Deputy President H.E. Rigathi Gachagua visited Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Iten on Friday, June 23, 2023, to commission two newly constructed classrooms and lay a foundation stone for a new tuition block.

These developments have been made possible through the funding by the Keiyo North National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), under the leadership of Member of Parliament Hon. Adams Kipsanai at a cost of Kshs 3 million and a further Kshs 25 million for the construction of a tuition block.

During the commissioning ceremony, DP Gachagua commended Hon. Kipsanai for his effective utilization of resources, emphasizing the positive impact these classrooms will have on the students. He stated, “The government is committed to improving the health and well-being of its citizens and we are cognizant that it begins here, with the training of the necessary human resources.”

He further praised Hon. Kipsanai, saying, “We are appreciative of the MP’s efforts in providing the funds for these classrooms.”

The Deputy President also pledged his support for the completion of the tuition block, stating, “In line with this, I pledge to support the construction of the tuition block, containing six classrooms, to its completion.”

Hon. Kipsanai expressed his gratitude for the government’s support in strengthening the health systems to better serve the people of Kenya. He stated, “We are happy to see KMTC Iten become a Centre of Excellence in the training of healthcare professionals in the county, and that is why we have embarked on this infrastructural development journey to actualize this.”

He also highlighted the ongoing projects at KMTC Iten, mentioning, “In addition to the tuition block under construction with support from the NG-CDF, KMTC is also in the process of constructing five classrooms funded through internally-generated revenue and has purchased a bus to enhance teaching and learning.”

KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch, conveyed the College’s gratitude for the government’s support and expressed their commitment to producing competent graduates. He said, “We are grateful for the government’s support and pledge to continue churning competent graduates to support the actualization of the Universal Health Coverage Agenda.”

The commissioning of the classrooms and the laying of the foundation stone for the new tuition block at KMTC Iten mark significant progress in expanding educational facilities and improving the training of healthcare professionals. With the government’s commitment and the diligent efforts of stakeholders, KMTC Iten is set to become a leading institution in producing highly skilled healthcare workers in the region.

In a remarkable demonstration of the College’s commitment to community health and dedication to the principles of Primary Health Care (PHC) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), students from KMTC Siaya organized a community health diagnosis and action day.

The event aimed to identify prevalent health issues and factors influencing them, while actively engaging the community in finding practical solutions.

Led by the third year, second semester nursing class, the students embarked on a comprehensive community diagnosis, analyzing the patterns of health problems within the local population.

“The purpose of our community health diagnosis is to understand the health challenges faced by the community and work together towards finding effective solutions,” explained one of the nursing students. “Through this initiative, we hope to promote the principles of Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage, making quality healthcare accessible and affordable to all.”

Health education sessions were conducted to empower individuals and families with the knowledge needed to prevent diseases and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Recognizing the significance of immunization in preventing infectious diseases, the students facilitated immunization drives to ensure community members were up-to-date with essential vaccinations. Furthermore, the students addressed environmental concerns by organizing clean-up activities and advocating for sustainable practices.

During the action day, the students provided treatment for minor ailments, offering much-needed relief to community members suffering from common illnesses. Their empathetic approach and dedication to addressing individual health concerns were widely appreciated by the attendees.

Expressing their appreciation for the students’ efforts, the Siaya Assistant County Commissioner Mr. Masayen Kosian had this to say, “We are truly grateful for the remarkable work carried out by the nursing students.” “Their dedication to improving the health of our community is commendable. We encourage them to continue giving back to society as they progress in their studies, and we look forward to their future success,” he added.

Among those in attendance were Deputy County Public Health Nurse Mr. Solomon Osewe and Ministry of Health officials.

The community health diagnosis and action day organized by the Siaya Campus nursing students serve as a shining example of the transformative potential of Primary Health Care which is the cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage. By actively engaging the community and implementing practical interventions, these students have taken a significant step towards promoting a healthier and more equitable future for all.

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), in partnership with the Kenya Society for the Blind, Centres for Health and Education Programmes (CHEPs), as well as VisionSpring, held a transformative four-day free eye check-up and cataract surgery camp at Mutomo Level 4 Hospital in Kitui County.

The camp, which took place from August 16th to 19th, 2023, aimed to provide essential eye care services to restore eyesight for residents struggling with visual impairment.

Over the span of the four days, the hospital witnessed a steady stream of hopeful residents seeking help, many of whom had dreams overshadowed by cataracts and impaired vision. A total of 516 patients, each carrying unique stories and a shared aspiration to regain their eyesight, were attended to with 161 of them undergoing cataract surgery.

For seven individuals, the camp marked the beginning of ongoing care, as they were referred for further medical attention.

Mr. Crispus Mutinda, a respected religious leader in the community and one of the beneficiaries of the camp was among those who underwent cataract surgery. His joy was palpable as he expressed his gratitude, stating, “The ability to read my Bible for sermons is a gift beyond words. KMTC and its partners have not just restored my sight, but also my purpose. I am humbled and thankful beyond measure.”

Nairobi Campus Deputy Principal, Academic, representing the Chairperson of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee Mrs. Felistus Muinde expressed her joy at the impact the camp had brought to the residents of Mutomo and its environs.  “Witnessing the happiness and renewed hope in the eyes of the residents is a true testament to the impact of our CSR activities,” she said, adding, “This endeavor goes beyond medical procedures. It is about restoring the fabric of our community.”

In addition to the ophthalmology services, the camp incorporated health education sessions that imparted knowledge about proper eye care, enabling participants to maintain and protect their newfound clarity of vision.

As the camp concluded, the hospital grounds were filled with stories of transformation and gratitude. The collaborative efforts of KMTC, the Kenya Society for the Blind, CHEPs, and VisionSpring not only provided medical care but also wove a narrative of restored sight, rekindled aspirations, and a stronger sense of community.