Evolution of Physiotherapy in Kenya

Formal training of physiotherapy was started in 1966 at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Nairobi at diploma level. That first cohort of four students   graduated in 1969. For several years that was the only physiotherapy training program in the country. KMTC Port Reitz, KMTC Nakuru, KMTC Homabay, KMTC Gatundu and Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences  following later all training at diploma level.

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy was started in KMTC Nairobi in 2012, followed closely with HND Neuro Rehabilitation in 2014, HND Women Health and Pelvic Rehabilitation in 2019 and Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation in 2023. The same programs were also started in AMREF International University (AMIU) in 2023.

In 2010, the first BSc program was started in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). It was closely followed by Moi University in 2011, Masinde Muliro University in 2017, Alupe University College in 2018  and AMIU joining the list in 2020.

A Masters program was established in JKUAT in the year 2017 with three specialization;- Musculoskeletal, Sports  and Neuro-Rehabilitation.