Macmillan Medical Training College Calls for HELB Funding for Students in Private TVET Institutions

 By Gedion Nzyoki 

• Macmillan Medical Training College has called for expanded HELB support to students in accredited private TVET institutions
• The institution says equal access to educational financing is key to addressing unemployment and strengthening Kenya’s healthcare workforce
• The appeal was made during the launch of new scholarship and youth empowerment programs targeting healthcare and technology training

Macmillan Medical Training College Director Josephat Moses Ochieng addressing members of the press today. Photo: Courtesy

Nairobi, Kenya|May 8, 2026— Macmillan Medical Training College has called on the Government of Kenya to expand Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding to students enrolled in accredited private colleges and TVET institutions, arguing that thousands of deserving learners continue to face discrimination in accessing educational financing.

Speaking during the launch of the Afya Bora Scholarship Program and the Women in Tech Empowerment Program in Nairobi, the institution’s Director Josephat Moses Ochieng, said access to education should not be determined by whether a student attends a public or private institution.

The Director noted that many students in private colleges are pursuing accredited courses that directly contribute to Kenya’s healthcare workforce and economic development, yet remain excluded from crucial financial support systems.

“A student studying in an accredited private college is still a Kenyan child deserving support, opportunity, and dignity,” the Ochieng said.

The college argued that the lack of financial support has left many students struggling to complete their education despite meeting academic qualifications and possessing the potential to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

According to the institution, the issue goes beyond individual colleges and should be treated as a national concern tied to unemployment, poverty reduction, healthcare delivery, and youth empowerment.

“If the country is serious about reducing unemployment, strengthening healthcare systems, fighting poverty, and empowering youth, then support must be based on need and potential — not simply whether one studies in a public or private institution,” the Director stated.

Macmillan Medical Training College said private institutions continue to play a critical role in complementing government efforts to train healthcare professionals needed across the country.

The institution highlighted the growing demand for healthcare assistants, caregivers, community health workers, emergency responders, and digital health support personnel as Kenya pushes toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.

The Director emphasized that accredited private colleges are helping bridge the gap in healthcare training and workforce development, adding that students in such institutions should equally benefit from state-backed educational financing.

The college further urged the government to rethink existing funding policies and expand HELB and other educational support opportunities to learners in accredited private TVET institutions.

“Children belong to Kenya. Dreams belong to Kenya. Talent belongs to Kenya,” the Director said, adding that the country should create equal opportunities for all students regardless of their educational pathway.

The remarks came as the institution officially launched the Afya Bora Scholarship Program, which will offer full and partial sponsorship opportunities to students pursuing healthcare-related courses, alongside the Women in Tech Empowerment Program aimed at empowering women through digital and technology training.

Macmillan Medical Training College maintained that education must become more practical, inclusive, and accessible in order to address unemployment and equip young people with market-ready skills.