Denis Oketch’s journey from a young graduate to the founder of one of Kenya’s most promising private medical training institutions is a story of grit, vision, and unwavering belief.
At just 25, after volunteering at a hospital in Thika Town, Oketch developed a bold idea; to start a medical school.
Though he began under the wings of established facilities like Central Memorial Hospital and later as the founding principal of Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences, it was his eventual step into full ownership that defined his legacy.
In 2016, Oketch founded Tricent School of Medical Science and Technology, a privately owned institution offering diploma and certificate courses in various health disciplines.
Despite skepticism from peers and walking away from a lucrative monthly salary of Sh250,000, Oketch believed in the demand for quality mid-level medical training.
“I was told I was mad to leave a fat salary,” he recalls, “but I had a vision, and I knew the gap in the market.”
Today, the institution operates from five main campuses located in Nairobi West, Juja, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Thika.
It offers accredited programs through various recognized bodies, including TVET, CDACC, KNEC, KN&DI, NASCOP, ABMA (UK), and ACCA/KASNEB/ABE, ensuring that students receive high-quality education that meets global standards.
Some of the diverse programms at the instititution include Diplomas in Optical Technology, Orthopedic & Trauma Medicine, Nutrition & Dietetics, Health Records & IT, Community Health, Medical Engineering, Business Management, and Counseling Psychology.
Oketch’s model focuses on practical training, strong hospital partnerships, and rapid admission of students, especially those who miss placement in public institutions like KMTC.
Beyond growth, Oketch envisions TRicent having campuses in all 47 counties in the coming years.
“My dream is to see Tricent spread its wings across all 47 counties not just as a school, but as a beacon of opportunity for every young Kenyan passionate about healthcare,” says Oketch.
Recently, in a bid to attract more students, Tricent founder Denis Oketch announced a cash prize giveaway of up to Ksh 20,000 through the college’s “Tell A Friend” referral program.
This exciting new initiative, he says, will allow students to earn cash rewards in denominations of Ksh 5,000, Ksh 10,000, and even Ksh 20,000 by referring friends to enroll at the college.
“At Tricent, we believe in not only providing quality education but also empowering our students financially. This program is designed to help them support their education while encouraging them to bring their peers into the Tricent community,” said Oketch.