) mean grades when combined with adequate cluster subject performance, representing the most accessible entry points into KMTC training.

1. Certificate in Health Insurance Management

This programme, recently revised to lower Biology requirements from D+ to D (Plain), prepares graduates to support Kenya’s transition to Universal Health Coverage through the Social Health Insurance system.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: D+ (Plus)
• English or Kiswahili: D+ (Plus)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: D (Plain)
• Agriculture or Business Studies or Chemistry or Design and Related Drawing or Electricity or Home Science or Physics or Woodwork: D (Plain)

Available Campuses: Bondo, Chwele, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyamache, Nyeri, Rachuonyo, Rera, Webuye (10 campuses)

2. Certificate in Medical Engineering

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: D+ (Plus)
• English or Kiswahili: D+ (Plus)
• Mathematics A: D (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences or Chemistry or Physics or Physical Sciences: D (Plain)

Available Campuses: Bomet, Eldoret, Embu, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu, Lake Victoria, Loitokitok, Makindu, Meru, Nairobi (11 campuses)

3. Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: D+ (Plus)
• English or Kiswahili: D+ (Plus)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: D (Plain)
• Chemistry or Physical Sciences: D (Plain)
• Agriculture or Geography or Home Science or Mathematics A or Physics: D (Plain)

Available Campuses: Chwele, Kabarnet, Karen-Nairobi, Kwale, Lodwar, Makueni-Mbuvo, Molo, Rera, Thika (9 campuses)

Certificate Programmes Requiring C- Mean Grade

The majority of certificate programmes demand C- (Minus) mean grades with varying cluster subject requirements reflecting programme specializations.

1. Certificate in Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nursing (KECHN)

This programme trains enrolled nurses who work under supervision of registered nurses, providing essential nursing care in health centers, dispensaries, and hospital wards.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C- (Minus)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: D+ (Plus)

Available Campuses: Bomet, Garissa, Isiolo, Kabarnet, Kapenguria, Kilifi, Kitui, Loitokitok, Msambweni, Wajir (10 campuses)

2. Certificate in Community Health Assistant

Community health assistants work in grassroots health facilities and community outreach programmes, providing health education, basic curative services, and linking communities with formal health systems.

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C- (Minus)
• English or Kiswahili: D+ (Plus)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: D (Plain)
• Agriculture or Chemistry or Home Science or Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: D (Plain)

Available Campuses: 38 locations including Awendo, Chemolingot, Embu, Imenti, Isiolo, Kakamega, Kakamega-Navakholo, Kangema, Kangundo, Kapenguria, Kerio Valley, Kinangop, Kitui-Mutomo, Kuria, Kwale, Lake Victoria, Lodwar, Lugari, Makueni-Mbuvo, Mandera, Manza, Marimanti, Maua, Mosoriot, Nairobi, Ndhiwa, Nyahururu, Nyamache, Othaya, Rachuonyo, Rera, Tana River, Teso, Trans-Mara, Ugunja, Vihiga

3. Certificate in Public Health

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C- (Minus)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Chemistry or Mathematics A or Physics or Physical Sciences: D (Plain)

Available Campuses: Kabarnet, Karuri, Kitui, Kuria, Kwale, Lake Victoria, Manza, Nyeri, Taveta, Trans-Mara (10 campuses)

4. Certificate in Orthopaedic Trauma Medicine

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C- (Minus)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: C (Plain)
• Agriculture or Chemistry or Computer Studies or Design and Related Drawing or Home Science or Mathematics A or Metalwork or Physics or Physical Sciences or Woodwork: D+ (Plus)

Available Campuses: 26 locations including Bungoma, Burnt Forest, Busia, Butula, Chuka, Homa Bay, Homa Bay-Mbita Satellite, Kakamega, Kakamega-Ikolomani Satellite, Kakamega-Navakholo, Kangundo, Kapenguria, Kaptumo, Kisii, Loitokitok, Makindu, Makueni, Mbooni, Meru-Miathene Satellite, Murang’a, Nakuru, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri-Mukuruweini Satellite, Port Reitz, Rachuonyo, Shianda-Mumias, Sigowet, Taveta, Trans-Mara, Vihiga, Yatta

5. Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C- (Minus)
• English or Kiswahili: C (Plain)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: D (Plain)
• Mathematics A: D (Plain)
• Agriculture or Business Studies or Chemistry or Computer Studies or Commerce or Economics or Geography or Geography and Science or Home Science or Physics or Physical Sciences: D+ (Plus)

Available Campuses: 26 locations including Bondo, Chemolingot, Imenti, Kangema, Kapenguria, Kaptumo, Kitui, Kuria, Lamu, Loitokitok, Lugari, Makueni-Mbuvo, Maua, Mbooni, Molo, Mombasa, Nairobi, Narok, Ndhiwa, Nyamache, Othaya, Rera, Siaya, Tana River, Ugenya, Voi, Webuye

6. Certificate in Medical Emergency Technician

Entry Requirements:

• Mean Grade: C- (Minus)
• Biology or Biological Sciences: D (Plain)

Available Campuses: 24 locations including Awendo, Bungoma, Burnt Forest, Chwele, Garissa, Gatundu, Isiolo, Kakamega, Kakamega-Malaba Satellite, Kangema, Kapenguria, Kaptumo, Kerio Valley, Lugari, Makindu, Makueni, Makueni-Mbuvo, Mandera, Mbooni, Mwingi, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Port Reitz, Rera, Tana River, Taveta, Thika, Ugenya, Webuye, Yatta

Upgrading Pathways: Certificate to Diploma Progression

KMTC operates comprehensive articulation pathways enabling certificate holders to upgrade to diploma qualifications, typically reducing the standard three-year diploma duration to two years through recognition of prior learning.

General Upgrading Requirements

Certificate holders seeking diploma upgrading must typically demonstrate:

Professional Registration: Current registration with relevant regulatory bodies (Nursing Council, Clinical Officers Council, Laboratory Technicians Board, etc.)

Work Experience: Minimum periods ranging from one to three years depending on programme, verified through employer letters and pay slips

Academic Performance: Credit or distinction passes in certificate programmes, ensuring foundational competencies support diploma-level study

Specific Cluster Subjects: KCSE performance meeting diploma entry requirements for cluster subjects, even when original certificate entry used lower thresholds

Common Upgrading Pathways

Certificate in Nursing to Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing: Most popular upgrading pathway, enabling enrolled nurses to become registered nurses with expanded scope of practice and career advancement opportunities

Certificate in Clinical Medicine to Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery: Limited availability with highly competitive selection due to restricted training capacity

Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology to Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences: Direct pathway enabling laboratory assistants to become fully qualified medical laboratory technologists

Certificate in Pharmacy to Diploma in Pharmacy: Enables pharmacy assistants to become registered pharmaceutical technologists authorized for independent practice

Higher Diploma Programmes: Advanced Specialization

Higher diploma programmes represent postgraduate specializations for diploma holders seeking advanced practice capabilities, typically requiring two years of part-time study while maintaining employment.

Entry Requirements

Higher diploma admission generally demands:

• Diploma qualification in relevant field with credit or distinction pass
• Professional registration with regulatory body
• Minimum two years post-qualification work experience
• Employer support letter for in-service candidates
• KCSE mean grade of C- (Minus) minimum

Available Higher Diploma Specializations

Clinical Medicine Specializations:

• Higher Diploma in Accident and Emergency Medicine
• Higher Diploma in Anesthesia
• Higher Diploma in Dermatology
• Higher Diploma in ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
• Higher Diploma in Ophthalmology
• Higher Diploma in Orthopedics and Trauma
• Higher Diploma in Pediatrics
• Higher Diploma in Psychiatry

Nursing Specializations:

• Higher Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
• Higher Diploma in Oncology Nursing
• Higher Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing
• Higher Diploma in Theatre Nursing
• Higher Diploma in Renal Nursing

Medical Laboratory Specializations:

• Higher Diploma in Medical Microbiology
• Higher Diploma in Haematology and Blood Transfusion
• Higher Diploma in Clinical Chemistry
• Higher Diploma in Histopathology

Medical Engineering:

• Higher Diploma in Dialysis Equipment
• Higher Diploma in Therapeutic Equipment

Application Process and Procedures

The 2026 application process operates entirely through digital platforms, eliminating paper-based submissions and enabling efficient processing of thousands of applications.

KUCCPS Application Portal (Government-Sponsored)

Students seeking government-sponsored placement must apply through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service portal at students.kuccps.ac.ke following these steps:

1. Portal Access and Registration

Applicants log into the KUCCPS Student Portal using their KCSE index number, examination year, and either KCPE certificate number or birth certificate number for authentication. New users create accounts through the registration interface.

2. Programme Selection

The system displays all KMTC programmes for which the applicant qualifies based on KCSE performance. Applicants review minimum requirements carefully, comparing their specific cluster subject grades against programme demands before making selections.

Candidates can select multiple programmes in order of preference, with the system automatically matching qualifications against requirements to prevent invalid applications.

3. Campus Preferences

For programmes offered across multiple campuses, applicants indicate preferred training locations. However, final placement may assign students to any campus offering their selected programme based on capacity and distribution priorities.

4. Application Submission

After reviewing all selections, applicants submit completed applications through the portal. The system generates confirmation receipts that should be saved or printed for record-keeping.

5. Placement Communication

KUCCPS communicates placement decisions through multiple channels:

• Email notifications to registered addresses
• SMS alerts to registered mobile numbers
• Portal updates visible when logging into student accounts
• Public announcements through media platforms

KMTC Direct Application Portal (Self-Sponsored)

Students pursuing self-sponsored training apply directly through the KMTC admissions portal at www.kmtc.ac.ke/portal following distinct procedures:

1. Account Creation

Applicants register new accounts using valid email addresses, creating secure passwords and providing basic biographical information including national ID or birth certificate numbers.

2. Programme Selection

Self-sponsored applicants select desired programmes from available options, with the system highlighting entry requirements for verification against KCSE performance.

3. Application Fee Payment

A non-refundable application fee of KSh 2,000 is payable via M-Pesa to pay bill number 964150. Applicants follow the payment procedure outlined on the KMTC website, entering their application reference number as the account number.

4. Document Upload

Scanned copies of required documents are uploaded directly through the portal:

• KCSE certificate or result slip
• National ID card or birth certificate
• Passport-size photograph
• Any additional certificates for upgrading applicants

5. Application Review

KMTC admissions officers review applications, verify document authenticity, and communicate admission decisions directly to applicants via email and SMS.

Required Documents

All applicants must prepare the following documents in scanned format:

Academic Credentials:

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education certificate or result slip
• Certificate qualifications for upgrading applicants
• Diploma certificates for higher diploma applicants
• Academic transcripts showing detailed performance

Identification Documents:

• National identification card (for Kenyan citizens over 18)
• Birth certificate (for applicants under 18)
• Passport (for international applicants)

Professional Documents (Upgrading/Higher Diploma):

• Current professional registration certificate
• Employer support letter
• Detailed CV showing work experience
• Pay slips or employment contracts verifying experience duration

Supporting Materials:

• Recent passport-size color photograph
• Medical examination certificate (may be required post-admission)
• Good conduct certificate (may be required for specific programmes)

Application Deadlines

March 2026 Intake:

• Application Period: January 7 – January 27, 2026
• Target Students: KCSE graduates from 2000-2024

September 2026 Intake:

• Application Period: To be announced
• Target Students: 2025 KCSE graduates plus earlier cohorts

KUCCPS and KMTC strongly advise early application submission to avoid last-minute system congestion that may prevent timely completion of applications before deadline closure.

Fee Structure and Financial Planning

KMTC operates distinct fee structures for government-sponsored (regular) students placed through KUCCPS and self-sponsored students who apply directly, with significant cost differences reflecting government subsidies.

Government-Sponsored Student Fees (2025/2026)

Students placed through KUCCPS benefit from government subsidies that substantially reduce training costs across all programmes.

Certificate and Diploma Programmes – Year 1:

First Semester:

• Registration Fee: KSh 2,000
• Processing Fee: KSh 1,500
• Activity Fee: KSh 1,000
• Examination Fee: KSh 5,000
• Library and ICT Services: KSh 2,000
• Tuition Fee: KSh 25,000
• Research and Development Fee: KSh 2,500
• Maintenance Fee: KSh 5,000
• Student Identity Card: KSh 700
• First Semester Total: KSh 44,700

Second Semester:

• Activity Fee: KSh 1,000
• Examination Fee: KSh 5,000
• Library and ICT Services: KSh 2,000
• Tuition Fee: KSh 25,000
• Research and Development Fee: KSh 2,500
• Maintenance Fee: KSh 5,000
• Second Semester Total: KSh 40,500

Year 1 Total: KSh 85,200

Certificate and Diploma Programmes – Year 2:

• First Semester: KSh 40,500
• Second Semester: KSh 40,500
• Year 2 Total: KSh 81,000

Certificate Programmes – Total Cost: Approximately KSh 166,200 over two years

Diploma Programmes – Year 3:

• First Semester: KSh 40,500
• Second Semester: KSh 40,500
• Year 3 Total: KSh 81,000

Diploma Programmes – Total Cost: Approximately KSh 247,200 over three years

Programme-Specific Additional Charges

Certain programmes require specialized materials and equipment that attract additional costs:

Community Health Nursing:

• Skills Lab Fee: KSh 1,500 (Year 1)

Clinical Medicine and Surgery:

• Skills Lab Fee: KSh 2,750 (Year 1)

Nutrition and Dietetics:

• Student Logbook: KSh 500

Environmental Health Sciences:

• Student Logbook: KSh 500

Self-Sponsored Student Fees

Self-sponsored students who apply directly through KMTC portal pay higher fees reflecting full cost recovery:

The fee structure for self-sponsored students generally ranges from KSh 78,000 to KSh 252,200 annually depending on programme specialization, with more resource-intensive programmes like Clinical Medicine, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and specialized diploma programmes commanding premium pricing.

Specific self-sponsored fee structures vary by programme and should be verified directly through the KMTC admissions office or official fee structure documents published on the college website.

Additional Costs Beyond Tuition

Students must budget for expenses beyond the official fee structure:

Accommodation: KMTC campuses offer hostel accommodation in single, double, and triple-occupancy rooms, with pricing varying by campus location and room type. Charges are paid directly to campus administrations upon reporting.

Meals: Cafeteria meals are available at campus dining facilities, with costs paid directly by students. Meal plans and pricing vary across campuses.

Personal Equipment: Students purchase specialized equipment required for their programmes:

• Stethoscopes for nursing and clinical medicine students (KSh 2,000-5,000)
• Laboratory coats and protective equipment (KSh 1,500-3,000)
• Medical uniforms and shoes (KSh 3,000-5,000)
• Textbooks and reference materials (KSh 10,000-20,000 per year)

Practical Attachments: Clinical and field attachments may incur transportation and accommodation costs when placements occur away from training campuses. Students should budget KSh 5,000-15,000 for attachment-related expenses.

Research Projects: Final-year research projects require budget allocations for data collection, materials, printing, and binding, typically ranging from KSh 3,000-8,000.

Financial Assistance Through HELB

Government-sponsored students placed through KUCCPS qualify for Higher Education Loans Board funding that covers tuition fees and living expenses.

HELB Loan Application:

Placed students apply for HELB loans through the board’s online portal at www.helb.co.ke following these steps:

1. Create HELB account using KCSE index number
2. Complete loan application form with family financial information
3. Upload required supporting documents (parent/guardian ID copies, pay slips, etc.)
4. Submit application for processing
5. Await approval notification and disbursement schedule

Loan Components:

HELB provides both tuition fee loans paid directly to KMTC and upkeep loans deposited into student bank accounts for accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.

Repayment Obligations:

Graduates begin loan repayment one year after course completion or upon securing formal employment, whichever comes first. Monthly deductions typically range from 4-6 percent of gross salary depending on loan amount.

Career Prospects and Employment Outcomes

KMTC graduates enter Kenya’s healthcare workforce with strong employment prospects driven by expanding health infrastructure, Universal Health Coverage implementation, and persistent health worker shortages across the country.

Employment Sectors

Public Health Facilities:

County governments employ the majority of KMTC graduates in hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries distributed across all 47 counties. Recent government commitments to achieving WHO-recommended health worker-to-population ratios drive sustained recruitment.

Private Healthcare Providers:

Private hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and diagnostic centers offer competitive compensation and professional development opportunities, particularly in urban areas where private healthcare markets continue expanding.

Faith-Based Health Facilities:

Mission hospitals and church-affiliated health facilities maintain substantial healthcare delivery networks, employing significant numbers of nursing, clinical, and allied health professionals.

Non-Governmental Organizations:

International and local NGOs operating health programmes recruit graduates for community health, HIV/AIDS services, reproductive health, nutrition, and disease control initiatives.

Corporate Occupational Health:

Large employers including manufacturing companies, agricultural estates, and hospitality businesses maintain occupational health clinics staffed by clinical officers, nurses, and environmental health professionals.

Salary Expectations

Entry-level salaries vary significantly across employment sectors and geographic locations:

Government Employment:

County government health workers receive standardized salaries based on qualification levels and job groups:

• Enrolled nurses (Certificate): KSh 23,000-30,000 monthly
• Registered nurses (Diploma): KSh 32,000-45,000 monthly
• Clinical officers (Diploma): KSh 35,000-48,000 monthly
• Medical laboratory technologists (Diploma): KSh 32,000-45,000 monthly
• Pharmaceutical technologists (Diploma): KSh 32,000-42,000 monthly

Private Sector Employment:

Private facilities offer variable compensation often exceeding government rates in competitive urban markets:

• Certificate holders: KSh 25,000-40,000 monthly
• Diploma holders: KSh 35,000-60,000 monthly
• Specialized diploma holders: KSh 40,000-80,000 monthly

NGO Employment:

Non-governmental organizations typically provide competitive salaries combined with additional benefits including housing allowances, transportation, medical coverage, and professional development support.

Professional Advancement

KMTC qualifications provide foundations for vertical career progression through additional education and specialization:

Certificate to Diploma Upgrading:

Certificate holders advance to diploma qualifications through upgrading programmes, increasing earning potential, expanding scope of practice, and accessing supervisory roles.

Diploma to Degree Progression:

Diploma graduates can pursue university degrees in nursing, public health, health systems management, and related fields through recognition of prior learning that reduces degree programme duration.

Specialized Higher Diplomas:

Experienced practitioners obtain higher diploma qualifications in specializations like critical care, anesthesia, oncology, or medical microbiology, enabling advanced practice roles with premium compensation.

Professional Registration and Advancement:

Regulatory bodies including the Nursing Council and Clinical Officers Council offer multiple registration levels tied to qualifications and experience, with advancement creating salary progression and expanded professional autonomy.

Campus Network and Geographic Distribution

KMTC’s 98-campus network ensures geographic accessibility across all regions of Kenya, enabling students to access quality medical training close to home communities.

Regional Distribution

Nairobi and Central Region:

The Nairobi campus serves as KMTC’s flagship facility offering the widest range of programmes including specialized diplomas available only at select locations. Central region campuses including Murang’a, Thika, and Nyeri provide comprehensive training options serving densely populated areas.

Western Region:

Extensive campus networks in Western Kenya including Kakamega, Bungoma, Webuye, Shianda-Mumias, Butula, and Busia deliver training accessible to communities in the region while addressing health worker shortages in rural facilities.

Rift Valley Region:

Campuses spanning the expansive Rift Valley including Eldoret, Nakuru, Kabarnet, Kapenguria, Iten, Mosoriot, Narok, and Lodwar ensure training access across diverse geographic and demographic contexts.

Coast Region:

Mombasa, Kilifi, Msambweni, Kwale, Lamu, and Malindi campuses serve coastal communities while addressing unique health challenges including tropical diseases and tourism-related health service demands.

Eastern Region:

Campuses in Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, and surrounding areas deliver training supporting health service expansion in the semi-arid Eastern region.

Nyanza Region:

Lake Victoria basin campuses including Kisumu, Kisii, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, and Bondo provide comprehensive training addressing high disease burdens and health worker shortages characteristic of the region.

North Eastern Region:

Campuses in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, and Isiolo deliver culturally appropriate training for pastoralist communities while addressing extreme health worker shortages in historically underserved counties.

Satellite and Community-Based Training

KMTC operates satellite campuses within county hospitals, enabling students to gain clinical experience in working health facilities from the beginning of training. This community-based education model improves learning outcomes while distributing health workers more equitably across the country.

Registration and Regulatory Requirements

All KMTC graduates must obtain professional registration before practicing in their respective fields, with regulatory bodies establishing practice standards and enforcing professional conduct.

Nursing Council of Kenya

The Nursing Council registers and licenses all nursing professionals including:

• Enrolled community health nurses (certificate holders)
• Registered community health nurses (diploma holders)
• Registered nurses and midwives

Registration requires:

• Original KMTC diploma or certificate
• KCSE certificate
• National ID card
• Registration fee (approximately KSh 3,000-5,000)
• Annual retention fees for license maintenance

Clinical Officers Council

Clinical officers must register with the Clinical Officers Council, submitting:

• Original diploma in clinical medicine and surgery
• KCSE certificate
• Good conduct certificate
• Registration and licensing fees

The council issues practicing licenses valid for annual renewal, with continuing professional development requirements for license maintenance.

Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board

Medical laboratory professionals register according to qualification level:

• Medical laboratory technologists (diploma holders)
• Medical laboratory technicians (certificate holders)

Pharmacy and Poisons Board

Pharmaceutical technologists register with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, obtaining licenses authorizing dispensing of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Other Professional Bodies

Specialized practitioners register with relevant councils:

• Radiographers with the Radiographers Registration Board
• Physiotherapists with the Physiotherapy Council
• Occupational therapists with the Occupational Therapy Council
• Nutritionists with the Kenya Nutritionists and Dietitians Institute

Tips for Successful KMTC Applications

Strategic application approaches increase admission chances in KMTC’s competitive selection process.

Grade Calculation Verification

Applicants should carefully verify their KCSE mean grades and cluster subject grades match programme requirements. Even marginal shortfalls in single subjects disqualify applications, making accurate self-assessment critical.

Programme Selection Strategy

When applying through KUCCPS, candidates should select multiple programmes in descending order of preference, ensuring all selections fall within qualification ranges. This strategy maximizes placement chances when first-choice programmes reach capacity.

Campus Location Considerations

Applicants should realistically assess willingness to train far from home communities. While preferring specific campuses is reasonable, inflexibility regarding campus assignment may reduce placement chances when preferred locations fill quickly.

Application Timing

Early application submission provides buffer periods for addressing technical issues or document problems before deadline closure. Last-minute applications risk missing deadlines due to system congestion or unexpected technical difficulties.

Document Quality

Scanned documents should be clear, properly oriented, and completely visible. Poor quality scans may delay processing or result in application rejection for inability to verify credentials.

Alternative Pathways

Students who narrowly miss programme requirements should consider:

• Certificate programmes as entry points enabling later diploma upgrading
• Related programmes with lower requirements that offer similar career pathways
• Retaking KCSE to improve grades (though this delays entry by one year)
• Private medical training colleges offering similar programmes

Financial Preparation

Successful applicants should begin financial planning immediately upon placement notification. HELB loan processing takes several weeks, requiring proactive application to ensure funding availability for first-semester fees.

Conclusion: Accessing Quality Medical Training

Kenya Medical Training College represents Kenya’s primary pathway for entry into middle-level healthcare careers, offering accessible, affordable, quality training that produces competent professionals essential to the country’s health system functioning.

The 2026 intake’s 21,774 available positions across 36 programmes create unprecedented opportunities for KCSE graduates spanning two decades of examination cohorts to access medical training regardless of when they completed secondary education.

Understanding specific grade requirements, carefully matching KCSE performance against programme demands, completing applications accurately and punctually, and planning financially for training costs enables prospective students to navigate the admission process successfully and embark on rewarding healthcare careers serving communities across Kenya.

The expanding healthcare infrastructure, Universal Health Coverage implementation, aging population dynamics, and persistent health worker shortages ensure strong employment prospects and career advancement opportunities for KMTC graduates who demonstrate professional competence, commitment to service, and dedication to lifelong learning in the dynamic healthcare sector.

Information current as of January 2026. Applicants should verify all requirements, deadlines, and fees through official KUCCPS and KMTC channels before submitting applications, as policies and structures may change. Contact KUCCPS at 020 5137400 or 0713 924 444, or email info@kuccps.ac.ke for placement inquiries. Contact KMTC at 0736993813, 0736212060, 0723000429, or 0723004516, or email [email protected] for programme-specific questions.