Sabella Kiprono: PhD Holder in Microbiology Shares Returning to KMTC for Diploma Course

• Saball Kiprono graduated with a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences from KMTC in December 2024 and fulfilled a desire of her heart
• By the time Kiprono was joining KMTC, she had already bagged a Bachelor of Education in Science at Egerton University, majoring in Biology and Chemistry
• Later, she specialised in Microbiology at Saint Louis University in the Philippines and also lectured at MMUST as well as Kampala International University

Kakamega: Sabella Kiprono, a PhD holder in Microbiology has shared how she found herself in uniform studying for a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).

Where is Huazhong University of Science and Technology?

In a post on the KMTC X page, Sabella said that she was always drawn to health sciences and dreamed of becoming a nurse.

However, after completing her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), financial constraints made it difficult for her parents to afford a nursing degree.

She did not, however, give up on her dream.

"Instead, I pursued a Bachelor of Education in Science at Egerton University, majoring in Biology and Chemistry, a course that gave me a strong scientific foundation and opened unexpected doors," she said.

"Later, I had the opportunity to study abroad and chose to specialise in microbiology at Saint Louis University in the Philippines. It was here that my passion for medical research and diagnostics deepened," she added.

When Sabella returned home, she secured teaching roles at Kampala International University and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

It was at MMUST where she discovered how much she enjoyed clinical training.

"It sparked a renewed passion I had not fully explored before. The desire to become a certified medical laboratory scientist began to take root," she said.

"Still, I intentionally decided to first complete my PhD in Microbiology at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. The experience was deeply enriching, both academically and personally. But even then, the pull toward hands-on clinical practice never left me," she added.

How did Sabella Kiprono get into KMTC?

In 2021, Sabella started a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences course at KMTC Kakamega Campus.

"Though I held a PhD, I needed practical skills in hematology, blood transfusion, histopathology, and other areas vital to laboratory medicine," she said.

"I had a PhD, yet I wore a uniform and sat in class again at KMTC," she added.

According to Sabella, the curriculum at the institution was rigorous, hands-on, and with real hospital exposure that shaped her skills and confidence.

She particularly found the clinical attachment at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu most impactful.

Additionally, working in a high-volume lab across departments such as microbiology, hematology, and clinical chemistry exposed her to invaluable experience in real-time diagnostics.

Despite being older than most of my classmates, she easily blended in as their energy was infectious, and the sense of community was strong.

What are the final KMTC exams?

The lecturers were equally supportive, mentors who guided Sabella with dedication and patience. She especially, remains grateful to the late George Omoyo and others.

However, the microbiologist's time at KMTC was not without its challenges. As a university lecturer, researcher, and parent, balancing academics, work, and family was no small feat.

"I would teach by day, manage research projects, fulfill administrative tasks, then attend classes, complete assignments, and prepare for exams. Many days started before sunrise and ended well after dark," she said.

"There were difficult moments, especially during exams and clinicals, when the pressure was huge. But I stayed grounded in my purpose: to become a better mentor and practitioner. The support from KMTC lecturers, who accommodated my tight schedule with understanding, was instrumental," she added.

Her family also stood by her all through and finally, she passed the KMTC final qualifying exam as well as the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) licensing exam.

On graduation day, December 5, 2024, it all came full circle.

"As I stood in my gown, I could not help but reflect on the little girl who once dreamed of working in health care, the sacrifices made along the way, and the joy of finally earning the title of licensed Medical Laboratory Technologist," she said.

"This journey has taught me that pursuing your dream is never too late. Returning to class with younger students after years in academia was humbling. It reminded me that education is a lifelong pursuit and that passion, not age, defines potential," she added.

Saballa is now committed to continuing my work in teaching, research, and clinical mentorship.

"My hope is to inspire others, students, peers, and future health professionals, to embrace growth at every stage, and to know that with purpose and persistence, even the most winding path can lead to something extraordinary," she said.

Kenyan PhD holder returns to KMTC

In a similar story, Martin Ogwang who always nursed the desire to become a practising clinician did not hesitate when the opportunity of joining KMTC presented itself at KMTC.

Ogwang studied at KMTC for three years and during that time, he had to juggle going to school, a job at JKUAT and raising a family.

Ogwang boasts a doctorate in Biochemistry, a master’s in Bioinformatics from JKUAT as well as a bachelor’s degree from Makerere University.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke