Are you dreaming of pursuing a career in medicine and considering Kenya’s vibrant medical education landscape?
Look no further; Kenya is home to some of the best medical schools in Africa, each with its own distinctive strengths and contributions to the healthcare industry.
In this informative guide, we have compiled a list of the top medical schools in Kenya and offered crucial information about them according to Google ranking and their websites.
Let’s roll on.
The Best Medical Schools in Kenya
Kenya has made notable strides in medical education thanks to the many reputable institutions offering world-class training to the next generation of healthcare providers. Whether you intend to become a doctor, clinical officer, nurse, laboratory technologist, or healthcare researcher in the future, these institutions are a gateway to your success.
1. University of Nairobi, School of Medicine
The University of Nairobi is a corporate body established by an Act of Parliament, Cap. 210 of the Kenyan laws. It’s also the frontier institution of university education in Kenya.
This institution of higher learning has for a long time responded to the national and regional top-class manpower training requirements by developing strong and diversified academic programs. Its School of Medicine is a pioneering institution known for its superior medical programs, research, and clinical infrastructure. It offers a wide range of courses, including:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor of Human Anatomy
- Bachelor of Medical Physiology
- Bachelor of Medicine in Psychiatry
Contact: 020 4910000
2. Kenyatta University, School of Medicine
The KU School of Medicine was founded in August as a center of excellence in capacity building, health research, and product development. The school has quickly grown and transformed its public health branch into a school of public health. It offers many government- and senate-approved and regulated health programs, such as:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Science (Medical Laboratory Sciences)
- Bachelor of Science (Infectious Diseases)
- Master of Science (Infectious Diseases)
Currently, it uses several government facilities and its teaching, research, and referral hospital for attachments, placements, and rotations of its learners.
Contact: 020 2453591
3. Aga Khan University Medical College
Aga Khan University’s medical college was established in 2004 and seeks to offer high-quality health education to its students. The college’s goal is to produce leading healthcare providers who will become reputable experts and have a positive impact on their parents’ lives. To achieve this, they offer special training programs, build strong research programs, and support the delivery of the best health services. Its specialties under the Master of Medicine include:
- Anatomy of Pathology
- Clinical Pathology.
- Family Medicine.
- General Surgery
Contact: 020 3662107
4. Moi University, School of Medicine
Moi University’s School of Medicine, situated at the MTRH outpatient building, is known for its obligation to community health as well as research. The institution was inaugurated in 1988 as a faculty of health sciences and admitted its first students in 1990. The faculty was later divided into the School of Medicine and the School of Public Health in July 2005, according to the university’s 2005–2015 strategic plan.
The school’s philosophy is to train health professionals in the context of the community they’re expected to serve. It encourages practical communication, self-directed learning, and problem-solving skills among students.
Apart from imparting knowledge, the institution also provides clinical services. It uses Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and other health facilities throughout Western Kenya through AMPATH.
Some of the undergraduate programs offered by it include:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor of Physical Therapy
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Bachelor of Medical Psychology
Contact: 053 2033225
5. Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences
TSMHS is a pioneer in medical and health disciplines as a practicing college in Kenya. Its main advantage is not only in classroom teaching but also in practicing while learning with them in their hospitals. Their students get the opportunity to study in a real work environment.
The school prides itself on offering high-quality programs that lure individuals who wish to be competitive internationally. To achieve that, it has spent enormous cash on its facilities and infrastructure, including spacious classrooms to offer its students a nurturing environment in which they can learn and grow, fully equipped libraries, and modern science laboratories.
Some of the courses they offer are:
- Diploma in Nursing
- Diploma in Public Health
- Diploma in Radiography
- Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology
Contact: 070 8241019
6. Kenya Medical Training College
KMTC is a state corporation founded through a Parliamentary Act under the Ministry of Health. And entrusted with the responsibility of training various studies in the health space to serve the region’s and global interests. It has 72 campuses spread across the country and accounts for over 85% of the middle-class-level health professionals in Kenyan health facilities.
Programs offered by KMTC include:
- Diploma and Higher Diploma in Medicine and Surgery
- Diploma in Community Oral Health
- diploma in dental technology.
- Diploma and Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology
- Higher Diploma in Education
- Higher Diploma and Diploma in Medical Imaging Sciences
- Higher Diploma and Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Contact:020 2391315
7. FAFA Medical Training College
FAFA MTC is a licensed and registered tertiary-level institution that offers training for nurses and clinical officers.
The college is located along Matungu-Ogalo Road at Emakale Centre, Mumias.
Academic programs offered at FAFA include:
- Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery
- Diploma Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse
- Diploma and Certificate in Health Records and IT
- Certificate in Community Health and Development
Contact: 072 946 3393
8. Kenya School of Medical Science and Technology
KSMST is registered by the Higher Education Science and Technology Ministry. Its main campus is located at Central Memorial Hospital in Upper Majengo, Nairobi.
The school has partnered with JP International (UK), ABMA Education (UK), City & Guild (UK), and Industrial Qualification (UK) to offer internationally acknowledged and in-demand courses in health care, business, ICT, and mass communication.
Its exams and certifications are awarded by KNEC, ABMA Education (UK), Industrial Qualification (UK), and JP International (UK), among other examining bodies.
Contact: 070 1257692
9. Nyahururu Medical Training College
NMTC commenced its operations as a continuing professional development center for health and medical-allied professionals in February 2016. It’s situated along Nyahururu-Nyeri Road at the Nyandarua and Laikipia counties’ boundaries.
In July 2016, the Kenya Nursing Council accredited NMTC, allowing it to admit its first class for training in community health nursing.
The school was approved to train in the Health Records Certificate and Diploma in April 2017.
Later, the Clinical Officers Council approved the college to train clinical officers in July 2018.
Courses offered by NMTC are:
- Diploma in Kenya in Registered Community Health Nursing
- Diploma in Kenyan Clinical Medicine and Surgery
- Diploma in Theatre Technology
- Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
Contact: 070 3110383
10. Tricent College of Medical and Technology
TCMT is a college registered under the Kenyan government and accredited by TVET. It was established to boost access to quality higher education and diversify people and communities.
Its academic programs are developed by professionals and are vetted by the main educational bodies in Kenya. They include:
- Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Diploma in Community Health and HIV/AIDS Management
- Diploma in Sonography and Radiography
- Diploma in Health Records and ICT
Contact: 070 0129536
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Schools in Kenya
Here are the commonly asked questions:
Which is the cheapest medical college in Kenya?
One course goes for KES 306, 000 at Masinde Muliro University of Sciences and Technology, KES 461, 210 at Kisii University, and KES 539,750 at the University of Nairobi.
Is KMTC better than the university?
The ranking of world universities by Webometrics places KMTC at number 31 among the first 50 best universities in Kenya.
What is the lowest grade to join KMTC?
To join KMTC, you must have scored a mean grade of C-, with a C- in biology or biological sciences, Kiswahili or English, and a D+ in chemistry, physics or physical sciences, and mathematics.
Can one join KMTC through Kuccps?
Students intending to join can now apply through the Kuccps portal. This is open to individuals who completed their KCSE between 2013 and 2022.
The Bottom Line of Medical Schools in Kenya
Kenya’s top medical schools offer a wide range of programs and approaches to medical education. Hence, significantly contributing to the healthcare sector within the country and beyond it Aspiring medical professionals have several options to choose from when pursuing their medical studies in Kenya. These schools work diligently to provide skilled and passionate healthcare providers.
