Why Most Students Are Rushing to Apply for Mortuary Courses

Why More Students in Kenya Are Choosing Mortuary Science Over Other Courses.

The government revealed on Tuesday that Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has seen a significant increase in demand for mortuary science courses. The program, introduced in 2023, has rapidly grown in popularity among students.

During a public forum with stakeholders, KMTC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kelly Oluoch reported an exponential rise in interest since the course was launched. The program, which debuted in March 2023, was not initially expected to attract such a high number of applicants.

Oluoch highlighted that the current year witnessed 250 applications for just 50 available slots, demonstrating the rapid expansion of interest in this now highly sought-after program. In response to this surge, KMTC has made efforts to increase its capacity, now accommodating hundreds of applicants.

Despite the growing enthusiasm, the program maintains a regulated intake to ensure high training standards. Oluoch assured stakeholders that KMTC remains committed to delivering quality education while managing the increasing demand.

Oluoch also noted that most applicants were financially supported by either health institutions or private organizations. He explained that many of these sponsoring entities were already involved in mortuary services and sought to enhance their technical capacity by enrolling their personnel in the program.

Furthermore, private individuals interested in establishing mortuary businesses found the course particularly advantageous, as it offered specialized training not readily available in other related programs.

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Evolution of Mortuary Training

Traditionally, mortuary attendants in Kenya gained experience informally through on-the-job training in private funeral parlours. However, a study conducted between 2018 and 2021 by senior lecturers from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and pathologists at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) identified substantial gaps in the training and professional practice of morticians.

KMTC’s mortuary science program equips students with the necessary skills and professional ethics required to handle human remains with dignity and care. Initially launched at the Nairobi Campus, the program has since expanded to additional campuses nationwide, with plans to introduce it in four more locations in the coming years.

Why More Students in Kenya Are Choosing Mortuary Science Over Other Courses

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