The Treasury has released Sh500 million to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to resume financial support for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students, whose funding had been halted due to austerity measures in the 2023/2024 financial year.

This new funding, included in the April 2025 Supplementary Budget, will be disbursed immediately, providing relief to students whose training had been at risk.

KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr Kelly Oluoch confirmed that the HELB portal is now open for applications and urged eligible students to apply before the deadline on June 24, 2025.

“The HELB portal is now open, and students interested in applying for the financial support can do so starting today. The application window will remain open until June 24, 2025,” he said.

The return of this support follows persistent lobbying by KMTC and engagement with government agencies. Dr Oluoch explained that the lack of funding had placed a heavy burden on students and threatened their ability to continue training.

“This compelled the College to intensify engagements with key institutions, including the Ministry of Health and the Parliamentary Committee on Health, to advocate for the reinstatement of the funding,” he added.

KMTC students had benefited from HELB loans until funding cuts in the last financial year, a move caused by government efforts to reduce public spending. The new allocation comes after coordinated efforts across government. At the opening of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference on June 4, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale promised to prioritise unlocking funds to support struggling students.

To further support learners, KMTC has taken steps to mobilise resources internally. Dr Oluoch said the College has created a dedicated student funding kitty and is working with alumni to encourage contributions that will help future healthcare professionals.