President William Ruto has pledged Sh65 million which will go towards equipping the Kangema Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus in Murang’a.
Speaking during the official opening of the campus on Wednesday, Ruto said the money will be used to equip the College to meet required standards before admitting new students.
Ruto further pledged an additional allocation of Sh100 million to expand Kangema Sub-county Hospital, which will serve as a training ground for students enrolled in the new KMTC branch.
Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has been tasked with giving the plan for the hospital's expansion plan to ensure the construction begins as soon as possible.
He will also make a list of the equipment needed to equip the hospital to ensure residents have access to healthcare services such as X-rays without having to travel for longer distances.
The NG-CDF constructed the college at Sh100 million and is occupying 11 acres of land donated by the Murang'a County government.
The institution is set to welcome its first cohort of students in September this year.
“We are committed to ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare. This remains the government’s priority as we roll out the Universal Health Coverage across the country,” the President said.
Addressing KMTC students, parents, and locals the President reiterated the government's commitment to provide top-notch healthcare professional training.
Ruto emphasized that the completion and operation of the school would contribute significantly to achieving Universal Health Coverage as well-trained personnel are valuable both locally and internationally.
“We need additional health workers from nurses, health record officials, clinical officers, pharmacists and all other professionals hence why we are expanding our KMTC colleges across Kenya,” Ruto said.
“We will ensure the campus is fully equipped so that by the time students are coming in in September it will be ready to offer lessons,” he noted.
CS Nakhumicha reiterated her call for Kenyans to embrace the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which aims to reform the healthcare sector in the country.
Ruto was accompanied by his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, PS Public Health Mary Muthoni and Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata.
KMTC CEO Kelly Oluoch and other leaders from the region including nominated Senator Sabina Chege were also present.
She urged residents to participate in public consultations on SHIF regulations.