A major milestone for education in West Pokot has been achieved following the official handover of the construction site for a seven-storey student hostel at Kapenguria Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).
The Sh220 million project, implemented through the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, seeks to increase access to affordable, quality accommodation in public training institutions as part of the government’s Affordable Housing Programme. With the contractor already on site, construction is set to begin immediately.
The development underscores President William Ruto’s commitment to expanding opportunities in technical and medical training colleges while creating a conducive learning environment across the country.
The project marks a major step towards transforming West Pokot through education, youth empowerment, and improved infrastructure.
During the handing over ceremony at the Kapenguria KMTC grounds, Kapenguria MP Constituency MP Samuel Moroto thanked President Ruto for prioritising development in the region and across the country.
He noted that several major national government projects were underway in Kacheliba, Sigor, and Pokot South, a sign of the administration’s dedication to uplifting marginalized counties.
“The sound of a frog will not stop a cow from drinking water,” Moroto said, urging the President to ignore critics and remain focused on development.
Kapenguria KMTC Deputy Principal for Academics Jesinta Cherop Pokisho praised the initiative, noting that the college currently operates only one hostel with a capacity of 78 students against a population of more than 2,200 learners.
She said the new facility is designed to house 580 students and would drastically ease accommodation shortages, especially for students undertaking clinical placements at the nearby Kapenguria County Referral Hospital.
Pokisho added that the project would lower accommodation costs for parents, improve, improve learners’ convenience, and elevate the quality of training.
She said the planned supermarket and other on-site amenities would further enhance student welfare.
West Pokot Director of Housing Jeremiah Miyora highlighted the key features of the seven-storey hostel, including, students’ rooms, study hall and meeting rooms, laundry area, retail shops, internal access roads, parking space, solid waste management area, borehole water supply, and recreation and relaxation spaces. He said the project was expected to take one and a half years to complete.
Miyora noted that the contractor would be required to source materials locally and enlist both skilled and unskilled labour from the surrounding community and that the unskilled workers involved would receive certification after the project to boost their employment prospects.
Kapenguria MCA Richard Mastaluk welcomed the project, describing it as transformative for both the college and the county’s economy.
He commended President Ruto for delivering the long awaited development project and said the hostel would provide learners with a conducive environment for study and rest.
West Pokot Deputy Commissioner Wycliffe Munanda said the hostels formed part of the broader Affordable Housing Programme, which also included upcoming projects in Bendera and Kapenguria GK Prison.
He urged the contractor to adhere to timelines and ensure value for public funds.
A Kapenguria resident Rajab Chombus expressed gratitude to the government, saying the new hostel would stimulate growth in surrounding villages.
He urged KMTC headquarters to increase local student enrollment to help steer the youth away from long-standing practices such as cattle rustling and to encourage a stronger culture of education.
Chombus also appealed to the government to establish a university in West Pokot, noting that the county currently lacks one.
By Anthony Melly and Parklea Ivor
