MMUST TVET College Develops Occupational Standards for Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science as Programme Undergoes Curriculum Review
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST) TVET College has developed occupational standards for its Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science programme following a two-day curriculum review workshop held on 9th and 10th December, 2025, at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega. The workshop brought together 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), and was officially opened by the Ag. Principal of MMUST TVET College, Prof. Stephen Odebero. Organized by the College in collaboration with the School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences & Technology (SPHBST), KMLTTB, and TVET CDACC, the workshop sought to align the programme’s curriculum with national regulatory and accreditation requirements to produce graduates equipped with industry-relevant competencies for effective medical laboratory practice and improved healthcare delivery.
Faculty members from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science engage with KMLTTB representative.
Speaking during the workshop, Prof. Odebero noted that the development of occupational standards is a critical step towards establishing a competency-based curriculum for the Medical Laboratory Technology programme. He explained that the standards will form the basis for assessment and certification of individual competencies, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of a skilled human resource in the medical laboratory sector.
“We currently have a cohort of third-year students pursuing the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science who are yet to be indexed. Following this two-day workshop, the revised curriculum will be submitted to the Directorate of Curriculum Review and Development for internal review and approval by the Senate, after which it will be forwarded to KMLTTB. Upon approval and a successful site inspection of our TVET College in Webuye, the students will be indexed in line with regulatory requirements,” said Prof. Odebero.
Ag. Principal of MMUST TVET College, Prof. Stephen Odebero (right), with his deputy, Dr. Sabella Kiprono during the workshop.
Looking ahead, Prof. Odebero revealed that the College is pursuing an upgrading module in Medical Laboratory Sciences, which will further strengthen the programme and allow graduating students to pursue higher studies seamlessly.
The Ag. Deputy Principal, Dr. Sabella Kiprono, affirmed that the College is well-prepared, assuring that students will receive their indexing cards before graduation. She emphasized that indexing is a key requirement of KMLTTB, as it ensures that graduates meet the regulatory standards necessary for practice.
Further, Dr. Kiprono expressed confidence that Community Health Practitioners (CHPs) from the County government will benefit from the exercise. She highlighted that the Diploma programme is marketable and equips students to contribute effectively to primary healthcare delivery.
Mr. Raphael Gikera, the Quality Assurance Officer of KMLTTB, makes a point.
Representing the Registrar of KMLTTB, Mr. Raphael Gikera, the Quality Assurance Officer at the Board highlighted the Board’s role in regulating the training, practice and employment of medical laboratory professionals in Kenya. He explained that KMLTTB’s mandate, established under Act No. 10 of 1999 (CAP 253A) and Legal Notice No. 113 of 2011, includes ensuring that medical laboratory reagents and equipment meet stringent quality standards. He described medical laboratories as the backbone of medicine, adding that high-quality training in this area supports Kenya’s constitutional guarantee of the highest attainable standard of healthcare (Article 43(1)(a), Constitution of Kenya 2010).
It is worth noting that the workshop was attended by faculty members from the Department.
Within a short stint, MMUST TVET College has made remarkable progress. With continued support from MMUST in providing qualified staff, funding and infrastructure, the College’s potential for further growth is definitely limitless!
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Wangari Wambugu
