This article aims to serve as a guide on how to become a medical doctor in Kenya.
A doctor is someone trained to restore the health of the sick. He or she has the knowledge of diagnosing and treating human diseases, ailments, injuries, pain and other health conditions. Not everyone can succeed in the medical field.
Being a medical doctor requires a person with direct responsibility for life and welfare of the patient, alongside key skills which include commitment, time management, teamwork, excellent listening skills, empathy, good communication skills as well as proficiency with special medical tools.
Therefore, anyone training to practice in the field of medicine must not only be competent, capable and intelligent but must also ensure that their level of training is exceptionally thorough.
STEP FOR BECOMING A DOCTOR IN KENYA
1. EDUCATION
The first step to becoming a doctor starts right from college days. As a doctor in view, you are expected to perform and have good grades in O’level examination. Having A’s, B’s or at least C grades in Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry, is a sure way of getting admission in the University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery(MBChb) which takes six years.
Asides the O’level entry method, a Diploma with a credit pass or higher in the relevant field from a reputable institution is also allowed. A pass in diploma can only be considered if those applying have a minimum of two years of relevant experience after graduation.
2. RESIDENTIAL DOCTORS TRAINING
This is the second step for becoming a doctor. Once you graduate, you are required to participate in a one-year residency training program at a public or private hospital. During this time you will be supervised to ensure you master what is expected of you.
3. LICENCE ACQUISITION
This is the most important step for becoming a medical doctor. Without a license, the long years in school are null and void. It is evidence to prove you’re qualified to practice. The license is issued by Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board and this is issued after passing the necessary professional examinations.
4. JOIN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Kenyan doctors have an association called the Kenya Medical Association. This promotes the interests and rights of doctors. Joining such an association will give you the opportunity to network, get exposure and job opportunities.
For those whose wish to become specialists, at least, 4-8 years of specialty training and study is required.
Below are some medical courses and entry requirements as well as colleges and universities that offer them in Kenya:
1.1. Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Technology
Schools offering the course include:
- Laikipia University, Main Campus
- Egerton University
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- The University of Nairobi
1.1.1. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
KCSE(Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination) aggregate grade of C+ and grades C-+ in Mathematics and English. Alternatively, a minimum of Division II in KCSE with compulsory credit passes in Mathematics, and English or any equivalent qualification from a reputable and recognised institution.
1.2. Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Institutions of higher learning offering the course are as follows:
- Moi University College of Health Sciences
- University of Nairobi Chiromo Campus
- Mount Kenya University
1.2.1. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A mean grade of C+ in KCSE in eight subjects done at one sitting. Pass in Biology, Chemistry, English/Kiswahili, Physics/Mathematics or Mathematics, Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences.
1.3. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Schools offering the courses include:
- Egerton University
- The University of Nairobi
- Kenya Methodist University
- Kenyatta University
- Moi University
- Uzima University College
1.3.1. MINIMUM REQUIREMENT
A minimum average grade of C+ in KCSE passed during one sitting in at least seven subjects based on the subject groupings issued by the Kenya National Council.
Alternatively, the following combinations can be used as entry requirements:
Two principal passes obtained in one sitting or two principal passes achieved in different sittings as long as the passes are of Grade C or higher;
A Diploma with a credit pass or higher in the relevant field from a reputable institution is also allowed. A pass in diploma can only be considered if those applying have a minimum of two years of relevant experience after graduation.
1.4. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) – with IT
Maseno University is the only institution of higher learning offering the course.
1.4.1. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students are expected to have a mean grade of B plus in KCSE or the equivalent and pass the following subject clusters in one sitting:
- Biology B+
- Chemistry B+
- Physics or Mathematics B+
- Kiswahili or English B Plain.
Alternatively,
- Biological Sciences A-
- Physical Sciences A-
- Mathematics B+
- Kiswahili or English B.
The students can also have 3 passes in either Biology and Chemistry or Physics and Mathematics at A-Levels or have a diploma in Clinical Medicine from an accredited school and get registration from the Clinical officer Board in Kenya.
1.5. Bachelor of Phar-macy
Here are the schools offering the above course:
- Mount Kenya University
- The University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University
- United States International University
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- C+ in ( KCSE) Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with C+ in Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, or Physics or a Higher Diploma in Phar-macy from an accredited institution by the Phar-macy &Poisons Board.
1.6. Bachelor of Philosophy (Medical Laboratory Technology)
The Technical University of Kenya is the only institution that offers the above course
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Higher Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
1.7. Bachelor of Radiography
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is the only university offering the course.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
At least a KCSE mean grade of C+ with the following alternative combinations in cluster subjects:
- Alternative A-
- Physics C+
- Biology C+
- Mathematics or Chemistry C+
- English/Kiswahili C+
Alternatively,
- Biological Sciences B
1.8. Bachelor of Science (Health Information Management and Informatics)
Schools offering the course include:
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Mount Kenya University
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A KCSE with a mean grade of C+. Applicants must also have either of the following qualifications:
- Swahili/English C
- Biology C
- Mathematics C
- Physics/Chemistry C
Alternatively,
- Swahili/English C
- Biological Sciences C
- Mathematics C
1.9. Bachelor of Science (Health Records and Information Management)
Universities offering the course include:
- Mount Kenya University
- Kenyatta University
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A minimum KCSE mean grade of C+, C Plain in Kiswahili/English, Mathematics and Biology or Diploma in Health Records.
1.10. Bachelor of Science (Public Health)
University of Eastern Africa Baraton is the only school offering the course
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of C+ in KCSE, an advanced certificate of secondary education. A minimum of two principal passes and two subsidiary passes. A relevant diploma from a reputable institution.
CONCLUSION
Becoming a doctor isn’t an easy task. It requires lots of commitment, sacrifices, finance and dedication to studying. This is why the professional is one of the highest paying jobs in Kenya and the world at large.
A person working as a Doctor / Physician in Kenya typically earns around 343,000 KES per month. Salaries range from 155,000 KES to 583,000 KES. This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.