KMTC Wins Continental Role as Nairobi Hosts 17 African Countries for Key Training Programme

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has secured a major continental role as 17 African countries head to Nairobi for key training.

In a press release dated Wednesday, April 15, 2026, KMTC, in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, announced that it will host participants from 17 African countries for the 2026 Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme.

According to KMTC, the programme comes at a time when mental health is gaining increased attention as a critical component of public health in Africa, with growing calls for stronger systems, investment, and coordinated action.

KMTC to Host 17 African Countries for 2026 Mental Health Leadership Training

The two-week training will run from April 20 to May 1, 2026, at the KMTC Nairobi Campus.

It will bring together mental health professionals, policymakers, academics, and practitioners from across the continent.

KMTC announced that this year’s programme builds on KMTC’s hosting of the 2025 edition, which positioned the College as a regional hub for health capacity-building initiatives.

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The training will take place alongside the World Health Summit, set to be held in Nairobi, reinforcing Kenya’s growing role in global and continental health conversations.

The Kenya Medical Training College also announced that a public lecture will be held as part of the programme to broaden engagement on mental health and policy.

The official opening ceremony is expected to be led by the Health CS Aden Duale, alongside delegates from participating countries, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing the mental health agenda.

Participants will be drawn from Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The programme targets psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, public health practitioners, policymakers, government officials, NGO leaders, researchers, academics, human resource professionals, and leaders in media and education.

Key Areas of Focus During the Training

Speaking ahead of the training, KMTC CEO Dr Kelly Oluoch reaffirmed the College’s commitment to strengthening mental health leadership across Africa.

“KMTC is proud to once again host this important continental programme. Our experience last year demonstrated our capacity to convene and train health leaders at scale. This initiative aligns with our broader mandate to strengthen health systems through quality training and strategic partnerships,” he said.

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Deputy Director Academics and Chair of the Planning Committee, Dr Nyawira Mwangi, noted that the programme is designed to equip participants with practical leadership and advocacy skills.

Key areas of focus will include mental health policy and governance, leadership and advocacy, public health strategies, integration of mental health into primary healthcare, and addressing stigma and systemic barriers.

About the Programme

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Mental Health Leadership Programme (AMHLP) is a flagship three-year continental initiative launched in 2024 and funded by Wellcome.

The programme aims to strengthen Africa’s mental health workforce by developing a new generation of leaders equipped to advocate for policy reform, reduce stigma, and integrate mental health into primary healthcare systems through a human rights and public health approach.

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Health CS Aden Duale presiding over a past KMTC function. PHOTO/MoH