Kenya Medical Training College Offers Free Healthcare Scholarships for September 2026
Nairobi, 14 May 2026
KMTC partners with Beyond Zero Initiative to provide fully funded two-year certificates in Community Health Nursing, targeting students from marginalised communities. The programme requires KCSE mean grade C- and prioritises candidates from arid regions and vulnerable groups. Applications close 13th June 2026, with successful students receiving complete financial support through the course duration.
Scholarship Details and Partnership Framework
The Kenya Medical Training College announced on Thursday, 14 May 2026, that it will offer full scholarships for Certificate courses in Community Health Nursing starting September 2026 [1]. The programme operates through a partnership between KMTC and the Beyond Zero Initiative, with successful applicants receiving complete financial support covering the entire two-year duration of the course [1]. According to KMTC CEO Kelly Oluoch, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community-level healthcare delivery across Kenya [1]. The scholarships specifically target qualified candidates from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties, underserved minority groups, and other vulnerable and marginalised communities [1][2]. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply for these opportunities [1].
Academic Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Prospective applicants must meet specific academic standards to qualify for the scholarship programme. Students need a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade of C- (minus) or its equivalent [1]. Additionally, candidates must achieve a minimum grade of C- (minus) in English or Kiswahili and Biology, alongside at least a D+ (plus) in either Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry [1]. Beyond academic qualifications, applicants must demonstrate commitment to community service by submitting a handwritten essay of no more than 200 words explaining why they deserve the scholarship and how they intend to contribute to their communities after graduation [1]. This requirement ensures that scholarship recipients understand their obligation to serve their communities upon completing the programme [1].
Application Process and Timeline
The application process operates entirely through digital channels, with candidates required to apply online through the KMTC admissions portal at admissions.kmtc.ac.ke [1]. Prospective students must first create an account on the portal, then complete the online application form step by step [1]. After submitting the initial application by clicking the ‘SUBMIT’ button and verifying information accuracy, applicants must access their dashboard and click on ‘Apply Beyond Zero Scholarship’ to complete the scholarship-specific requirements [1]. The completed form must then be printed, accompanied by relevant documents, signed and stamped accordingly, and sent to the KMTC CEO office in Nairobi [1]. The critical deadline for all applications is 13 June 2026, giving prospective students exactly 30 days from the announcement date to submit their materials [1].
Training Locations and Career Prospects
The Certificate in Community Health Nursing programme operates across 27 KMTC campuses nationwide, ensuring accessibility for students from different regions [2]. These campuses include locations such as Bondo, Busia, Eldoret, Garissa, Homa Bay, Kitale, Machakos, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Thika, among others [2]. This extensive network allows students to train closer to their home communities, potentially strengthening local healthcare systems upon graduation. The programme duration spans two years, commencing in September 2026 as part of the 2026/2027 academic year [1][2]. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to serve as community health workers in rural and underserved areas, addressing Kenya’s critical shortage of healthcare personnel [GPT]. The training particularly benefits refugee students in camps such as Kakuma and Kalobeyei who have completed secondary education and wish to pursue healthcare careers [GPT].