The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) from Nairobi emerged as the overall winner of the 14th annual sports event held in Kisumu from July 22-27. The city team secured numerous titles across various sports, showcasing their prowess at multiple venues in the lakeside town. However, the coveted men’s soccer title was claimed by Kisumu, who triumphed over the city team with a 3-1 victory at the Moi Stadium, much to the delight of the enthusiastic local fans. Siaya emerged victorious in the ladies’ soccer category at the conclusion of the week-long event.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o expressed his gratitude to the KMTC management for selecting Kisumu as the host city for this year’s sports competition. He highlighted the event’s success in showcasing a diverse array of indoor and outdoor games, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, rugby, handball, and netball. Additionally, students participated in activities such as draughts, table tennis, and darts, demonstrating their talents in various athletic disciplines, covering both track and field events.
“As we celebrate the winners, let us also offer our encouragement to those who did not secure trophies this time, reminding them that there will always be another opportunity. In any competition, there must be both winners and those who come close,” added Nyong’o, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and continuous improvement.
Earlier, Nyong’o praised KMTC’s role in shaping health professionals, noting that nurses trained by the institution are in high demand worldwide. He mentioned that the current enrollment in KMTCs across the country stands at 65,000 students, reflecting the institution’s significant contribution to the healthcare sector.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Dr. Ochieng’ Owili, and County Ministers Gregory Ganda (Health), Beatrice Odongo (Sports), and John Awiti (Education). Their presence underscored the importance of the event and the support from the local government.
The games were officially launched by the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni. She emphasized that the event provided a platform for students to unwind, network, and engage with the Ministry’s top leadership to address their concerns as they prepare to join the labor market. Muthoni acknowledged recent protests by Generation Z (Gen-Z), viewing the event as an opportunity to engage students and address issues before they escalate.
Muthoni also highlighted a proposed bill that aims to provide guidelines on the quality of care to be offered in public health facilities across the country. She stressed that achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) requires not only infrastructure and advanced equipment but also high-quality services. “We can build as many hospitals as possible. We can have the most advanced equipment and human resources, but if we don’t factor in the quality of services being offered, then we cannot achieve UHC,” she stated.
Addressing health workers’ concerns, PS Muthoni mentioned that President Dr. William Ruto has appointed a task force to review the human resource for the health sector and make recommendations for its overhaul. “We want all stakeholders, including training institutions like KMTC, to give their contributions and send memoranda to the task force on how healthcare workers should be treated,” she added, calling for collaborative efforts to improve the sector.
The annual sports event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration among students from various KMTC campuses. As the curtains fell on the 14th edition, the participants left Kisumu with memories of competition, camaraderie, and a renewed commitment to excellence in both sports and their future healthcare careers.
