The Kenya Medical Training Institute (KMTC) board chairman has said the country risks facing a shortage of qualified medical personnel since many trained medics are migrating Western countries.
Speaking at KMTC Campus in Manza, Machakos County on Tuesday, during a staff benefits retirement scheme meeting Prof Philip Kaloki said that half of those who graduate from the country's training colleges resign and seek employment outside the country.
"Sadly most of those we train at KMTC leave almost immediately after employment to go and work outside the country leaving the health sector with a shortage of medics,” said Kaloki.
The chairman also said that the board was planning to set up eight training institutions to supplement the existing ones in an effort to increase the number of health care professionals who can provide quality health care services.
The Institutions will be set in Migori, Siaya, Mandi, Gatundu, Chuka, Makindu and Mwingi.
"The board is working in partnership with county governors in establishing the additional training colleges in an effort to increase health care professionals for better services,” said Kaloki.