Thousands of Kenyan students who missed earlier placement rounds have been given a second chance to pursue medical training, after the government opened a new application window for dozens of courses.
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) announced on Tuesday that applications are now open for 31 certificate and diploma programmes at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).
The intake, which will run for two weeks, is aimed at candidates who scored between grades C and D in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams.
“Interested in medical courses? Good news,” KUCCPS said in a public notice. “There is a chance to apply for diploma and certificate KMTC programmes for immediate intake.”
The courses span a wide range of health fields, including community health, nutrition, medical engineering and health records management. Others focus on specialised areas such as radiography, physiotherapy and clinical medicine.
Education officials say the programmes are designed to equip students with practical skills that can lead directly to employment, particularly in Kenya’s growing healthcare sector.
Applicants must submit their choices through the KUCCPS online portal, where they log in using their KCSE details. The system then guides them through available courses and entry requirements.
The deadline for applications has been set for May 6, 2026. Officials are urging students to apply early, warning that spaces are limited and competition is likely to be high.
The latest intake comes shortly after KUCCPS opened its main university placement cycle, which includes degree programmes and technical courses across the country.
For many students, especially those who did not meet university entry thresholds, KMTC programmes have become a key pathway into the job market.
Education analysts say the move reflects a broader push to expand access to technical and vocational training, particularly in sectors where demand for skilled workers remains strong.
Still, the short application window may pose challenges for some students, especially those in rural areas with limited internet access.
For now, the message from officials is clear: the opportunity is open — but not for long.