Leaders reach consensus on relocation of Sh15m KMTC

The National Government Constituency Development Fund in Vihiga has begun relocation of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) from Mbale town.

The fund has allocated Sh15 million for construction works on the new site in Iduku. Relocation of the college has been the subject of controversy with Vihiga and Sabatia MPs Ernest Ogesi and Alfred Agoi respectively offering land for it to be moved to their constituencies.

The controversy escalated after KMTC's lease to operate at Mbale Rural Hospital expired.

The MPs, however, reached consensus over the weekend and decided that the facility be constructed in Vihiga constituency and later have a college in Sabatia to offer degree programmes in nursing.

“The main issue surrounding the KMTC was where it should be relocated to, subject to availability of land and other resources that would ensure smooth transition from Mbale town where it is currently being hosted,” Ogesi said.

The Vihiga MP was speaking during a consultative meeting with the KMTC management at the new site of the facility.

He was accompanied by Agoi, the KMTC principal Helen Mugambi and MCAs Victor Ijaika (Lugaga/Wamuluma) and Henry Asava (West Sabatia), among other leaders. 

Mugambi noted that the college currently offers 10 programmes and has more than 500 students.