A fierce dispute has broken out over the proposed location of Kirinyaga County’s first Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus, threatening to stall the long-awaited project. The clash pits Gichugu and Kirinyaga Central constituencies against each other in a heated tug-of-war over land and development priorities.
The row was ignited by a letter dated July 14, 2025, from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to Education CS Migos Ogamba, requesting that 10 acres of land be hived off from Kianyaga Boys High School in Gichugu for the new campus. This move sparked sharp criticism from Kirinyaga Central leaders and residents who argue that Kerugoya, not Kianyaga, is the more logical site.
Kerugoya residents cite the proximity of the Kerugoya Level Five Hospital, opened just three years ago, as an ideal training ground for KMTC students. “We had been promised the college would be built in Kerugoya,” said local resident Beth Wairimu. “Now we hear it’s moving to Kianyaga. This is unfair and confusing.”
Kerugoya MCA Eric Muchina echoed the concern, noting that nationally, KMTC campuses are often located near major referral hospitals to ease clinical training.
However, Gichugu residents have welcomed the proposal, pointing to the construction of the Kianyaga Level IV Hospital as proof the area is ready to host the institution. “This college will uplift our region,” said Margaret Njeri, a Gichugu resident. “Our children won’t have to travel far, and local businesses will benefit.”
Calls for unity were made by locals like Mugo Gikombe, who urged leaders not to politicize the development.
NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua criticized the lack of public consultation in allocating public school land, warning against what she termed “secret letters” and potential land grabs. “There must be transparency and public participation,” she insisted.
Health PS Mary Muthoni called for calm, emphasizing that the KMTC is a countywide benefit. “Let’s not derail a transformative project with political rivalry,” she said.
As tensions simmer, the future of the KMTC campus remains uncertain.
