The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo presiding over the signing ceremony.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) on Wednesday 18th October 2023, officially appended their signatures on an agreement set to foster a collaborative partnership in various crucial domains. With a keen focus on enhancing education, research, and technological innovation in the critical realm of transportation and engineering, the two institutions are set to embark on a journey of mutual growth and development. The MoU signing ceremony, which was held at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo together with delegates from USST.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Shibairo noted that transport is a vital component of any economy. He added that inefficient and poorly managed transportation systems, often characterized by urban congestion and unpredictable commuter transport, can have far-reaching and detrimental repercussions on both the economy and the overall well-being of society.
Virtual participants during the MoU signing.
Citing less research in the field, Prof. Shibairo pointed out that the collaboration would go a long way in laying the foundation for developing our capacity to deal with the challenges of transportation.
“Transportation in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly managed and faces very limited research. We expect to create solutions to the existing and emerging challenges, especially in urban mobility, and build the local capacity of transportation scholars through joint research projects. As a University, we look forward to exchanging our research expertise and experience in order to build a regional research hub in transportation engineering,” said Prof. Shibairo.
The signing ceremony was also attended by the Registrar, Planning Research and Innovation, Dr. Collins Matemba, Dean of the School of Engineering and Built Environment, Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, Director, DIAL- Dr. Umulkher Ali, Dr. Jairus Odawa, Dr. Micah Mukolwe and Eng. Janet Oyaro.
The partnership entails active engagement of both faculty and students from USST and MMUST in diverse fields of study, with a primary emphasis on strengthening their capacities to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the latest developments in the field. As part of their cooperation plan, the two will jointly apply for national projects and also open courses on traffic engineering and engineering management. Additionally, the collaboration also encompasses the acquisition of state-of-the-art transportation laboratory equipment, which will facilitate research and practical applications in the domain. Further, the partnership will see the implementation of a web-based and GPS-enabled platform for comprehensive traffic and accident data analysis – a development set to revolutionize the approach to transportation safety measures.
In a bid to streamline the operations of various transport companies and optimization of transportation networks, the partnership will further pursue the development of innovative mapping applications for route planning. Other significant aspects featured in the MoU include the establishment of a dedicated Center for Transportation and Road Safety Studies, equipped with cutting-edge tools and software for robust research initiatives; the introduction of specialized masters courses in Highways and Transportation, incorporating a blended learning model that integrates online coursework; in-house training for staff; tailored short courses for engineers in the road sector; conducting joint research projects that will facilitate a robust academic environment; and introduction of joint training programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students that will create a unique opportunity for cross-cultural learning and knowledge exchange.
This collaboration certainly positions MMUST as a global player in the higher education landscape, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and international collaboration!
By Caren Nekesa and Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
