KMTC overwhelmed by Mortuary Science applications
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is struggling to contain the demand for its Mortuary Science program after getting over 250 applications for the March 2025 intake—way above its capacity. By February 14th, the Nairobi campus which was the only campus offering the course had already exceeded its 50 student capacity.
Growing Demand and Capacity Constraints
KMTC CEO, Dr. Oluoch, said the programme is gaining popularity but the college lacks the capacity to take in all the applicants. To address this, the college is extending the programme to Mombasa and Kisumu campuses.
“The demand is increasing fast but we are looking for ways to ensure more students get an opportunity to train in this important field,” he said.
Graduates Get Job Placements
The first batch of Mortuary Science students graduating this year have already secured jobs. One of the graduates said they were initially hesitant about the profession but now feels fully prepared.
“I was hesitant at first because I didn’t have the knowledge. But after training I feel fully equipped. This is a service that needs professionals,” they said.
Formal training of mortuary personnel is a big shift from the past where workers lacked training. In the past, the field was stigmatized often associated with alcohol and substance abuse as some people sought ways to cope with the psychological demands of the job. In some hospitals, mortuary duties were even given as a form of punishment.
Encouraging Career Diversification
The growing interest in Mortuary Science is part of a broader trend where students are diversifying their career choices beyond the conventional ones. We now need to encourage the pursuit of careers that have been stigmatized for long like mortuary science and sewage management so that we can have professionalism in essential services.
The rise of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) enrollment is also a shift in mindset as more young people are embracing vocational training as a key driver of national development. With more training institutions and awareness, the perception of those careers is changing and we are paving the way for a more structured and professional approach to mortuary services in Kenya.