The government has announced that the new Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Ikolomani campus will admit its inaugural students this year.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced on Saturday that the construction of the campus is on the verge of being completed ahead of the September 2024 intake.
Speaking when President William Ruto conducted an inspection of the ongoing construction works at the campus, the CS said the institution will be a game changer for the region.
"KMTC Ikolomani will change the social-economic outlook for Iguhu, and the community will directly benefit through job creation,'' she said.
Nakhumicha said the institution will increase training opportunities for competent health professionals through partnerships with lawmakers across the country.
"KMTC has been in the frontline in the production of qualified health personnel for health facilities in Kenya and even beyond our borders,''
During the visit, the Head of State reiterated his commitment to invest in the institution through infrastructure that will provide a conducive environment for learners.
"The launch of the Kenya Medical Training College - Ikolomani Campus, will provide Iguhu County Referral with quality medical care professionals and improve service delivery,'' Ruto said.
Ruto said Iguhu County Referral Hospital is central to the well-being of the people of Ikolomani.
''The facility not only offers basic but also emergency care and specialised treatment to more than 30,000 people of Kakamega and the neighbouring Vihiga County,'" he said.
Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa said the campus, whose foundation stone was laid five years ago, was on the verge of completion.
In April 2019, Ruto, who was serving as deputy president, laid the foundation stone of the college.
President Ruto is on a three-day development tour of the Western Kenya region.
He has launched several development projects and commissioned others in Bungoma and Kakamega counties.