Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Mr. Ronald Michieka is set to spearhead the ‘Bamboo-Living’ project in Turkana County, courtesy of the Erasmus+ Programme between MMUST and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), also known as the Technical University of Madrid. This was revealed during a courtesy call by UPM’s Prof. Juana Canet Rosselló to the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutai, which took place on Monday, 24th June, 2024. Prof. Rosselló, who is an associate professor at the Architectural Design Department of the School of Architecture of Madrid, met Prof. Mutai to discuss the activities under the recently-signed Erasmus+ Programme Inter-Institutional Agreement between MMUST and UPM. The activities include staff and student exchange programs as well as the project in Turkana County.
Coordinator, MMUST Kakuma Centre for Refugee Studies-Mr. Ronald Michieka at the Vice Chancellor’s office.
The ‘Bamboo-Living’ project is a feasibility study whose main objective is to develop a sustainable bamboo plantation under the existing climatic conditions in Turkana County. It is also aimed at training the County’s local population, especially the refugees living in the Kakuma Camp as well as the Kalobeyei integrated settlement, on the economic, social and environmental benefits of bamboo. From UPM, this project is spearheaded by Prof. Juana Canet Rosselló and Prof. Sara Matendo, while in MMUST it is steered by Mr. Michieka, who is the Coordinator, MMUST Kakuma Centre for Refugee Studies. It is worth noting that the project has brought on board staff from the School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE), and those from the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET).
Prof. Charles Mutai with Prof. Juana Canet Rosselló at the event.
Regarding the staff and student exchange programs, one (1) staff from MMUST is set to travel to UPM for five (5) days while one (1) student will have an opportunity to study there for five (5) months. In addition, MMUST will host two (2) staff from UPM for five (5) days.
Other members of MMUST present during the courtesy call at the Vice Chancellor’s Office were; the Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL)-Dr. Umulkher Ali, Dean SAVET- Prof. Vitalis Ogemah, Associate Dean, SAVET-Dr. Peter Cherop, Chairperson, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering-Dr. Benard O. Omondi and the Coordinator, Grants Office-Mr. Kaleb Mwendwa.
Prof. Juana Canet Rosselló gives her remarks during the courtesy call at the Vice Chancellor’s Office.
Congratulations to Mr. Michieka and team on this win. All the best in their upcoming activities!
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
