Youth Enterprise Fund to Finance KMTC Students Seeking Jobs Abroad
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting Kenyan medical graduates seeking employment opportunities abroad. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, is set to provide financial aid to students who have successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)—a crucial requirement for securing nursing jobs overseas.
This move is expected to break financial barriers that often hinder qualified medical professionals from pursuing lucrative international job opportunities. Here’s everything you need to know about this groundbreaking initiative.
Understanding the KMTC-YEDF Partnership: What It Means for Medical Graduates
The collaboration between KMTC and YEDF represents a major step toward supporting Kenyan healthcare workers in accessing global job markets. According to YEDF CEO, Mr. Josiah Moriasi, the fund is looking beyond traditional business financing by extending its support to labor mobility—helping qualified Kenyans secure employment overseas.
KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch emphasized that the cost of preparing for and transitioning to international employment is often prohibitively high, with expenses reaching up to Ksh. 1 million. This covers exam preparation, certification, travel, and settling-in costs. The financial burden discourages many graduates, despite their qualifications and job prospects abroad.
“With this partnership, we are breaking barriers to ensure that every qualified student, regardless of their financial background, can access global job opportunities,” Dr. Oluoch stated.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions will outline the detailed implementation plan, including loan eligibility criteria, application procedures, and repayment structures.
Who Qualifies for the YEDF Loan?
The financial support is specifically tailored for KMTC graduates who have passed the NCLEX-RN exam. However, once the MoU is finalized, additional details regarding eligibility will be clarified. Here are some possible requirements that applicants might need to meet:
- Must be a KMTC graduate with a recognized medical qualification.
- Must have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Must demonstrate a confirmed job offer or employment prospects abroad.
- May need to provide a guarantor or proof of ability to repay the loan once employed.
What Expenses Will the Loan Cover?
According to Mr. Josiah Moriasi, the YEDF loan will not only cover travel expenses but may also extend to support areas such as:
- Visa Processing and Documentation Fees
- Many countries require nurses to undergo visa applications, licensing, and certification processes before being allowed to work. These costs can be overwhelming for fresh graduates.
- Flight Tickets and Travel Insurance
- Airfare and travel-related expenses can be costly, especially for students moving to Europe, the Middle East, or North America for employment.
- Accommodation and Initial Upkeep
- The first few months in a new country can be financially challenging. The loan might assist with housing deposits, rent, and daily expenses before the graduates receive their first salary.
- Local Transport and Relocation Costs
- Transport within the host country, including commuting to work and settling in, will also be considered under the financing package.
Why This Initiative Is a Game-Changer for Kenyan Nurses
Bridging the Financial Gap
One of the biggest hurdles for Kenyan medical graduates seeking jobs abroad is the huge financial commitment required before they can even secure employment. From exam preparation to visa processing, many qualified students end up missing out on life-changing opportunities simply because they lack funds.
This partnership ensures that talented medical professionals no longer have to sacrifice their dreams due to financial limitations.
Supporting Labor Mobility and Economic Growth
By investing in medical graduates, YEDF is also promoting Kenya’s labor mobility, ensuring that more skilled professionals access international markets. This will not only boost individual careers but also increase remittances to Kenya, contributing to national economic growth.
Creating Equal Opportunities for All
Unlike other financing options, which often require collateral or high-interest repayment plans, this initiative aims to offer a more accessible and sustainable loan repayment model.
How Will the Loan Be Repaid?
One of the most attractive features of this loan is its repayment structure. Unlike traditional student loans that require immediate repayment upon disbursement, this YEDF loan will be repaid only after the graduate secures employment abroad and starts earning.
While the exact repayment terms are yet to be officially announced, possible models could include:
- Flexible repayment schedules aligned with salary earnings.
- Low-interest rates to ease the financial burden on beneficiaries.
- Income-based repayment plans, ensuring that monthly payments are manageable.
According to Mr. Moriasi, YEDF is committed to sustainable investments that create opportunities while ensuring the fund remains financially viable for future beneficiaries.
What Are the Next Steps?
1. Formalizing the MoU Between KMTC and YEDF
KMTC and YEDF officials will work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a clear framework for loan disbursement, repayment, and beneficiary management.
2. Setting Up an Application Process for Interested Graduates
Once the MoU is signed, an official application process will be announced, including:
- Where and how to apply for the loan.
- Required documents and eligibility checks.
- Processing time and disbursement timelines.
3. Official Rollout and Beneficiary Selection
After all logistical processes are in place, the first batch of eligible graduates will be selected and receive financial support for their overseas job placements.
Final Thoughts: A New Dawn for Kenyan Medical Graduates
The KMTC-YEDF partnership is a transformative step in helping Kenyan medical graduates achieve their dreams of working abroad. By providing financial support for crucial relocation expenses, the initiative opens up global job opportunities for Kenyan nurses, ensuring that qualified professionals can compete on an international level without financial constraints.
For students aspiring to take advantage of this opportunity, now is the time to prepare—by passing the NCLEX-RN exam and staying updated on the rollout of this initiative.
Would you consider applying for this financial support? Stay tuned for more updates on eligibility, application details, and success stories of the first beneficiaries!
