Teachers and health workers in Kenya have a new reason to celebrate after the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), in partnership with the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and the County Government of Turkana, announced a fully sponsored programme for upgrading professional qualifications. This initiative not only transforms the career path for teachers and nurses but also demonstrates a growing global commitment to human capital development in marginalized and refugee-hosting regions.
The programme mirrors other global efforts led by institutions such as the World Bank, which has been advocating for sustainable teacher training and professional development. By covering tuition and targeting underserved communities, this initiative provides a bridge for teachers and health workers who may have been locked out of career growth opportunities due to financial constraints.
For Kenyan teachers, this announcement comes hot on the heels of other big reforms by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Recently, TSC rolled out the Major Upgrade Programme for P1 teachers, which has already sparked excitement across the country. When combined with UNHCR’s sponsorship, it’s clear that both national and international institutions are committed to uplifting educators.
What the Sponsorship Covers
The sponsorship programme focuses on upgrading from a Certificate in Community Health Nursing to a Diploma in Community Health Nursing (Distance Learning). Successful applicants will study at KMTC Lodwar Campus, which has been strategically chosen due to its proximity to Turkana’s marginalized communities and Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps.
The training will run for two years, with UNHCR fully covering tuition costs. This means both local residents and refugees can pursue further qualifications without worrying about financial barriers. For health workers, this is an opportunity to improve healthcare delivery in underserved regions. For teachers, it’s a model that demonstrates how partnerships can open doors for professional upgrading in the education sector as well.
Entry Requirements
To qualify for the sponsored diploma upgrade, applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Certificate in Community Health Nursing |
| Work Experience | Minimum of two years post-certificate |
| Registration | Must be registered by the Nursing Council of Kenya |
| Residency | Must come from Turkana County or be a refugee in Kakuma/Kalobeyei Camps |
| Recommendation | Letter of introduction from the area Chief (for locals) or a Manager/UNHCR official (for refugees) |
These requirements ensure that the beneficiaries are not only qualified but also directly connected to the target communities. By focusing on locals and refugees, UNHCR and KMTC are addressing both immediate healthcare needs and long-term human capital development.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the KMTC application portal at admissions.kmtc.ac.ke.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for applicants:
- Create or log into your KMTC account.
- Fill in the application form with accurate details.
- Confirm your data before submission.
- Upload all required documents, including the duly filled UNHCR sponsorship form.
- Submit before 9th October 2025.
Applicants are reminded to use a valid personal email address during the registration process to avoid missing updates from KMTC or UNHCR.
Why This Matters
For decades, teachers and nurses with certificate-level qualifications have faced significant barriers when trying to upgrade their skills. Tuition fees are often unaffordable, leading many professionals to stagnate in their careers. This programme changes the narrative.
By offering full sponsorship, UNHCR is empowering:
- Local teachers and health workers to grow professionally without financial strain.
- Refugee professionals to gain skills that improve employability both locally and internationally.
- Communities in Turkana and Kakuma to access better healthcare and educational services.
This initiative also ties in with Kenya’s broader education reforms, particularly the ongoing teacher upgrading programmes supported by TSC. For instance, the P1 teacher upgrade programme aims to equip teachers with new competencies under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Together, these reforms promise a stronger education system.
Broader Implications for Teachers
While the current UNHCR sponsorship focuses on health workers, its design has far-reaching implications for the teaching profession in Kenya. It demonstrates how international organizations can collaborate with national institutions to sponsor teacher development programmes. If expanded, similar sponsorships could help:
- Diploma teachers upgrade to degrees.
- Untrained graduate teachers pursue professional teaching courses.
- Teachers in marginalized counties access higher training without relocating.
Already, universities and training institutions have started discussions with partners to scale up such sponsorships. This could complement TSC reforms and address teacher shortages in critical subjects.
Connection to Career Opportunities
For health workers, completing the diploma upgrade increases the chances of promotions, better pay, and broader job opportunities. Similarly, in the education sector, teacher upgrade programmes open doors to:
- Promotions to higher job groups.
- Eligibility for specialized roles such as CBC trainers.
- Opportunities in refugee education programs.
Teachers who have benefited from similar programmes in the past have reported not only better career mobility but also enhanced classroom delivery.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between UNHCR, KMTC, and the Turkana County Government sets a strong example for public-private partnerships in education and healthcare. It is also in line with global efforts such as the World Bank’s call for large-scale teacher upgrading, which emphasizes aligning training with labor market needs.
For teachers, this is a reminder to take advantage of every professional development opportunity. With TSC already implementing reforms such as digital transfer systems and promotion upgrades, and with international partners now stepping in, the landscape of education in Kenya is rapidly changing.
To further explore career development options, you can also check out our earlier post on the Top 10 KMTC Courses with the Best Salary Prospects in Kenya. This will help both health workers and teachers understand which career paths provide the highest returns.
Deadline Reminder
📌 All applications must be submitted online by 9th October 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare early, gather all necessary documents, and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
