Shaping the Future of Healthcare Training in Kenya: KMTC and Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Landmark Partnership

On January 24, 2025, the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Karen Campus marked a monumental step in advancing healthcare education and delivery in Kenya. A transformative 80 million KES grant, announced in collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), and the Ministry of Health, is set to redefine healthcare training in the country. This initiative solidifies KMTC’s role as a critical player in addressing Kenya’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs).

This groundbreaking partnership aims to position KMTC Karen as a Center of Excellence in Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention and Care, equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving health landscape. As Kenya advances toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Vision 2030, the timing of this investment could not be more crucial.

The Rising Burden of Cardiometabolic Diseases in Kenya

Cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases have emerged as Kenya's leading causes of mortality, surpassing traditional health threats like HIV/AIDS and malaria. These preventable diseases now account for 50% of hospital admissions and 55% of hospital deaths. This health crisis poses a dual challenge, threatening public health while burdening Kenya’s economic growth.

Tackling this epidemic requires a workforce trained in preventive healthcare, patient management, and community health promotion. KMTC Karen Campus, as a pivotal training institution, will play an essential role in addressing these needs, especially in underserved regions.

Transforming Healthcare Training Through Collaboration

The announcement of the grant was celebrated at a high-profile event attended by key stakeholders, including:

Denmark’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Stephan Schennemann.

Novo Nordisk Foundation Vice Chairperson, Mr. Lars Munch.

Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary M. Muriuki.

Representatives from the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).

H.E. Stephan Schennemann highlighted the historical partnership between Kenya and Denmark, which began when Denmark gifted KMTC Karen Campus to Kenya upon its independence. He praised the progress KMTC has made, growing from 40 students at inception to over 12,000 annual enrollees, and emphasized the importance of the long-standing collaboration in healthcare.

Mr. Lars Munch, representing the Novo Nordisk Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s mission to reduce health inequities and support systemic change.

Building a Stronger Foundation for Universal Health Coverage

The Ministry of Health has been instrumental in creating an enabling policy environment to support such initiatives. Principal Secretary Mary M. Muriuki shared the ministry’s vision of shifting from a curative to a preventive approach in healthcare. Recent legislative milestones, such as the Primary Health Care Act 2023, Social Health Insurance Financing Act 2023, and Facility Improvement Financing Act 2023, are laying the groundwork for sustainable health reforms.

Why This Grant is a Game-Changer for KMTC

The grant will enable KMTC Karen Campus to:

1. Upgrade Curriculum: Focus on specialized training for CMD prevention and care, incorporating nutrition and health promotion.

2. Enhance Infrastructure: Provide state-of-the-art facilities for training and research.

3. Build Capacity: Train healthcare professionals to serve at the grassroots level, ensuring that even underserved regions have access to skilled care.

From Curative to Preventive Healthcare: A National Shift

One of the core focuses of this partnership is shifting Kenya’s healthcare approach from curative to preventive. Non-communicable diseases, particularly CMDs, are preventable with lifestyle changes and early interventions. This initiative underscores the importance of:

Health Promotion: Educating communities about proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Preventive Care: Early screening for conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Community Health Integration: Leveraging local health promoters to identify and address health risks at the grassroots level.

A Vision for the Future

The partnership between KMTC and the Novo Nordisk Foundation represents a shared vision of innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact. As noted during the event:

With KMTC Karen Campus now a Center of Excellence for Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention and Care, Kenya is one step closer to achieving its healthcare goals. This milestone serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished when governments, institutions, and international partners come together to address shared challenges.

The KMTC-Novo Nordisk Foundation partnership is a beacon of hope for Kenya’s healthcare system. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of investing in education, and the necessity of shifting toward preventive healthcare. As Kenya continues its journey toward Universal Health Coverage, the impact of this initiative will be felt for generations to come.

Stay connected for updates on KMTC’s progress, and let’s continue to celebrate the milestones shaping Kenya’s healthcare landscape.