Relief for KMTC students as CS Duale scraps attachment fees

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the 8th Biennial Kenya Medical Training College Scientific Conference in Nairobi on June 4, 2025/ Ministry of Health/X

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the abolition of compulsory practical attachment fees for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students.

Speaking at the 8th Biennial Kenya Medical Training College Scientific Conference at KMTC headquarters in Nairobi, the CS said he will start with abolishing fees charged at Level Six hospitals, including Kenyatta Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital and others that fall under his ministry.

“One of the issues raised by the leadership, the board, and the management was the clinical services and rotations for which our students are charged when they visit public hospitals. That will no longer happen," The CS said.

CS Duale highlighted the disparity in current attachment fees, noting that charges are not harmonised across institutions.

He cited examples where some hospitals charge Sh10,000, while others like Garissa County charge Sh1,000, and another Sh2,000.

Duale questioned the justification for these fees, emphasising that students contribute to healthcare services during their attachments.

For hospitals not under his direct purview, CS Duale committed to consulting with the Council of Governors.

However, he affirmed his direct intervention to streamline fees at Level Six hospitals to foster trust and order within the health sector.

This move addresses a long-standing challenge for KMTC students, who typically pay between Sh2,000 and Sh10,000, or even more, for attachments at public hospitals.

These fees often create a financial barrier for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who also bear additional costs for accommodation and transport.

Duale also reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s full support for the Kenya Medical Training College, while issuing a strong caution against the unchecked expansion of health-related courses across the country.

The CS stressed that KMTC must remain a centre of excellence focused on producing competent, service-ready professionals.

“KMTC will not offer credentials without competence,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

“We will not allow institutions to become part of the problem. All training programmes must be aligned to the evolving needs of public health in Kenya.”