The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is set to launch a Primary Health Care course across all its faculties, a move expected to strengthen healthcare training and improve service delivery in Kenya.
The new program is designed to equip mid-level health professionals with practical and advanced skills, especially in community-based care.
This announcement was made during the second edition of the Mental Health Leadership Program, currently underway at KMTC’s Nairobi campus. The two-week training, running from April 20 to May 1, 2026, has attracted participants from 17 African countries, making it a key platform for discussing healthcare reforms and training needs across the continent.
KMTC Primary Health Care Course to Be Integrated into Curriculum
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the Primary Health Care course will soon be integrated into KMTC’s existing curriculum. This follows ongoing consultations aimed at developing a standardized and practical training program.
Mohammed Abdulaziz explained that the course will be structured as a mid-level PhD-equivalent program. It will focus on equipping healthcare workers with deeper knowledge while maintaining a strong emphasis on real-world application.
“We will continue working together over the next year to ensure this course is well integrated into KMTC faculties and becomes a strong academic program tailored for mid-level training,” he said.
Why KMTC Was Selected
Africa CDC identified KMTC as the most suitable partner due to its wide national presence and proven track record in training healthcare professionals.
Dr. Abdulaziz noted that KMTC plays a critical role in shaping Kenya’s health workforce, making it ideal for rolling out the Primary Health Care course. He added that the partnership will help bridge gaps in healthcare by producing professionals with both primary care and mental health expertise.
KMTC’s Existing Mental Health Training Programs
KMTC already has a strong foundation in mental health training. The institution offers mental health programs in seven campuses and operates a Centre of Excellence at its Mathare Campus.
In addition, KMTC has partnered with Johnson & Johnson Hospital, which has supported the training of over 200 healthcare workers in mental health care. This experience places the college in a strong position to successfully implement the new Primary Health Care course.
Government Support for Mental Health and Primary Health Care
The Health Permanent Secretary, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, highlighted Kenya’s progress in strengthening its mental health system.
She pointed to key milestones such as the Mental Health Amendment Act, the Kenya Mental Health Policy, and the implementation of a national Mental Health Action Plan.
She also emphasized the introduction of workplace mental wellness guidelines to help institutions support employee well-being.
Importantly, mental health services are now covered under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This inclusion ensures that mental health care is more accessible and affordable, especially at the community level.
Long-Term Partnership Between KMTC and Africa CDC
The collaboration between KMTC and Africa CDC goes beyond short-term training. Over the next year, both institutions will work together to fully embed the Primary Health Care course into KMTC’s curriculum.
The program is expected to be fully funded, standardized, and delivered across faculties, ensuring consistency in training and quality of graduates.
Expansion of Mental Health Training Across Africa
Africa CDC is also exploring similar partnerships in other countries. Discussions are already underway with the University of Ibadan to develop a global mental health master’s program.
There are also plans to establish the first francophone faculty focused on global mental health, which will be delivered entirely within Africa.
The introduction of the Primary Health Care course at KMTC is a major step toward improving healthcare delivery in Kenya. By training more skilled mid-level professionals, the country will be better equipped to handle both physical and mental health challenges at the community level.
With strong support from Africa CDC and alignment with government policies, the program is expected to play a key role in building a more resilient and accessible healthcare system.
