List: Kenya’s Top Schools Offering Caregiving and Health Care Assistant Courses Across Kenya

The healthcare sector in Kenya continues to expand as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and home-based care services increase across the country. With rising cases of chronic illnesses, an ageing population, and growing demand for professional patient support, caregiving and health care assistant courses have become highly sought-after.

Health Care Assistants (HCAs), also known as caregivers or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), play a vital role in healthcare delivery. They support nurses and doctors by helping patients with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, maintaining hygiene, offering emotional support, and ensuring comfort in medical facilities.

As demand for skilled caregivers grows, many accredited institutions across Kenya now offer professional training programs. Below is a comprehensive list of Kenya’s top schools offering caregiving and health care assistant courses.

1. Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)

Kenya Medical Training College is the largest public medical training institution in Kenya, with campuses in almost every county. It offers a Health Care Assistant certificate in selected campuses.

The course runs for about one year and combines classroom learning, practical sessions, and clinical attachment. Applicants must have at least a KCSE grade of D (plain) or its equivalent. The program is accredited under the TVET framework and prepares graduates for employment in both public and private health facilities.

KMTC remains a preferred institution due to its strong reputation, qualified instructors, and nationwide recognition.

2. Tricent School of Medical Health Science and Technology

Tricent School of Medical Health Science and Technology is an accredited private institution in Kenya offering diploma and certificate courses in medical, social, and business sciences. The school is well known for its strong focus on practical, hands-on training.

Tricent’s training approach emphasises primary healthcare, especially in underserved and rural communities. Students gain experience through hospital attachments, community outreach, and clinical practice.

The institution conducts regular and ongoing admissions in January, June, and September. This flexible intake system allows learners to join programs throughout the year.

Campuses

Nairobi Main Campus: Nairobi West, next to Meridian Hospital

Juja Campus: Sunrise Street, Juja

Kisumu Campus: Oginga Odinga Street, opposite Kisumu Heart Center

Homabay Campus: Makongeni

Thika Campus: Gatitu Junction

Migori Office: Opposite Texas Petrol Station

Graduates from Tricent are equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, community health programs, and home-based care services.

3. GoCare Training Institute

GoCare Training Institute is a leading private college specialising in caregiving and medical support courses. It is accredited by TVET CDACC and other relevant bodies.

The institution offers Certified Caregiver, Health Care Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Nursing Assistant programs. It also provides Level 4 and Level 5 certificates for advanced learners.

GoCare’s programs focus on modern healthcare practices and prepare students for both local and international employment.

4. Kenya Red Cross Training Institute

The Kenya Red Cross Training Institute in Nairobi offers a four-month Certificate in Health Care Assistant.

The program combines classroom learning with practical attachments in hospitals and community health centres. Students learn first aid, emergency response, infection control, and patient support.

It is ideal for learners interested in humanitarian work and community healthcare.

5. ICS Technical College

ICS Technical College offers a 12-month Certificate in Health Services Support (Nursing Assistant). The program is reviewed by CDACC and designed for KCSE graduates with a minimum grade of D (plain).

Students are trained in patient hygiene, first aid, hospital procedures, and infection prevention. ICS also supports students through HELB loans.

6. Medlutek International College

Medlutek International College is a faith-based institution that offers caregiving, nurse aide, and disability care courses.

Programs last between five and six months and emphasise professionalism, ethics, and compassionate care. Graduates can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and elderly care homes.

7. Macmillan Medical Training College

Macmillan Medical Training College operates campuses in Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Mombasa. It offers six-month CNA and caregiver certificate courses.

The training combines theory, skills lab practice, and industrial attachment. The institution is known for strong clinical exposure.

8. Outspan Medical College

Outspan Medical College in Nyeri offers a two-year Certificate in Health Support Assistant.

The program uses blended learning and provides hospital-based training through affiliated Outspan Hospitals. It is suitable for students seeking in-depth healthcare support training.

9. Brooklyn Training Institute

Brooklyn Training Institute offers intensive caregiver and healthcare assistant programs in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Its curriculum meets international standards and includes personal care, vital signs monitoring, mobility assistance, and companionship. The institute is popular among students aiming for overseas jobs.

10. Gertrude’s Institute of Child Health

Gertrude’s Institute of Child Health specialises in pediatric healthcare training. It offers a one-year Health Care Assistant certificate focused on child health and safety.

Students gain hands-on experience in pediatric wards and clinics at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.

11. AIC Kijabe College of Health Sciences

AIC Kijabe College of Health Sciences operates under Kijabe Mission Hospital. It offers a Healthcare Assistant certificate aligned with TVET standards.

The program integrates classroom learning with hospital training and emphasises ethics and community service.

12. Catherine McAuley Nursing School

Catherine McAuley Nursing School, part of Mater Misericordiae Hospital, mainly offers diploma and advanced nursing programs. It occasionally provides short caregiver-related courses.

Its strong accreditation makes it a respected healthcare training institution.

13. Hoface International Medical College

Hoface International Medical College in Ruiru offers CNA, caregiver, and Health Services Support programs.

Courses last between four and twelve months and are TVET-certified. The college is known for flexible schedules and job placement support.

14. Spring International Training College

Spring International Training College offers CNA and Health Services Support programs through in-person, online, and hybrid learning.

The curriculum covers basic nursing care, infection control, and healthcare communication.

Entry Requirements, Duration, and Fees

Most caregiving and HCA programs require a minimum KCSE grade of D- or D (plain). Program duration ranges from four months to one year, with some extending to two years.

Fees generally range from KES 60,000 to KES 120,000. Some institutions allow instalment payments or access to HELB loans.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates can work in:

Public and private hospitals

Nursing and rehabilitation centres

Home-based care agencies

Elderly care homes

Disability support institutions

International healthcare facilities

With further training, caregivers can progress to nursing and specialised healthcare roles.

Conclusion

Caregiving and health care assistant training offers a strong foundation for entering Kenya’s healthcare sector. Institutions such as KMTC, Tricent School, GoCare Training Institute, Kenya Red Cross, and Hoface International Medical College continue to equip learners with practical and professional skills.

With affordable entry requirements, flexible learning options, and growing employment opportunities locally and abroad, caregiving remains a valuable career path for many Kenyans. Prospective students are encouraged to choose accredited institutions that offer strong clinical exposure and recognised certification.