Speaking during the event, Prof. Shibairo applauded the Church, under the leadership of Bishop John Albert Odinga, for supporting the University by taking the bold step of donating the land.
“I want to thank the church for hearing our plea and taking the bold step of donating the land. This will enable the construction of the police patrol base that will in return help us to counter the menace of insecurity. We have collaborated with other partners including the County Government of Kakamega who are making installations of safe and dependable high mast lighting systems to illuminate the large outdoor areas,” he added.
VC, Prof. Solomon Shibairo erects a beacon during the ground breaking
Prof. Shibairo challenged the students through the University’s Students Organization (MMUSO), to come up with ideas on community activities that they will carry out in return for the church’s kind gesture.
Speaking on behalf of the church, the Western Region Overseer and Senior pastor, F.G.C.K, Kakamega County, Bishop John Albert Odinga commended MMUST for always working with the community and assured the University of the Church’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure maximum security in the area.
“We support the idea of establishing this police patrol base here and are confident that the success of this initiative will be beneficial to the community. We have had a lot of security issues in the area and we therefore appreciate MMUST for taking the initiative to work with this community. I assure you that we are going to work together to see to it that we have maximum security in the area,” said Bishop Odinga.
“It has been difficult for our students who reside in this region to cope with the ever-rising insecurity issues. This initiative will indeed enhance security for both students and the community,” stated the Dean of students, Dr. Bernadatte Abwao.
MMUST’s Chaplain, Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya, who was also at the event, said that the cry to improve the state of security in the region has been there for a while and he was happy to see the project come to fruition.
MMUSO Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Motari and the VC, Prof. Solomon Shibairo during the event
Present during the event was the University’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Julius Mabia, Security Officer, Mr. Benedict Shitera, Mr. Manoah Boniface and MMUSO non-resident representatives. The church was represented by the Associate Pastor, Mr. Benson Kisiangani, Local Church Secretary, Mr. Protus Opati, and the Church Elder, Mr. Robert Mwangi.
The MMUSO Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Motari, said that he is happy with the project, reiterating that the students will now be secure as a result of it. He expressed hope that the goodwill between MMUST and the community will continue.
For some time now, security has remained an issue for students living around Kefinco. The security team, under the leadership of Mr. Julius Mabia, has continually made appeals to students to remain vigilant regarding their safety. This new initiative gives us the affirmation that Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, as they pursue their studies.
By Caren Mutoro
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu
