Kitui Hosts KMTC National Sports Championships as 2,600 Students Compete

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The week-long championships, which began on Wednesday at Kitui Teachers Training College, will run until Friday, 31 July 2026. The event has attracted students, coaches, trainers and KMTC officials from across Kenya.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr Kelly Oluoch said the institution remains committed to promoting sports alongside academic excellence, noting that talent development is an integral part of students' holistic growth."About 2,600 students are participating in this year's national sports championships, competing in athletics and various ball games. At KMTC, we recognise that education goes beyond the classroom. A student's potential is not defined solely by academic performance, as many possess exceptional talents that deserve to be nurtured," said Dr Oluoch.

He added that the championships provide students with an opportunity to interact with colleagues from different regions, exchange learning experiences and maintaining physical fitness."Besides promoting healthy lifestyles, these sporting activities foster cohesion among students from our 92 campuses. They also provide a platform for sharing experiences and identifying talented athletes who can be supported to compete at higher levels," he said.

Representing Kitui Governor Dr Julius Makau Malombe, County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koki welcomed participants to the county and urged local residents to seize the economic opportunities presented by the event."We are honoured to host these national championships. The influx of visitors presents a valuable opportunity for local businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators and traders. I encourage residents to take full advantage of this occasion," she said.

Ms Koki also highlighted the county government's partnership with KMTC, saying the collaboration has enabled students from Kitui, Mutomo and Mwingi campuses to secure internship placements and clinical training opportunities in county health facilities."We have a Memorandum of Understanding with KMTC that allows students from our campuses to undertake internships and gain practical clinical experience in county hospitals. This partnership continues to strengthen healthcare training in the county," she said.

The annual championships are expected to showcase emerging sporting talent while promoting teamwork, healthy competition and national integration among future healthcare professionals.