A candidate 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 presided by President Kibaki six years ago.

Speaking to wananchi during the launch of his manifesto at Budokomi trading centre in Busia county yesterday, governor candidate Vincent Sidai challenged Busia District Hospital management board to tell the residents why the project never took off. Sidai is running on a UDF ticket.

"School leavers from Busia wishing to pursue a medical career have been forced to enrol at medical training colleges in other areas," said Sidai. "Majority of them cannot afford the exorbitant boarding fees."

The candidate promised the residents that he will provide scholarships to secondary school leavers, "so that some of them can pursue technical courses."

He also said he will ensure women groups access loans if he is elected. "Women from Busia have been for long taken for a ride by politicians, who lure them with 'lesos' instead of encouraging them to engage in income generating activities," he said.