Advertisement
Cost of becoming a health professional: How HELB loans can make KMTC more manageable
26th August, 2026 12:25 PM
For many students, joining the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is an exciting step towards building a career in healthcare. But alongside the excitement comes the question of how to pay for life in college. The money required to fully fund the programme often leaves students discouraged.
With some being forced to sell assets to turn their dreams into reality, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has now opened loan applications for students joining KMTC for certificate and diploma courses. This gives learners another option to help meet the costs that come with training.
While tuition is often the first expense students think about, there are many other daily costs that can make college life difficult, especially for those studying away from home.
The costs students may face
Starting at KMTC can come with expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, learning materials and personal needs. Students may also need money for items required for their training, depending on their course.
For students from families already dealing with tight budgets, meeting these costs can be challenging. Even small daily expenses can add up over time.
This is where financial support can make a difference. A HELB loan can help students manage some of the costs of their studies, reducing the pressure on families to meet every expense at once.
Making student life easier
Financial support is not only about paying school-related costs. It can also give students some breathing room as they settle into college life.
Having money set aside for basic needs can make it easier for a student to focus on classes, practical training and assignments instead of constantly worrying about where the next meal or transport fare will come from.
For students moving from home to a new town, planning ahead is especially important. Knowing how much is needed for rent, food and transport can help them make better use of the money available to them.
A chance to plan ahead
Getting financial support also comes with the need to use it carefully. Students can start by making a simple monthly budget that covers their most important needs before spending on anything else.
Keeping track of daily spending can also help prevent money from running out too quickly.
For new KMTC students, the opening of HELB applications could therefore offer more than financial assistance. It can provide an opportunity to begin their health training with a little less pressure while learning how to manage money responsibly.
For families and students preparing for college, early planning can make the transition smoother and allow learners to focus on what brought them to KMTC in the first place.
