Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology's (MMUST) TVET College has taken a significant step forward in the development of occupational standards for its Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science program. This initiative was the result of a two-day curriculum review workshop held on December 9th and 10th, 2025, at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega. The workshop, attended by key stakeholders from the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians & Technologists Board (KMLTTB) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC), was officially opened by the Acting Principal of MMUST TVET College, Prof. Stephen Odebero. The primary goal was to align the program's curriculum with national regulatory and accreditation requirements, ensuring that graduates possess industry-relevant competencies for effective medical laboratory practice and improved healthcare delivery.
The workshop brought together faculty members from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, along with representatives from KMLTTB and TVET CDACC. Prof. Odebero emphasized the importance of developing occupational standards as a critical step towards establishing a competency-based curriculum for the Medical Laboratory Technology program. He explained that these standards will serve as the foundation for assessing and certifying individual competencies, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of a skilled workforce in the medical laboratory sector.
Prof. Odebero provided an update on the progress of the program. He mentioned that the revised curriculum, following the two-day workshop, will be submitted to the Directorate of Curriculum Review and Development for internal review and approval by the Senate. Once approved, it will be forwarded to KMLTTB. Upon approval and a successful site inspection of the TVET College in Webuye, the students will be indexed in line with regulatory requirements. This process ensures that the program meets the necessary standards for practice.
Looking ahead, Prof. Odebero revealed the College's plans to introduce an upgrading module in Medical Laboratory Sciences. This module will further enhance the program, allowing graduating students to seamlessly pursue higher studies. The Acting Deputy Principal, Dr. Sabella Kiprono, assured that students will receive their indexing cards before graduation, emphasizing the importance of indexing in meeting KMLTTB's regulatory standards.
Dr. Kiprono also highlighted the potential benefits for Community Health Practitioners (CHPs) from the County government. She noted that the Diploma program is marketable and equips students to contribute effectively to primary healthcare delivery. Additionally, Mr. Raphael Gikera, the Quality Assurance Officer at KMLTTB, emphasized the Board's role in regulating the training, practice, and employment of medical laboratory professionals in Kenya. He highlighted the stringent quality standards for medical laboratory reagents and equipment, emphasizing the importance of high-quality training in this field to support Kenya's constitutional guarantee of the highest attainable standard of healthcare.
The workshop was a significant milestone for MMUST TVET College, showcasing its commitment to developing a robust and industry-aligned curriculum. With continued support from MMUST, the College's potential for growth is limitless, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of medical laboratory education and training.
