The Ministry of Health has officially abolished the mandatory attachment fees charged to Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students in all level 6 hospitals, following concerns over the exorbitant fees imposed on students during clinical attachments.
Speaking at KMTC headquarters where he was presiding over the official opening of the 8th Biennial Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Scientific Conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 4, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale condemned the recurring practice of level 6 hospitals charging high fees to KMTC students. He described the trend as unacceptable and pledged to take corrective measures.
“One of the issues raised by the board of management of this institution is the high amount of money that the students are charged when they visit public hospitals for attachment, which will never happen, particularly the level 6 hospitals that are under my ministry,” said CS Duale.
He cited Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) as an example, where students were reportedly being charged as much as KSh 10,000 for attachments without valid justification.
Level 6 hospitals represent the highest tier in Kenya’s healthcare system, offering tertiary-level care and serving as national referral hospitals. Managed by the national government, these facilities provide advanced medical services and attract medical students eager to gain practical skills in complex clinical environments.
Kenya currently has eight level 6 hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital, National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital, Nakuru Level 6 Hospital, Kisii Teaching & Referral Hospital, and Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital-KNH (Mathare North).
CS Duale further revealed plans to engage the Council of Governors and President William Ruto to address fee disparities at other healthcare facilities across the country. Some counties reportedly charge higher fees than others, a situation he described as problematic in a devolved health system.
“This evening we are meeting with the Council of Governors and the President, and we will discuss the issue because even if we look at the list, some counties are charging higher fees than others, and that is the problem with our country,” Duale said.
“Because health is devolved, I’ll consult with the Council of Governors, but for the level six hospitals, I think I have the powers,” he added.
CS Duale emphasized the importance of harmonizing fees and restoring trust in the health sector.
The Ministry views the move as a crucial step toward restoring public trust and confidence in Kenya’s healthcare sector, ensuring medical students can access vital clinical experience without financial barriers.
