Nyandarua County will soon enjoy the services of three more Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTCs), Health CS Sicily Kariuki has said.
Speaking while touring the proposed site for Ndaragwa KMTC at Murichu farm in Ndaragwa constituency, Kariuki said that the institution will be 199th across the country while the 200th and 201st will be constructed in Kipipiri and Engineer towns respectively.
“The facility will commence construction as soon as possible and will have its first intake this September,” she added.
The CS said there was need for medical training colleges to revise their curriculum so as to maximize on practical sessions while minimizing on classwork that do little to equip the learners.
These institutions will not only open up the interior parts of the county, but will also equip learners with skills to be passed on to residents, who have in the past languished in alcoholism, amid rising cases of suicide that have alarmed local leaders.
“Through a promotive approach, we will be able to combat non communicable diseases like cancer and hypertension. We are developing guidelines to a multi-agency approach that will help deal with mental illnesses that have driven many into committing suicide.
Through these institutions we will equip community health volunteers on matters of mental health to help in providing psychosocial counselling services,” said the CS, adding that the expansion of KMTC at JK Kariuki Hospital was ongoing.
Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, who accompanied her, urged the residents to embrace the project and take advantage of the opportunities that the college will bring in order to open up the hardship region.
“It is only through such major government projects that we can lobby for roads and more jobs for our youths,” added the MP.
Kioni, who is credited for lobbying for the institution, pledged a two-year Sh10 million boost from the local National Government Constituency Development Fund to expand the former youth empowerment centre that will host the first batch of students.
He also pledged to offer bursaries to students who will be joining the facility.
By Anne Sabuni
