A section of MMUST staff and students together with the Mbele Leadership Foundation team.
On 27 February 2024, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in partnership with the Mbele Leadership Foundation (MLF) launched the inaugural Mbele Global Leadership Program, at the Senate Boardroom. The groundbreaking student-based leadership development program champions African-centred leadership principles and practices on a global scale. The launch event, which was spearheaded by the School of Business and Economics (SOBE), was graced by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation, alongside the visionary founders of MLF, Pst. Jawwad Love and Dr. Tammi Love, from the United States of America. This momentous occasion symbolizes the commencement of an empowering journey in student-led African-centred leadership development, promising a transformative impact across borders and generations.
The visionary founders of MLF, (left) Pst. Jawwad Love and (right) Dr. Tammi Love, from the United States of America, during the courtesy visit to the Division of Planning Research and Innovation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit in his office, Prof. Charles Mutai extended a warm welcome to the Mbele Leadership Foundation (MLF) delegation. He expressed his confidence in their decision to collaborate with MMUST, affirming the University’s unwavering commitment to excellence and quality in all its endeavours. “We are honored to embark on this partnership with you. At MMUST, we believe in fostering partnerships and collaboration to achieve our goals. We have a dedicated team of staff who are committed to seeing initiatives like the Mbele Global Leadership Program succeed,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of student-centric initiatives, Prof. Mutai emphasized MMUST’s dedication to nurturing future leaders. “Our students are our most important customers. By providing them with the necessary tools and guidance to become great leaders, we are laying the foundation for a bright future for our country and the world,” he stated.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor- Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai addressing the team during a courtesy visit in his office. Looking on is the Vice President Mbele Leadership Foundation, Dr. Tammi Love.
Dr. Dishon Wanjere, the Dean- School of Business and Economics, reiterated the University’s steadfast commitment to initiatives aimed at empowering students and enriching their skills. Expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, he underscored his anticipation of guiding and graduating additional cohorts in the future.
“We are excited and eagerly anticipate nurturing and graduating additional cohorts. As a school, we are fully committed to providing the necessary support to positively influence the development of our students, not only for the advancement of our nation but also for the broader global community,” remarked Dr. Wanjere.
Dr. Dishon Wanjere, the Dean- School of Business and Economics during the event.
Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya further echoed Dr. Wanjere’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of equipping young individuals with practical skills that enable them to make meaningful contributions to society. The program, he noted, serves as a bridge connecting academic learning with real-world application, thus empowering students to become valuable assets in their communities.
The President- Mbele Leadership Foundation, Pst. Jawwad Love, expressed excitement at the prospect of working with MMUST students and faculty, attaining the goal of implementing the program in an African-centred context. “We believe in developing leadership specially from an African-centred context. It will be foolish to do that without being in the real African context. We are excited to start the programme at MMUST in Kenya, we feel the warm welcome,” said Pst. Love.
It is worth noting that a total of twelve students were selected from various faculties to represent the first cohort of the initiative. The visiting team was accompanied by esteemed individuals including the East Africa Regional Director of the Programme, Dr. Titus Makusi; Head of Communications, Ms. Shannice Wangui Gichia; and the Programme Coordinator for Uganda, Mr. Solomon Okoth.
Staff from the School of Business and Economics together with the delegation from Mbele Leadership Foundation (MLF).
The Mbele global leadership is dedicated to fostering leadership skills and knowledge deeply rooted in African culture, history, and values. With a vision to cultivate a network of leaders capable of collaborating across borders and making positive contributions to their communities, the program emphasizes core African values such as unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, among others. As MMUST takes pride in hosting the inaugural Mbele Leadership Program cohort, before it is extended into other countries, the university reaffirms its commitment to fostering leadership excellence grounded in African values, thereby shaping a brighter future for both its students and the broader community.
Story and photos by Caren Nekesa
