Mombasa: The national government has launched the construction of a Sh206.5 million students’ village at the Voi Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). This initiative aims to tackle accommodation shortages and bolster medical training in Taita Taveta County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project, officially handed over to a contractor, will include hostels with a capacity of 580 beds and is slated for completion within 52 weeks. Eng. Abdi Chome, the Voi Constituency Member of Parliament, emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding health training institutions beyond major urban centers. He acknowledged President William Ruto’s role in supporting educational infrastructure development and noted that the lack of on-campus accommodation has historically limited enrollment growth at Voi KMTC.
Chome highlighted the anticipated economic benefits for the local community, especially the youth, during the construction phase. He encouraged local youths to seize employment opportunities provided by such government projects to gain income and skills. The MP mentioned that mechanisms are in place to ensure formal recognition of skills acquired during construction, with certifications provided by the National Industrial Training Authority in collaboration with Taita Taveta National Polytechnic.
Government support has already resulted in increased enrollment at Voi KMTC, particularly among local students. Chome reported a rise from about 155 Taita Taveta County students in 2022 to over 450 currently enrolled. He attributed this growth to awareness campaigns and bursary support facilitated by the government and the institution.
Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo remarked on the importance of collaboration between national and county governments in strengthening training institutions. She projected that enrollment at Voi KMTC could potentially reach 3,000 students, making the construction of the students’ village a crucial step. The county government has supported healthcare training by providing eight lecturers to Voi KMTC, with expectations of surpassing 1,000 students by the March intake.
Voi KMTC Principal Josephine Nzesya expressed gratitude for the government-funded project, marking a significant milestone for the campus. The institution, established in 2016, has grown to a population of 958 students, facing accommodation issues since its inception. Nzesya acknowledged the role of both national and county governments in strengthening infrastructure and academic capacity, citing the addition of lecturers that boosted enrollment.
The completion of the students’ village within a year is anticipated to significantly improve student welfare and support the government’s agenda of enhancing healthcare systems through investment in training institutions. The project positions Voi KMTC as a center of excellence for training medical professionals and paramedics in the region, given its strategic location next to Moi Voi County Referral Hospital.
