Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has condemned the government’s emphasis on developing infrastructure in the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), saying the government does not consider the pressing financial needs of students.

Salasya, in a sharp remark on his X handle on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, questioned the reasoning that led to building hostels, yet there are numerous reports of students dropping out because of the failure to cover fees. He cautioned that such priorities run the risk of making the new facilities underused.

“Building hostels at KMTC while students are dropping out over fees feels misplaced. William Ruto, infrastructure is good, but without enough capitation, who will even fill those hostels? Support students first, then expand,” Salasya stated.

He said it is out of place to be constructing hostels at KMTC as the students drop out in large numbers over fees, and President William Ruto needs to rethink the strategy of investing in education.

The legislator said that infrastructure development is vital, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of student support. In his opinion, raising capitation and other financial aid to students should be a priority so that students have a chance to stay in the school and use such facilities.

Ruto commissions KMTC hostels

Salasya’s remarks come after the head of state laid the foundation stone for the construction of hostels at Nyamache KMTC in Kisii County on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as part of his three-day development tour in the region. During the visit, the learners appealed to the head of state on the timely disbursement as well as the increment of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

Salasya’s comments are made in the wake of increasing concerns surrounding affordability in higher education, especially in the medical training institutions, where the prices can be prohibitive to most families. There has been an increasing demand by stakeholders to see greater funding by the government and policy changes to relieve students of financial burden.

Salasya concluded by advising the government to adopt a more rational approach, starting with securing student retention through adequate funding for physical infrastructure.

The first thing is to support students and then broaden, he said, explaining why people-centred policies should be adopted in the education sector.