Executive Summary
- All laboratory technicians and technologists practicing in Kenya must be registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
- Registration governed by the Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Act, 2021
- Requirements include diploma/degree in medical laboratory science, passing board exams, and internship
- Registration fees: KES 5,000 for technicians, KES 7,500 for technologists
- Annual practice license renewal required
- Foreign-trained professionals must meet equivalency requirements
- KMLTTB located at Lenana Road, opposite DOD offices, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 726 243 005, +254 780 496 588
- Online services available through KMLTTB portal
The Regulatory Framework
The Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board was established under the Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Act, 2021 to regulate medical laboratory practice in Kenya. The Board ensures laboratory professionals maintain high standards for accurate diagnostic testing and patient safety.
No person shall practice as a medical laboratory technician or technologist in Kenya unless registered and licensed by KMLTTB.
About KMLTTB
The KMLTTB regulates medical laboratory professionals, ensuring competence, ethical practice, and quality laboratory services throughout Kenya's healthcare system.
Functions of the Board
- Register and license medical laboratory professionals
- Maintain registers of technicians and technologists
- Conduct or prescribe qualifying examinations
- Accredit training institutions and programs
- Issue annual practice licenses
- Set and enforce professional standards
- License medical laboratory premises
- Investigate complaints and conduct disciplinary proceedings
- Promote continuing professional development
Registration Categories
1. Medical Laboratory Technologists
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Technology from recognized institution
Requirements:
- Approved degree in medical laboratory science
- Successful completion of KMLTTB examinations
- One-year supervised internship
- Payment of registration fees
Registration Fee: KES 7,500
Annual License Fee: KES 5,000
2. Medical Laboratory Technicians
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science/Technology from approved institution (typically KMTC)
Requirements:
- Approved diploma in medical laboratory science
- Successful completion of KMLTTB examinations
- Six-month practical attachment
- Payment of registration fees
Registration Fee: KES 5,000
Annual License Fee: KES 3,000
Licensing Examinations
KMLTTB administers licensing examinations assessing competency in:
- Clinical chemistry and biochemistry
- Medical microbiology and parasitology
- Hematology and blood transfusion
- Clinical immunology and serology
- Histopathology and cytology
- Laboratory management and quality assurance
- Professional ethics and legislation
Candidates must pass all components. Failed candidates may re-sit up to maximum three attempts.
Internship/Practical Attachment
Upon passing examinations:
- Technologists: Complete one-year supervised internship in approved laboratory facilities
- Technicians: Complete six-month practical attachment under supervision
Foreign-Trained Professionals
Foreign-trained laboratory professionals can apply for registration subject to:
- Verification of qualifications
- Demonstration of equivalency to Kenyan standards
- Passing KMLTTB assessment examinations
- Orientation on Kenyan laboratory practices and regulations
- Payment of assessment fees
