Signboard of Kenya Medical Training College, Kisumu Campus, with directions to the campus. /Photo courtesy/
Residents of Korando A and B in Central Kisumu, Kisumu County, are urging their Member of Parliament, Rosa Buyu, to allocate funds from the NG-CDF kitty to establish a medical training college in the area. The proposal was presented during a public participation forum at the Rainbow Chief Camp on Monday, with Michael Nyaguti, founder of Magnam Environmental Network CBO, speaking on behalf of the community.
Nyaguti highlighted the challenges faced by local students aspiring to pursue medical courses. He noted that the lack of a nearby medical training college has forced many students to attend institutions located far from home. Given that many come from disadvantaged backgrounds, the high cost of boarding fees is a significant barrier.
“Due to financial constraints, many parents cannot afford the high cost of boarding in distant medical colleges. As a result, students are enrolling in medical colleges located almost 15 kilometers away in Kisumu town,” Nyaguti explained.
In response, MP Rosa Buyu acknowledged the importance of the proposal but pointed out a key challenge: the lack of a referral hospital in Central Kisumu. For a medical training college to be viable, students need access to a hospital where they can complete essential practical lab work as part of their training.
“The idea of establishing a medical training college here is good, but the major challenge is the absence of a referral hospital in the area where students can conduct lab tests, which is an important part of their training,” Buyu said. “However, with time, the establishment of a medical training college could be considered.”
The MP also mentioned that the NG-CDF committee might prioritize the establishment of a vocational and technical training institution, which could provide marketable technical skills for the community.
“One of the more feasible projects we might consider is the establishment of a vocational and technical training institution that offers a variety of technical skills courses,” Buyu added.
Despite the challenges, the residents remain hopeful that a solution will be found to address the educational needs of their community, and that the establishment of a medical training college may be possible in the future.
