Nairobi’s Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) emerged as the overall winner of the 14th annual sporting event held in Kisumu from July 22-27.
The city team secured titles in most of the games played at various venues in the lakeside town. However, Kisumu triumphed over the city team 3-1 to clinch the coveted men’s soccer title at the Moi Stadium amidst enthusiastic fans. Siaya won the ladies’ soccer title at the end of the week-long event.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o extended his gratitude to the KMTC management for selecting Kisumu as the host city for this year’s sports competition.
Nyong’o highlighted that the event, which were held showcased a diverse array of indoor and outdoor games, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, rugby, handball, and netball, as well as activities such as draughts, table tennis, and darts. Students also demonstrated their talents in various athletic disciplines, covering both track and field events.
Kisumu County Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o celebrates with KMTC Kisumu soccer team
“As we celebrate the winners, let us also offer our encouragement to those who did not secure trophies this time, reminding them that there will always be another opportunity. In any competition, there must be both winners and those who come close,” added Nyong’o.
Earlier, Nyong’o praised KMTCs’ role in shaping health professionals, noting that nurses trained by the institution are in high demand worldwide. He mentioned that the current enrollment in KMTCs across the country stands at 65,000 students.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Ochieng’ Owili, along with County Ministers Gregory Ganda (Health), Beatrice Odongo (Sports), and John Awiti (Education), attended the event.
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State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni earlier launched the games. She emphasized that the event would help students unwind, network, and engage with the Ministry’s top leadership to address their concerns as they prepare to join the labor market.
The PS acknowledged recent protests by Generation Z (Gen-Z) and saw this as an opportunity to engage students, addressing issues before they escalate.
Muthoni also mentioned a proposed bill that will provide guidelines on the quality of care to be offered in public health facilities across the country. She emphasized that achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) requires not only infrastructure and advanced equipment but also high-quality services.
“We can build as many hospitals as possible. We can have the most advanced equipment and human resources, but if we don’t factor the quality of services being offered then we cannot achieve UHC,” he said.
To address health workers’ concerns, PS Muthoni said President Dr. William Ruto has appointed a task force to review the human resource for health sector and make recommendations for its overhaul.
“We want all stakeholders including training institutions like KMTC to give their contributions and send memoranda to the task force on how health care workers should be treated,” she said.
Fredrick Odiero
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