A storm is brewing in Kirinyaga County over the proposed location of the region’s first Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus, with Gichugu and Kirinyaga Central constituencies now locked in a fierce contest over which area should host the institution.

The row was triggered by a letter dated July 14, 2025, in which Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale wrote to Education CS Migos Ogamba recommending that 10 acres be allocated from Kianyaga Boys High School in Gichugu Constituency for the establishment of the college.

The move has drawn sharp opposition from leaders and residents in Kirinyaga Central, who argue that Kerugoya is the ideal location, given its proximity to the modern Kerugoya Level Five Hospital, which opened three years ago.

They say the facility would offer immediate clinical exposure for KMTC trainees, aligning with national standards for medical training institutions.

“We were told the KMTC would come to Kerugoya. Now we’re being sidelined without explanation,” said Beth Wairimu, a local resident. “That land in Kianyaga belongs to a school. It makes no sense.”

Kirinyaga MCA Eric Muchina said precedent clearly shows KMTC campuses are typically located next to high-capacity hospitals. “This shift to Kianyaga defies logic. Are students expected to travel daily for their practical sessions?” he questioned.

But in Gichugu, the news has been welcomed as a long-overdue opportunity. Residents point to the construction of a Level IV hospital in Kianyaga, arguing that it would soon serve as a sufficient training ground.

“This is a game changer for our youth. We’ve waited long enough,” said Margaret Njeri, a Gichugu resident. “The economic ripple effect here will be huge.”

Mugo Gikombe, another resident, called for calm, saying the project will benefit the entire county. “Let’s not reduce this to a turf war. Whether it’s in Gichugu or Kerugoya, our children stand to gain.”

In the letter, CS Duale defended the choice of Kianyaga, citing its emerging health infrastructure and available land. But the proposal has attracted criticism from NARC-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, who warned against unilateral decisions on public land.

“Kianyaga Boys High School sits on community land. Any move to allocate part of it must be subjected to public participation,” Karua said. “We won’t condone under-the-table decisions that risk triggering conflict or stalling progress.”

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, who hails from Kirinyaga, also weighed in, urging both sides to de-escalate tensions.

“This KMTC is a shared opportunity. Let’s not jeopardize it with political posturing,” she said.