Kenya Emerges as Africa’s Mental Health Leader Hosting 17 Countries for KMTC Training Programme

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By Irene 



Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has reinforced Kenya’s growing influence in continental healthcare by hosting participants from 17 African countries for the second edition of the Mental Health Leadership Programme in Nairobi.

The two-week training, running from April 20 to May 1, 2026, is being conducted in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), bringing together a diverse group of mental health professionals and policymakers to strengthen leadership, skills, and collaboration across the sector.

Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni underscored the urgent need to prioritise mental health systems, noting that nearly one in four Kenyans seeking healthcare services present with mental health conditions. She highlighted key reforms, including the Mental Health (Amendment) Act, 2022, and the integration of mental health into primary healthcare through the Primary Health Care Act.
KMTC Board Chairperson Joseah K. Cheruiyot emphasized that strong partnerships between governments, development partners, and civil society are essential in building resilient and responsive mental health systems across Africa.
KMTC Chief Executive Officer Kelly Oluoch described the programme as timely and transformative, positioning Kenya at the center of global and continental health discussions.

“This year’s cohort brings together participants from 17 African countries, creating a powerful network of professionals ready to shape the future of mental health across the continent,” said Dr. Oluoch.

He noted that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader global health ambitions, especially as the country prepares to host the World Health Summit in Nairobi. Dr. Oluoch further highlighted KMTC’s continued investment in mental health training, including the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at Mathare Campus, expansion of programmes across seven campuses, and strategic partnerships with organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, which have supported the training of over 200 health workers.

On the continental front, Africa CDC’s Head of Disease Control and Prevention Mohammed Abdulaziz described the collaboration as both strategic and transformative, noting that KMTC was selected for its strong capacity to train middle-level healthcare professionals.

“We were looking for the best training college in Kenya, and KMTC fit the profile. This partnership is critical in equipping healthcare workers with essential mental health skills,” he said, adding that discussions are underway to integrate the programme into KMTC’s curriculum for long-term impact.

According to the World Health Organization, one in eight people globally lives with a mental health condition, yet up to 75 percent of those in low- and middle-income countries do not receive treatment—highlighting the urgent need for initiatives such as this.

The programme targets a wide range of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, policymakers, and leaders in media and education, equipping them with leadership skills to drive evidence-based mental health interventions across Africa.

As Kenya continues to expand its leadership in health training and policy, the KMTC-led programme signals a strong commitment to bridging mental health gaps and building a more resilient, inclusive healthcare system across the continent.

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