AN aspirant has pledged to push for the construction of the proposed Busia Medical Training Centre that has failed to take off even after a ground-breaking ceremony was presided over by President Kibaki six years ago.

Addressing members of the public during the launch of his manifesto at Budokomi in Busia yesterday, Busia governor aspirant Vincent Sidai asked the Busia District Hospital Management Board members to tell the region's residents why the project has failed to take off.

"School leavers wishing to take up a medical career have been forced to enrol at medical training centres in other areas with majority of them who cannot afford the exorbitant boarding fees opting to remain at home," said the aspirant.

He assured supporters and Busia residents that apart from the provision of scholarships so that school leavers can pursue technical courses at polytechnics, he will empower women to form groups that can allow them access loans.

"Women from Busia County have for a long time been taken for a ride by politicians who lure them with 'lesos' instead of empowering them to take income generating activities that can transform lives," said Sidai.