President William Ruto has treated students of Nyamache Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) to lunch worth Ksh500,000 during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the institution’s hostels in Kisii County.
While addressing the students on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the President engaged them in a light moment, asking about their population. After learning that the college has 630 students, he praised their efforts and encouraged them to work hard in their studies.
In a spontaneous gesture, the Head of State then directed that funds be set aside for the students to enjoy a meal.
“Hii shule yenu KMTC iko na wanafunzi wangapi? 630 okay very good mukazane kabisa mufanye bidii we are going to support you, mimi kwa sababu nimefika hapa, wewe nitafutie elfu mia tano hawa watu wakule lunch leo,” Ruto said, drawing excitement from students.
In addition to the lunch treat, Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving training institutions for health professionals across the country.
He noted that expanding facilities such as Nyamache KMTC is key to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
“We are going to make sure we develop this facility because we need more health professionals to support our health program around the country,” he added.
Ruto on Helb
The President further used the opportunity to address concerns around funding for students, particularly through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). Turning to the students, he sought their views on increasing the loans.
“Mimi nauliza nyinyi. Higher Education Loans Board, munakataka Helb iongezeka?” he posed, prompting an affirmative response from the students.
He then turned to the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos Ogamba, directing action on the matter.
Niko na waziri wangu wa elimu hapa, wewe waziri si umesikia hawa watu wanataka helb iongezeke, tupange mambo yao,” he added.
In response, the CS revealed that the government has already taken steps to streamline and increase funding for tertiary students through proposed legislation.
“Your Excellency, we have done a bill known as the Higher Tertiary Placement and Funding Bill that has been presented to parliament, where all our students who are in tertiary institutions will be funded from that fund so the people in Tvet, KMTC and Universities will be funded from one fund, and the budget will be aligned,” Ogamba said.
Ruto further urged the ministry to ensure improved support for students in the coming academic term.
“Meanwhile, mupange ya next semester,” Ruto directed.
