KMTC Paints Kitui Gold in a Week of Sporting Drama
Kitui came alive in a dazzling display of colour, competition and medical expertise as the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) held its National Sports Competition.
Ahead of the official opening on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the College’s presence could already be felt across the town.
About 2,200 students and 400 staff members arrived from KMTC’s 92 campuses, bringing nearly 100 branded buses and double-cab pickups.
The vehicles turned Kitui “yellow”, creating a moving display of Tivoli Gold, the dominant colour in KMTC’s corporate identity.
They became a familiar sight as they ferried participants between their accommodation and five competition venues: St. Ursula Girls’ Secondary School, St. Charles Lwanga School, Engineer Ngilu Mixed Secondary School, Ithookwe Primary School and Kitui High School.
Cold mornings soon gave way to intense competition, loud cheers, colourful displays and the unmistakable sound of vuvuzelas.
Students competed for honours in football, athletics and other sporting disciplines as supporters filled the venues throughout the week.
The competition reached its climax on Friday, July 31, 2026, when the KMTC Board of Directors and Management arrived at St. Charles Lwanga School for the closing ceremony.
The Board delegation was led by Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot, while the management team was led by CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch.
Attention quickly turned to the men’s football final between Mombasa and Homa Bay Campuses.
“We are all family members of KMTC, and whoever wins, it is a win for all of us,” said Mr. Cheruiyot before the match began.
A packed crowd of students, staff and local residents watched as the two teams battled through a tense encounter that stretched into extra time.
Homa Bay eventually broke the deadlock to secure a 1–0 victory.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations as supporters cheered, danced and sounded their trumpets.
“The way the commentators were celebrating Mombasa, I expected them to win. But Homa Bay stole the thunder,” said one spectator.
Sporting talent was only one part of the story.
The competition also offered KMTC an opportunity to demonstrate the medical expertise found within its campuses.
Medical personnel were stationed at every venue, while clinicians and nurses stood near the athletics finish line to assist runners experiencing exhaustion, injuries and other health concerns.
The College ambulance moved between venues with its lights flashing and siren sounding as the emergency response team attended to incidents.
It was the fifth time KMTC had deployed the well-equipped ambulance during the national competition.
The emergency team included qualified members of staff and Higher Diploma students who were already licensed health professionals.
“When people out there call us medics, they can see it today. I am happy to be part of the emergency response team, and I am proud of my College,” said one of the students serving on the team.
The medical teams attended to about 500 cases during the competition, including sprains, dislocations and minor head injuries.
Most of the injuries were mild. One patient was referred for further treatment and later discharged.
“The ability to respond effectively shows that the skills we teach are available when our community needs them,” said Dr. Oluoch.
KMTC acquired the ambulance to provide emergency services to students and staff and to support practical training at Nairobi Campus.
The College has also invested in transport to support teaching, learning and other operations. It currently operates a fleet of more than 150 vehicles.
Away from the pitches and athletics tracks, the competition brought fresh energy to Kitui.
Residents joked that madaktari had taken over the town as thousands of KMTC students and staff moved between the venues, hotels, shops and other businesses.
Hundreds of traders sold food, drinks and other items to participants and spectators.
“The business is looking good, and we are very happy,” said one trader.
“At least I have something to take home every day to feed my family. We hope more events like this will come to Kitui,” she added.
Kitui County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr. Ruth Koki thanked KMTC for hosting the competition in the county.
She said the event had promoted local tourism and created opportunities for traders, transport operators and hospitality businesses.
As the final whistle sounded and the ambulance sirens and vuvuzelas faded, KMTC brought a memorable week of competition to a close.
The event left Kitui with vivid memories of sporting talent, College pride, medical preparedness and the economic value of bringing thousands of people together.
