Residents of Konoin Constituency, in Bomet County have welcomed a proposal by former Member of Parliament Dr. Julius Kones to establish a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus in the area, terming it a timely intervention that would expand access to medical education and improve healthcare delivery in the region.
The proposed campus is expected to be hosted at either Chebangang Health Centre in Kimulot Ward, Koiwa Kambit Sub-County Hospital in Mogogosiek Ward, or Cheptalal Sub-County Hospital in Embomos Ward.
The facilities were identified due to their existing infrastructure, availability of land, and accessibility.
Community leaders say the institution would reduce the cost of medical training for local students who currently travel long distances to access similar colleges in other counties.
The campus is also expected to ease pressure on local health facilities by increasing the number of trained healthcare workers.
According to the reports, although Chebangang Health Centre is currently classified as a Level 3 facility, plans are underway to upgrade it to Level 4, a requirement for hosting a KMTC campus.
The other two facilities in the area already meet the Level 4 threshold. All three sites have access to electricity, piped water, road networks and have more than 10 acres of land, meeting key institutional requirements.
ALSO READ:
Uasin Gishu bans children’s play areas near drinking premises
The County Government of Bomet, in collaboration with national agencies, is expected to facilitate site inspections and compliance assessments by KMTC management before final approval by the KMTC Board.
Supporters of the proposal noted that the campus would not only benefit students but also stimulate the local economy through job creation, demand for housing and increased markets for agricultural produce. Small-scale traders, landlords and service providers are expected to benefit from the presence of students and staff.
Health sector stakeholders argue that the campus would strengthen Universal Health Coverage (UHC) efforts by ensuring a steady supply of trained nurses and allied health professionals to serve local and regional health facilities.
If approved, the KMTC Konoin Campus would become one of the few public medical training institutions in rural Bomet County, marking a significant step toward decentralizing higher education and healthcare training services.
By Philip Koech
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
