Kenya Launches Fully Funded Medical Scholarships for Kidney Care Specialists

2026-02-26 services

Nairobi, 26 February 2026
KMTC offers comprehensive funding including tuition and living stipends for nine specialised healthcare programmes starting March 2026. The initiative, backed by African Development Bank loans, addresses Kenya’s critical shortage of kidney care professionals as chronic renal disease cases surge nationwide. Priority goes to county health workers with three years’ experience, requiring only a 200-word handwritten essay explaining their community contribution plans.

Comprehensive Funding Package Addresses Healthcare Workforce Gap

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) announced on Thursday, 26 February 2026, a fully funded scholarship programme covering nine specialised courses in kidney care and urology nursing [1][2][3]. The initiative operates under the East Africa Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology (EACE-UN) programme, with funding support from the African Development Bank and the Government of Kenya [3][8]. Kelly Oluoch, KMTC’s Chief Executive Officer, confirmed the scholarships provide comprehensive support including tuition fees and living stipends throughout the study period [1][3]. This marks a significant investment in Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure as chronic kidney disease and related conditions continue rising across the country [3].

Nine Specialised Programmes Target Critical Healthcare Skills

The scholarship covers Higher Diplomas in Medical Engineering (Dialysis, Therapeutic, and Diagnostic Equipment), Clinical Medicine and Surgery (Nephrology), Nephrology Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics (Renal Nutrition), Medical Laboratory Sciences (Renal Technology), Occupational Therapy (Renal Rehabilitation), and Renal Pharmacy [1][8][9]. Additionally, a six-month short course in Renal Transplant Nursing forms part of the package [1][8]. Most Higher Diploma programmes run for two years full-time, whilst the transplant nursing course requires six months of study [3][8]. These programmes specifically address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in kidney care and urological services across Kenya’s hospitals and clinics [3].

Priority Criteria and Selection Process

Priority consideration goes to county government employees within Kenya, KMTC staff, and health professionals with at least three years’ experience working in county health facilities [1][2][8][9]. Applicants must also be registered with their relevant regulatory body for basic training and obtain official approval or release from their county employer [2][8][9]. The selection process includes employer recommendation, KMTC shortlisting, vetting by the KMTC-EACE scholarship committee, and final admission by KMTC [9]. Successful candidates will be bonded by their employers under Public Service Commission guidelines before enrollment begins [3].

Simple Application Process with 15 March Deadline

Prospective applicants must visit the KMTC admissions portal at https://admissions.kmtc.ac.ke to access application forms [1][2][8][9]. The process requires creating an account, completing the EACE-UN scholarship application form, and uploading required documents in PDF format [2]. Crucially, applicants must submit a handwritten essay of no more than 200 words explaining why they deserve the scholarship and their planned contribution to the community upon graduation [1][2][8][9]. Applications must reach KMTC Chief Executive Officer Kelly Oluoch by 15 March 2026, with KMTC cautioning that scholarships remain subject to funding availability [1][3][8].

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