VC signs the MMUST-West Media MoU
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with West Media Limited to catalyze research, knowledge-sharing and media growth in the region. Today 28 September, 2023, the Vice chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo appended his signature on the MMUST-West Media MoU, which is set to change the media landscape in Western Kenya. The aim of the MoU will be to enhance collaboration between the two institutions and provide a framework for implementation of mutual interests in terms of knowledge and expertise.
Speaking during the signing of the MoU, Prof. Shibairo pointed out the importance of enhancing resource sharing to catalyze human and capital development in the region. “MMUST has expertise in a variety of disciplines and will provide resource people to educate communities through the West Media programmes and platforms. The synergy between MMUST and West Media Ltd will therefore stimulate collaborative research, knowledge-sharing, consultancies and capacity building,” he said.
Vice Chancellor flanked by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation (DVC PR&I), Prof. Charles Mutai; Dr. Umulkher Ali and Dr. Lydia Anyonje during the MoU signing.
Reiterating the sentiments of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation (DVC PR&I), Prof. Charles Mutai congratulated the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing for championing such a productive partnership with important stakeholders in the media sector. “As a university of Science and Technology, we value the contribution of the media to our programmes and processes. This MoU will ensure that our programmes are advertised by local media in a language understood by listeners in our catchment areas. Our students pursuing Journalism and Mass Communication will also secure industrial attachments opportunities and internships through the partnership,” stated Prof. Mutai.
On 21st September 2023, a delegation from West Media Limited led by its Director, Mr. Cyprian Wekesa, met the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance (DVC A&F), Prof. John Kuria Thuo, who was standing in for the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo to finalize discussions regarding the partnership. The delegation also paid a courtesy call to the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation (DVC PR&I), where they were received by Prof. Alice Ndiema, who was representing the DVC PR&I, Prof. Charles Mutai.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance (DVC A&F), Prof. John Kuria Thuo, West Media Ltd delegation and MMUST staff.
During the meeting, Prof. Thuo stated that the collaboration will be useful to the strategic and creative efforts of both institutions. “There is a lot that happens in the University with regard to research. West Media Ltd will provide us with access to a broad audience and platform to reach the society, with the aim of imparting them with knowledge that is key in transforming their lives. We are very elated about your coming and choosing us as partners,” said Prof. Thuo.
Echoing the DVC, the Director West Media Ltd, Mr. Cyprian Wekesa noted that societies that have progressed, are deeply rooted in knowledge. He challenged MMUST to share new knowledge discovered in the University with the community for prosperity.
“We are happy with your support since it will help our communities to understand and evaluate issues from an informed point of view. West Media Ltd will offer the platform but MMUST has the knowledge that we require to transmit to our listeners and viewers,” he said.
The Director West Media Ltd, Mr. Cyprian Wekesa explains a point during MoU discussions.
On her part, Prof. Alice Ndiema pointed out that such collaborations are critical for the growth of the University as we need to network and be felt beyond the region. “MMUST does a lot of research in western region and beyond, and the communities need to hear, learn and benefit from our research,” she stated.
The Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Dr. Lydia Anyonje reported that the two organizations have had a long-standing relationship and that the media students at MMUST have benefited from opportunities by West Media Ltd to gain practical skills by working with professionals in a real-world broadcast environment.
“We are working with several other media houses in the region, but now we have a special understanding with West Media Ltd. Through the MoU, we shall conduct joint events, joint research activities and community outreach initiatives. MMUST will also provide resource persons to facilitate delivery of West Media programmes. They will also provide us with platforms and space for the University to articulate important issues that can help the economic growth of the region and promote our research agenda,” said Dr. Anyonje.
West Media Ltd delegation and MMUST staff during a courtesy call on the office of the DVC PR&I.
Similarly, the Director in charge of International Relations and Academic Linkages, Dr. Umulkher Ali stated that her office has had very close interactions with the West Media team and that each of them is aware of their obligations.
“I look forward to the positive outcomes of this partnership and pledge that the Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages takes the partnership seriously and shall endeavor to ensure that the University plays its part as required,” said Dr. Ali.
Other notable personalities from West Media Ltd included the Programmes Manager- Mr. Nick Nabangi; the Marketing Officer, Ms. Patricia Saiti; veteran radio presenter at Mumbo FM. Mr. Kitui Simiti; and a news reporter, Mr. Sheldon Asakhulu.
A section of the West Media team.
The MMUST team included the Registrar for Planning Research and Innovation, Dr. Collins Natemba; the Dean School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Rose Auma; a Lecturer at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Mr. Wafula Nyongesa; Marketing Officer, Mr. James Mureithi; and the Studio Supervisor at 103.9 MMUST FM, Ms. Lilian Mukoche.
Certainly, there is a need to take cognizance of the place of media in the visibility and reputation of universities as catalysts and participants in the economic growth and resilience of communities. Let this partnership lead to socio-economic transformation of the region!
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
