A fierce standoff has broken out in Kirinyaga County over where to establish its first Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). The dispute, which has ignited between Gichugu and Kirinyaga Central constituencies, now threatens to derail a project many residents have long awaited.
Highlights:
- Gichugu and Kirinyaga Central are locked in a row over the KMTC site.
- The disagreement could stall the launch of the first KMTC in the county.
- Leaders from both sides are pushing competing agendas.
- Residents fear politics could sabotage the institution’s rollout.
Main Story:
What was supposed to be a landmark development in Kirinyaga County — the establishment of its first Kenya Medical Training College — is now at risk of being delayed, or worse, shelved altogether. Leaders from Gichugu and Kirinyaga Central constituencies are at odds over where the institution should be located.
Both constituencies have staked claims, with Gichugu pointing to its available land and infrastructure readiness, while Kirinyaga Central argues its central location and accessibility make it the ideal choice.
MPs and MCAs from both constituencies have intensified lobbying efforts, each urging the Ministry of Health and KMTC officials to favor their proposal. Public barazas have turned into political showdowns, with accusations flying over favoritism, hidden agendas, and regional bias.
Community members have also begun weighing in, with some fearing that continued squabbling could result in the college being reassigned to another county altogether.
Local students, parents, and health stakeholders say the fight is misguided, as the primary focus should be expanding access to medical education and training. They’re urging county and national leaders to broker a compromise before the opportunity slips away.
The standoff has also drawn concern from health professionals in the region, who see the KMTC as vital in addressing the chronic shortage of trained healthcare workers.
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