The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has officially launched its academic 2020/21 academic year with roughly 9,000 students enrolled.
During the virtual orientation for the new students held on September 15, 2020, KMTC Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Michael Kiptoo, said the college has partnered with the Kenya Education Network (KENET) to ensure learners, as well as the faculty, have access to the internet through discounted data bundles.
“COVID-19 outbreak has proven to us that we need highly skilled frontline healthcare workers to fight emerging diseases. As a college, we will continue to equip our students with the latest skills to enable them to deliver on their mandate,” said Prof. Kiptoo.
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He told the learners that human resources for health remain a key pillar in the realisation of Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.
The virtual orientation was streamed live via KMTC's social media outlets.
The medical college offers certificate, diploma, and higher diploma courses, and partners with public hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, for its mandatory practicums.
KMTC's new cohort boasts over 41,000 students who are currently enrolled in various medical courses across its 71 campuses spread out in 43 of Kenya's 47 counties.
As part of its plans to make education accessible to its learners, the KMTC boss said the institution has invested heavily in ICT infrastructure, including a reliable internet to support e-learning.
The faculty, Prof. Kiptoo said, has been trained on digital content development and delivery of learning in virtual environments.
COVID Menace
To curb the spread of COVID-19 cases in the country, President Uhuru Kenyatta suspended learning in all educational institutions in the country.
But virtual learning has now been permitted as the national government lays out a framework for the physical reopening of schools.
“I want to urge the students to continue with their research. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, supervision will be done virtually,” he added.
Prof. Kiptoo revealed that KMTC will hold this year’s graduation in December as planned.
