Denis Oketch is not just an entrepreneur—he is a trailblazer in Kenya’s medical education sector.
His journey began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to establish top-tier medical training institutions that would empower young Kenyans to join the healthcare profession.
Unlike many who stumble into business, Oketch strategically worked under others to “learn the art of enterprise war.”
At just 25, shortly after graduating and working as a volunteer at a hospital in Thika Town, Oketch pitched the idea of starting a medical school.
The management of Central Memorial Hospital gave him the green light, and in 2006, the Kenya School of Medical Science and Technology was born.
He was appointed principal but was soon poached by another institution to replicate his success.
In 2008, he became the inaugural principal of Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences, which started with just eight students.
Through his leadership, the institution grew exponentially, enrolling over 2,000 students within eight years. However, Oketch had bigger ambitions—he wanted to own and run his own institution.
Tricent: A Dream Realized
Now 40, Oketch is the founder and manager of Tricent School of Medical Health Science and Technology, a fully owned institution that has quickly gained recognition. Tricent offers certificate and diploma courses in various medical, applied science, business, and social science fields.
The school operates from five main campuses located in Nairobi West, Juja, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Thika. Tricent’s programs are accredited by TVET CDACC, KNEC, KN&DI, NASCOP, ABMA (UK), and ACCA/KASNEB/ABE, ensuring students receive quality education that meets global standards.
Beyond his role at Tricent, Oketch currently serves as the President of the Association of Medical Training Institutions of Kenya (AMTI Kenya), an organization that bridges the gap between training institutions and various governing bodies to uphold educational standards.
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The institution has also partnered with various hospitals and healthcare facilities to provide students with hands-on training, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
A Legacy in the Making
While Tricent is the fourth medical college Oketch has helped establish, it is the first he fully owns. His vision is ambitious: to train a new generation of healthcare professionals and expand Kenya’s medical workforce.
In line with this vision, Oketch is set to launch Tricent Medical Hospital this year in Thika Town, Kiambu County.
This hospital, an affiliate of Tricent School of Medical Health Science and Technology, will provide students with hands-on training while improving healthcare services in the region.
The institution offers a wide range of programs, including:
✅ Diplomas in Optical Technology, Orthopedic & Trauma Medicine, Nutrition & Dietetics, Health Records & IT, Community Health, Medical Engineering, Business Management, and Counseling Psychology.
✅ Certificates in Health Service Support, Nutrition & Dietetics, Counseling Psychology, and Science Laboratory Technology.
✅ Short courses such as Bridging Subjects and HIV Testing & Counseling.
With intakes in May, September, and January, students don’t have to wait long to kickstart their medical careers.
