The School of Business and Economics Empowers Its Researchers With Requisite Skills in Writing Winning Grant Proposals

MMUST Showcases State of the Art Products during the Nairobi Innovation Week

The University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama signing the visitors book when he visited the MMUST tent during the Nairobi Innovation Week
MMUST participated and exhibited in the 7th edition of the Nairobi Innovation Week dubbed Innovation and Commercialization for Sustainable Development. This year’s edition was held at the University of Nairobi from Wednesday 17th to Friday 19th May 2023. MMUST delegation was led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai. Other MMUST team members comprised of Director Science Park Innovation Incubation Centre (SPIIC) Prof. Muoma, Webometrics and Short Courses Coordinator, Dr. Denis Ochieno, the Marketing Officer, Mr. James Muriithi and Mr. Jairus Korir from the Department of Nutritional Sciences.

They exhibited products produced through the University innovation, including but not limited to prototypes of Jackfruit seeds flour (Fenesi flour), Guava vinegar (Mapera vinegar) and Guava wine (Mapera wine) exhibited by Dr. Ochieno, organic nutritional products including MMUSTMUG porridge flour, Mushroom Crunches &Nuts, Lemon Grass & Ginger Tea, Chia Seeds, Stevia Powder (sweetener) and Spirulina Powder produced by Prof. Asenath Sigot, who was represented by Mr. Korir.

MMUST tent was privileged to be visited by the University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen G. Kiama and Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation & Enterprise, Prof. Margaret J. Hutchinson who applauded MMUST for taking the lead in innovation, saying that as institutions of higher learning we are at centre stage in spurring this country to prosperity through research and innovation. She appreciated the University management for enabling the team from MMUST to be part of the Nairobi innovation week saying that MMUST has proven to be the closest partner of the University of Nairobi.

The Managing Director Elgon Kenya, Dr. Bimal Kantaria, who was the Chief Guest, made a presentation themed Harnessing the Power of Synergy between Academia and Industry to Drive Innovation and Commercialization, which highlighted on the need for higher learning institutions to work in tandem with the industry in order to develop a good working relationship which will form a basis for the two entities to share their common interests, and how they can work together to commercialize innovations emanating from the academia. Students from different universities in Kenya, including the University of Nairobi, Egerton University and South Eastern Kenya University also got an opportunity of pitching challenges on contemporary innovation skills. ( Egerton University, UoN and SEKU). Other international dignitaries present were; Prof. Marc Zolver from France and Head of the Political Section and Trade Promotion, Embassy of Brazil in Nairobi, Dr. Guilherme Fitzgibbon Alves Perceira.

By Shiundu Masafu

MMUST International Students Experience the Beauty of Western Kenya as They Undertake Excursion to the Regional Historical Sites

The International students next to the Mausoleum at the Nabongo Cultural Centre.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology International students recently experienced the beauty of Western Kenya during an excursion to the regional historical sites. The trip provided a holistic and vibrant cultural experience as they visited the Kakamega Crying stone, Nabongo Cultural Centre- Mumias as well as the Impala Park. The students were treated to the region’s favorite dish of ‘Genge’ at the Dunga Beach in Kisumu County.  The purpose of the field trip was to reinforce the students’ experiential and relational learning and explore the region’s cultural diversity. This event organized by the Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), took place on Friday, 19^th May 2023.  

The Ag. Director DIAL, Dr. Rose Opiyo together with the International students at the Museum.

Commenting on the retreat, the Ag. Director DIAL, Dr. Rose Opiyo stated that this is an important exercise that enables International students to have inter-cultural experiences, adding that such adventures provide them life skills that they can utilize elsewhere in the world.  

“Taking a break from classes and lectures is a significant relief for most students. It provides the ambiance to relax and allows them to get to know each other properly. International students face a lot of challenges away from their families, a retreat gives an opportunity to the students to clear the pressure that may have clouded their minds,” said Dr. Opiyo.

The international students having fun at the Kakamega Crying Stone.

Approximately thirty (30) students drawn from different nationalities including, South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and Sudan participated in the retreat. They noted that the retreat enabled them to create meaningful exchanges among themselves, apart from bonding and networking.

“The retreat was an avenue for relaxation and building bonds. We have had fun and wish to have more of such trips. We have explored and have formed stronger bonds. We appreciate the University Management for allowing us to go for this retreat,” said Ms. Kaltumo Osman Mohamed, a student from South Sudan.

 The International students at the Equator- Kisumu

 Staff from MMUST also participated in the field trip. These were Mr. Oscar Waswa from the office of the Dean of students, Mr. Nelman Monari, Ms Dorine Ambetsa from DIAL and DCCM’s team.

The International students viewing animals at the Impala Park.

Notably, field trips especially for international students not only provide entertainment but also serve as a powerful motivator, stirring up excitement and appreciation of environmental and cultural diversity. It is also a powerful marketing strategy to attract more international students to the University.

By Lydia Anyonje andLinet Owuor

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

Prepare Adequately for Life After Retirement, Participants at MMUST’s Retirement Planning Seminar Told

Participants at the MMUST’s retirement planning seminar.

Participants at the just concluded MMUST’s retirement planning seminar have been advised to prepare adequately for life after retirement. This was during a seminar held on 18 May 2023 at Bishop Nicholas Stam- Kakamega facilitated by ICEA Lion Group. The well attended seminar was organized by  The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo who urged the participants to practice prudent financial management during their working life to avoid disappointments later after retirement.

“This workshop is timely since it comes at a time when Universities are grappling with financial problems. As a University we make the necessary statutory payments, including pension,” stated Prof. Shibairo.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing the participants at the seminar.

The ICEA Lion facilitators rallying call was that everybody must cultivate financial management skills in order to survive not only in the current job market but also in their lives after retirement. Some of the issues tackled included ‘Psychological Issues in Retirement’, ‘Investment’, ‘Risks’ ‘Time Management’ and ‘Personal Financial Management’. One of the facilitators, Mr. Ben Sakwa noted that there are a myriad of challenges that pensioners face upon retirement, including uncertainty of social security and pension benefits, unforeseen Medical Expenses, and accumulating debts.

“Early planning for retirement is critical because it typically takes many years to accumulate the necessary funds to live comfortably when you no longer enjoy the advantages of a salary. If you adopt early investing, it will allow funds to accumulate and grow over the subsequent decades, so that you have substantial resources for navigating your retirement years,” said Mr. Sakwa.

Participants at the MMUST’s retirement planning seminar following a presentation during the seminar.

Speaking at the seminar, another ICEA Lion Group facilitator, Ms. Rose Kwamboka who spoke about health planning, advised participants to ensure that they plan for their health requirements during their working life and after retirement.

“Health requirements usually take up the bulk of pensioners’ savings and are among the critical spenders. Therefore, there is a need to begin saving early for your health requirement in the future when income streams have dried up,” she added.

Lauding the participants for turning out in large numbers, the Ag. Registrar Administration, Dr. Eglay Tsuma said that the University is keen on extending this training to all staff because they need it.

Certainly, adjusting to retirement calls for careful planning and prudent financial planning. Such training organized by MMUST for its employees is a step towards equipping them adequately for retirement.

By Lydia Anyonje and Linet Owuor

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

Researchers Sensitized to the Benefits of Commercializing Innovative Products and Services, During One-day Workshop at MMUST

Participants during the Workshop on commercializing research/innovation outputs.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s staff and students have been sensitized to the benefits of commercializing innovative products and services. This was during a one-day Workshop, organized by the Directorate of Science Park Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC), which took place on Monday, 15^th May, 2023. The Workshop was facilitated by Mr. Fredrick O. Otswong’o of Fred Otswong’o & Intellectual Property Associates Limited (FOIPAL).

“There has been an increase in Intellectual Properties that have been filed by MMUST staff, which is attributed to the provision of the University Innovation Fund. This is indeed a positive trend and it is evidence that the University is living up to its role as an institution of science, technology and innovation,” pointed out the Registrar (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Alice Ndiema. Prof. Ndiema officially opened the Workshop on behalf of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof Charles Mutai.

Mr. Fredrick Otswong’o took staff and students through the steps of commercializing products and services, where he emphasized on the need to protect Intellectual Properties (IPs). Further, he reiterated that the University’s Intellectual Property Profile has improved. “Till date, MMUST has more than twenty Intellectual Properties and ranks among the top five innovative Universities in terms of the number of IPs in Kenya,” said Mr. Otswong’o.

“In the last two academic years, a total of about fifteen invention disclosure forms have been filled out, showing that MMUST is on the right track to becoming a leading University in terms of innovations filed with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute,” stated the Director, SPIIC, Prof. John Muoma. He thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, as well as the entire University Management, for their continued support for innovation in MMUST.

The participants had an opportunity to listen to the Director, Quality Assurance, Prof. Danstone B. Lilechi, who is also a member of staff in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Prof. Lilechi has developed a patented shoe polish, currently undergoing Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) approval as he refines the packaging. Shiv-Shoe Polish patent number KE/P/2020/3774 was identified by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), and was slated for a national award in 2022.

The Workshop ended with a resolution to form teams among the participants based on their areas of interest, so that they can share their expertise and fast track innovation processes in the University.

University Talent Scholarship Set to Reduce Youth Unemployment

Women football players during the talent scholarship trials at MMUST

University talent scholarships are set to reduce youth unemployment in Kenya. One of the Universities on the frontline in championing the youth agenda is MMUST. The MMUST 2023 talent scholarships trials have kicked off on a high note with a high number of potential beneficiaries flocking into the University for trials. The trials, which will take place up to Friday 19^th May 2023 started early on Tuesday morning with Soccer Women, Handball Women and Rugby Men at the various University sporting grounds. Wednesday was scheduled for Hockey Men and Women, Volleyball Men and Women, Basketball Men and Women and Music trials. Thursday and Friday are scheduled for athletics, soccer and drama trials.

The scholarship program is aimed at helping needy but talented students to pursue further studies as they prosper their talents. It will also help them get engaged and avoid engaging in drug and substance abuse as they work towards showcasing their talent to the world. This is the eighth cohort of students since it was established in 2015. So far the majority of the students who have gone through this program have become successful in both sporting and professional activities. A good example is Samwel Mbeche, who joined the University through the inaugural 2015 cohort, and successfully captained the MMUST rugby team into topflight rugby (Kenya Cup) in the country in 2020. Mr. Mbeche successfully transitioned into the corporate world and also joined the Mwamba Rugby team, which plays in the Kenya Cup.

Ladies football team warm up ahead of talent scholarship trial at MMUST

MMUST teams have been producing top talents in the national teams and topflight teams in the Country. In football, we currently have Daniel Sakari, who plays for the national team- Harambee Stars and the Kenya Premier League defending Champions Tusker Football Club in Nairobi. Mr. Sakari was a MMUST student who turned up for MMUST FC before joining Kakamega Homeboyz football Club and later joined Tusker. In rugby, we currently have two players from the MMUST Rugby team (Mr. Timothy Mmasi and Mr. Reinhard Ngaira) getting call ups to the Kenya Rugby 15s team (Simbas) currently in South Africa for the Mzansi Challenge International Tournament. Notably, the MMUST women soccer team are the East Africa University Football Champions.

Speaking at the trials event, the Dean of Students, Dr. Bernadette Abwao, noted that the idea of introducing talent scholarship was beneficial to the community and the University. “Since its inception in the year 2015, the talent scholarship program has been positively impactful to the University. We managed to bring top talents into our sporting activities and the results were the promotion of the MMUST Rugby team to the topflight league in the Country and the domination of the MMUST women football team in East Africa University games”, said Dr. Abwao. She further said that the community has been supportive of the program through identification of good talents

Prof. Peter Bukhala instructing an athlete on the pitch during talent scholarship trials in MMUST

While gracing the trials, Prof. Peter Bukhala, who is an expert in adapted physical activities lauded the exercise, saying that it has been of great significance to the University. Prof. Bukhala stated that the program has worked as a marketing tool to the University, as many students are identifying the University as a sporting hub that nurtures talents. “We are now being identified as a sporting powerhouse in the East African region. Our students have been able to shine at all level of competition they have participated in, and all this is credited to talent scholarship where we go for the best talent”, said Prof. Bukhala. He further said that as a selection committee of the talent scholarship, they are putting plans in place to ensure there is a suitable tracing plan in place, which will ensure that the University remains in contact with their sportsmen after completion of studies or professional transfer to other clubs. This, according to Prof. Bukhala will help in ensuring that the University grows its sporting alumni base, which can be used to organize high level tournaments that can generate income to the University which will in turn sustain talent scholarships to other upcoming talents.

Sponsoring talented students to pursue further studies as they sharpen their talents has proved to be the best way to achieve multiple and diverse goals like reducing youth unemployment, promotion of employability among youths, fostering creativity, and attracting investments. Clearly, such events promote the enhancement of Kenya’s overall competitiveness if all that has happened since the inception of MMUST talent scholarships is anything to go by. 

Rugby players display tackling skills during talent scholarship trials at MMUST Rugby grounds

By Shiundu Masafu 

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

MMUST is Hosting Carnegie Diaspora Fellows a for Two-Month Academic Engagement

The Carnegie Diaspora Fellows (seated center), together with the MMUST team.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is hosting two Carnegie Diaspora Fellows for two-month academic engagements at the University. The engagement will entail various activities including co-supervision of post-graduate students in specified programs, co-development and review of Msc/Ph.D. programs, Co-design of research/ community engagement activities, and knowledge mobilization. The diaspora fellows are Prof. Grace Keengwe from the University of North Dakota, and Prof. Newton Nyairo from Langston University. They will be attached to the School of Education (SEDU) and the School of Agriculture, Veteran Science and Technology (SAVET) respectively.

The duo paid a courtesy call to the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Planning, Research and Innovation). Speaking during the meeting, the Ag. Registrar, Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Alice Ndiema (representing the DVC, PRI) stated that the exchange program will develop a student-oriented program that will enhance our capacity to produce high-quality research outputs and participate meaningfully in the development of grant-winning proposals.

The Ag. Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Rose Opiyo taking notes during the courtesy call at DVC PRI.

The visiting scholars were received by the Ag. Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages, Dr. Rose Opiyo who is the host fellow together with Dr. Eveline Mmbone. Dr. Opiyo noted that this exchange program will strengthen the capacity of the Schools in mentorship/supervision of postgraduate students through Trainer of Trainers (ToT) workshops and enhance the skills and competencies for undertaking research and acquisition of grants in the University.

Notably, such  innovative fellowship programs are key to the University as it enables knowledge production, foster international collaborative networks, and increase visibility of the African higher education institutions. It also facilitates engagements between scholars born in Africa who are now based in the United States or Canada and scholars in Africa on mutually beneficial academic activities.

By Linet Owuor

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

The School of Engineering and Built Environment Continues to Impart Its Students With Practical Skills Required in the Industry

The first (1^st) and second (2^nd) year students pursuing Electrical and Communications Engineering troubleshooting electronic circuits during the workshop.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) has continued to impart its students with practical skills required in the job market, as it hits week two of the 2022/2023 workshop practice. The rigorous exercise is a core training requirement that instills practical skills of engineering in the students before proceeding to the industrial attachment. This involves students pursuing engineering at the levels of Undergraduate Studies for the first (1^st) and second (2^nd) year; Diploma 2^nd year and as well as Technology Education 2^nd year. The exercise is undertaken at various facilities of the University.

The Dean SEBE, Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, together with the Chairpersons of Departments; Dr. James Owuor (Electrical and Communications Engineering), Dr. Peter Cherop (Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) and Dr. Micah Mukolwe (Civil and Structural Engineering), have commissioned technologists who have vast knowledge and experience in the rigorous training to enhance the practical sessions. The training exercise is being supervised to ensure efficiency and prudent utilization of resources.

The Civil and Structural Engineering workshop coordinator, Mr. Geoffrey Mwasame (far right), and Mr. Solomon Shimala guiding the students through setting out of buildings.

The students from the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering are engaged in various activities including; reconnaissance survey, construction and setting out drawings, setting out of buildings, carpentry, masonry, hydraulics, building construction as well as construction site visits.

The Electrical and Communication engineering students are taken through training exercises in the sections of; Electronic repairs and troubleshooting, Electrical Installations (residential, industrial, and commercial), and Electrical Mechanics (motor controls). Equally, the workshop practice for the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering is tailored towards; machining, welding, and fitting.

Second-year students pursuing Mechanical and Industrial Engineering operating a lathe machine.

The workshop practice will culminate with an industrial visit where the students will visit various industries to experience the actual application of a wide array of practical techniques and skills taught in class. Further, the assessment will be conducted at individual and group levels, as well as workshop practice and industrial visit reports.

Notably, this has been made possible through the various facilities including; the Mechanical workshop laboratory, Electrical and Electronics laboratory, civil engineering laboratories, as well as the TVET and Engineering Complex Construction site.

The SEBE technologists include; Mr. Geoffrey Mwasame, Mr. Gideon Kitiyo, Mr. Evans Nandasaba, Mr. Solomon Shimala, Ms. Valarie Lutta, Mr. Caleb Kibet, Mr. Moses Toili, Mr. Zablon Mbogo, Mr. Meredith Liheeli, Mr. Ibrahim Chimoi, Mr. Vitalis Igundwa, Mr. Agripina Amani and Ms. Faith Gichuhi.

Mechanical and Industrial students engage in welding during the workshop.

Indeed, SEBE is ensuring that its students are well acquainted with the tools and basic skills of engineering. This practical workshop is crucial in equipping students with practical aspects of engineering required in the job market.

By Verna Awuor

Photos by Mary Wangari Wambugu