Top 10 Best Most Marketable Medical Courses in Kenya, Salaries, and Universities Offering Them 2024

Choosing a medical course in Kenya can be a wise career move, as the healthcare sector offers ample employment opportunities. Some medical programs are more marketable than others, though. This article will look at Kenya's top 10 highest-demanding medical degrees. 

We will also look at their requirements, expected salaries, and the universities that offer them. 

Now Let us get started.

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1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree, commonly known as MBChB, is the most marketable medical course in Kenya. The demand for doctors in Kenya is ever needed, and this program trains students to become doctors and surgeons. Candidates must acquire a minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ to pursue an MBChB and a B in Biology, Chemistry/Physics, and Mathematics/Physics. After six years of training, including internships, graduates can earn a basic salary ranging from Ksh 127,000 to Ksh 583,000.

Universities and colleges in Kenya that offer Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

1. University of Nairobi (UoN)
2. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
3. Kenyatta University (KU)
4. Maseno University
5. Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology (MMUST)
6. Mount Kenya University (MKU)
7. Egerton University
8. Kisii University
9. Moi University
10. Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)
11. Uzima University College

2. Bsc. Clinical Medicine

Clinical Medicine is a course that focuses on direct patient diagnosis and treatment. Clinical officers assess patients, diagnose illnesses, and administer appropriate treatments and preventive measures. The entry requirements for Clinical Medicine depend on whether one is pursuing a diploma or degree course. Generally, candidates need good grades in Biology, English, Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry. Clinical officers in Kenya earn an average monthly salary of more than Ksh 80,000.

 Universities and colleges in Kenya that offer Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine are:

1. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
2. Kirinyaga University
3. Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology (MMUST)
4. Egerton University
5. Kabarak University
6. University of Kabianga
7. Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)
8. Great Lakes University of Kisumu
9. Uzima University College
10. Meru University of Science and Technology

3. Bachelor of Nursing

Nursing is a fundamental profession in the healthcare sector, with nurses playing crucial roles in patient care. They perform various tasks and assist doctors in hospitals. To pursue a Bachelor of Nursing course, candidates must have a minimum of a B in Biology, Chemistry, English/Kiswahili, and a C+ in Mathematics or Physics. Depending on experience, expertise, and education level, nurses in Kenya can earn an average salary of around Ksh 70,000.

University and colleges offering Bachelor of Science in nursing include:

1. Uzima University (uzima)
2. University of Nairobi (UoN)
3. University of Kabianga
4. University of Embu (UoEm)
5. University of Eastern Africa Baraton (baraton)
6. Umma University (UMMA)
7. St Paul's University
8. South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU)
9. Pwani University
10. Presbyterian University of East Africa (PUEA)
11. Mt Kenya University (MKU)
12. Moi University (Moi Uni)
13. Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST)
14. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (mmust)
15. Maseno University
16. Maasai Mara University
17. Kisii University
18. Kirinyaga University
19. Kenyatta University (KU)
20. Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
21. Karatina University (karu)
22. Kabarak University
23. Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT)
24. Great Lakes University of Kisumu (Gluk)
25. Egerton University (egerton)
26. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT)
27. Daystar University
28. Chuka University
29. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)

4. Pharmacy

 Pharmacists are healthcare professionals responsible for appropriately using, preserving, and prescribing medications. They guide medication usage and warn about potential side effects—pharmacists complete prescriptions issued by doctors, clinical officers, or nurses. To study Pharmacy, candidates must meet the minimum requirements, including a C+ grade in Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics, and English/Kiswahili.

Schools approved by Pharmacy And Poisons board to offer degrees in Pharmacy Include:

1. Nairobi University – (Nairobi) – Public
2.  Mount Kenya University – (Thika) – Private
3. Kenyatta University – (Nairobi) – Public
4.  Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology – (Juja) – 
5. Kenya Methodist University – (Meru) – Mission
6.  Kabarak University

Schools Approved by Pharmacy And Poisons board to offer diplomas in Pharmacy include:

1. Kenya Medical Training College (Nairobi)- Public
2. Technical University of Kenya {Formerly Kenya Polytechnic} (Nairobi) – Technical University of Mombasa {Formerly Mombasa Polytechnic} 
3. The Eldoret National Polytechnic (Eldoret)- Public
4. Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (Eldoret)- Public
5. Menengai Medical & Training College (Nakuru)- Private
6. Nairobi Technical Training Institute (Nairobi)- Public
7. Kenya School of Medical Sciences and Technology (Thika)- Private
8. Mount Kenya University {Formerly Thika Institute of Technology} (Thika)
9. Mombasa Technical Training Institute (Mombasa) – Public
10. The Kabete National Polytechnic (Nairobi) – Public
11. Nyeri Technical Training Institute (Nyeri) – Public
12. The Kabete National Polytechnic (Nakuru) – Private
13. African Institute of Research & Development (Eldoret) – Private
14. Thika Technical Training Institute – (Thika) – Public
15. Equator School of Health Sciences – (Nairobi) – Private
16. Gusii Technical Training Institute – (Kisii) – Public
17. Kenya Methodist University–(Meru) – Private
18. Outspan Medical College – (Nyeri) – Private
19. Nyanchwa Adventist College 

READ ALSO: Top 10 Most Marketable Diploma Courses and Colleges Offering

5. Medical Engineering

Medical Engineers are vital in assessing and maintaining medical equipment to ensure proper functioning. They are responsible for evaluating, testing, and advising hospitals on purchasing medical devices. Candidates interested in Medical Engineering should have a pass in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Medical engineers in Kenya can earn a basic salary of approximately Ksh 90,000.

 Here Are The universities Offering degrees in Medical engineering courses:

1. Technical University of Mombasa (TUM)
2. Kenyatta University (KU)
3. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DEKUT)

As for the Diploma in the same course, the following institution offer:

1.  Kenya Medical Training College (Nyeri, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nairobi, and Thika campuses)
2. Clive School of Nursing in Chogoria
3. Railway Training Institute (Nairobi)
4. Thika Institute of Technology (Thika)
5. Kisiwa Technical Training Institute (Bungoma)
6. Gusii Institute of Technology (Kisii)
7. Technical University of Mombasa (Mombasa)
8. Annex Medical Training Centre (Nakuru)
9. Menengai Medical &Training College (Nakuru)
10. Eldoret Technical Training Institute (Eldoret).
11. Kenya Institute of Applied Sciences.
12. Rift Valley Technical Training Institute
13. Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences
14. Kabete Polytechnic Training Institute
15. Eldoret National Polytechnic
16. Technical University of Mombasa
17. Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology
18. CoTropical Medicine and Community Health College
19. Royal College of Science and Technology
20. Mt. Kenya University (Thika)

6. Health Records and Information Management

Health Records Officers implement policies and guidelines for medical records storage, confidentiality, and security. They analyze medical records data and ensure they are safely stored for future reference. To pursue a Health Records and Information Management course, candidates must have a C+ grade in English, Biology/Biological Sciences, and Physics/Mathematics. The salary for a Health Records Officer in Kenya ranges from Ksh 24,000 to Ksh 124,000, depending on education and experience. 

The course is offered at the following universities;

1. Kenyatta university
2. Chuka university
3. Meru University of Science and Technology
4. rongo university

7. Medical Laboratory Sciences

Medical Laboratory Science prepares students for work in hospitals, clinics, research labs, and other healthcare settings. Graduates can perform laboratory tests and analyses, aiding in diagnosing and treating diseases. Successful candidates must have good grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics, and English/Kiswahili. Medical Laboratory Scientists in Kenya can earn an average salary of around Ksh 400,000, depending on education and experience.

Institutions offering degrees in this course include;

1. Alupe University College
2. University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
3. Kisii University
4. Kenyatta University
5. Mount Kenya University
6. Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology
7. Maseno University
8. Moi University
9. Muranga University of Technology
10. University of Nairobi

8. Radiology or radiography courses

Radiographers use radiation to produce images of organs, bones, and tissues for diagnostic purposes. These images assist radiologists and physicians in patient diagnosis. To pursue a course in Radiography, candidates need good grades in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and English/Kiswahili. Competent radiographers in Kenya can earn a salary of up to Ksh 600,000 or more.

1. Universities Offering degrees in Radiography In Kenya are:
2. University of Nairobi
3. Aga Khan University
4. Jomo Kenyatta University of Science & Technology
5. Moi University
6. Kenyatta University

Universities offering Diplomas in Radiography in Kenya include:

1. Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences, Thika
2. Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies, Nakuru
3. Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences, Thika

9. Dental Surgery/Dental Technology

 Dental Surgery involves examining, diagnosing, and treating various dental conditions. Dental surgeons work in hospitals, medical clinics, or dental units. Candidates interested in Dental Surgery should have good grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics, and English/Kiswahili. Dental surgeons or dentists in Kenya earn a basic salary ranging from Ksh 168,000 to Ksh 580,000 monthly.

Approved Dental Schools in Kenya are: 

1. University of Nairobi School of Dentistry
2. Moi University Dental School
3. University of Nairobi Dental School
4. University of Nairobi School of Dental Sciences
5. Kenya Medical Training College Departments of Dental Technology
6. Institute of Healthcare Management Nairobi – Dental
7. College Of Tropical Medicine & Community Health

10. Public Health

 Public health is a field of Medicine that focuses on maintaining the health of populations, from little villages to vast nations. Public health professionals work to prevent disease, research disease prevention, and encourage healthy lives. To study Public Health, candidates must pass Mathematics, Biology, and English/Kiswahili. Public health officers in Kenya earn an average basic salary of approximately Ksh 49,000, depending on skills, knowledge, and experience.

 Public health Degree Institutions are:

1. Baraton university
2. Chuka University 
3. JKUAT-jomo kenyatta university of Science and Technology 
4. JOOUST(jaramogi oginga odinga university of Science & Technology)   
5. Kisii University Bachelor Of Science 
6. Maseno University Bachelor Of Science 
7. Meru University of Science & Technology 
8. SEKU(Southeastern University University) 
9. University Of Kabianga

Colleges Offering Diploma in public health are:

1. Cefored Institute of Relief and Development, Nairobi
2. Moya Institute of Technology, Eastleigh
3. Keiway Mining and Technology, Kilifi
4. Gretsa University, Thika
5. Rongo University
6. Helites College, Lamu
7. Regional Centre of Management, Nairobi
8. Lake Naivasha Institute, Naivasha
9. Nazareth Medical College, Nairobi
10. Kenya Institute of Public Health, Kisumu

READ ALSO: Best Medical Degrees for B+, B Plain, and B- Students in Kenya

Conclusion

Choosing a marketable medical course in Kenya can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in the healthcare sector. The top 10 medical courses mentioned in this article offer a range of opportunities, from becoming a doctor or nurse to specializing in fields like Pharmacy, radiography, or dental Surgery. Consider the qualifications, entry requirements, and potential salaries when deciding. Remember to choose a reputable university or institution that offers the program of your choice to ensure quality education and a strong foundation for your medical career.

FAQs

Are all medical courses in Kenya equally marketable?

No, not all medical courses in Kenya are equally marketable. Some courses, like Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, and Pharmacy, have higher demand and better job prospects than others.

What are the minimum entry requirements for medical courses in Kenya?

The minimum entry requirements vary depending on the course and institution. Generally, candidates need a minimum KCSE mean C+ and specific grades in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics, and English/Kiswahili. However, some courses may have additional requirements.

What are the potential salaries for medical professionals in Kenya?

Medical professionals' pay in Kenya varies depending on their experience, area of specialization, amount of education, and place of employment. For instance, doctors can make a base income between Ksh 127,000 to Ksh 583,000, while nurses typically make Ksh 70,000. Salaries for other medical professions also vary.

Can I pursue further studies after completing a medical diploma or degree course?

Yes. Pursuing further studies is possible after completing a medical diploma or degree course. Many universities offer postgraduate programs in various medical fields, allowing individuals to specialize and advance their careers.

How can I ensure quality education in my chosen medical course?

Choosing reputable universities or institutions recognized by relevant regulatory bodies is essential to ensure quality education. Conduct thorough research, and consider their accreditation, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and student reviews before deciding.