The Marsabit Medical Training College has been officially handed over to the national government by Governor Mohamud Ali in a ceremony attended by key stakeholders in the health sector.
Speaking on Tuesday during the official handing over of the facility, Governor Ali disclosed that his administration completed the construction of the facility and fully equipped it.
He added that the institution provides essential medical training to health professionals in the region.
"The completion of the campus will enable the institution to offer quality medical training to students, who will go on to serve the community and contribute to the growth of the health sector," he said.
He said the handing over of the KMTC marsabit campus to the national government is a significant milestone in the efforts to improve access to quality medical care in the county.
He said the facility will provide much-needed boosts to the health sector as well as create job opportunities for the local community.
"Marsabit Medical Training College is a step in the right direction in addressing the shortage of health professionals in the county," said Governor Mohamud.
The county boss said the construction of the campus located at Marsabit Referral Hospital is in line with President William Ruto's agenda on universal health coverage.
He noted that it will additionally foster development in the area and improve the socioeconomic status of the local community.
"The completion and operation of the school would contribute significantly to achieving universal health coverage as trained personnel are valuable both locally and internationally," he said
Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo said the institution which will enrol its first batch of students will play a major role in training the much-needed medical personnel.
"Setting up an institution that will not only help address the long cues in our facilities but provide an education and livelihoods of our people has been a dream for Governor Mohamud Ali," he said
" I urged county's residents to take advantage of the institutions to gain skills and empower themselves."
Gubo said the opening of the KMTC Marsabit campus is a game changer for the economic revival of the region that for many years was deserted.
He said this is the first major institution in the county adding that it will help standardise and improve healthcare services in the region.
"The Marsabit Medical Training College will help quench the thirst for knowledge of our youths," he said
He said a new campus will help to bridge the gap in tertiary education in the region.
KMTC Board chairperson Mr Joseah K. Cheruiyot acknowledged Governor Mohamud's administration's efforts in the construction and equipping of the facility.
CEO of Medical Training College Dr Kelly Oluoch urged the governor to continue supporting the institution in connecting water, building hostels and a bus.
He disclosed that the campus has already issued admission letters to 53 students from the region.
"We are starting with courses in Community Health Assistant and Health Records and Information Technology. We will progressively introduce additional courses such as clinical medicine and Nursing," said CEO