MMUST School of Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences Receives Donation of Equipment Worth 675 Million Shillings From Malteser International

MMUST and Malteser International team during courtesy visit at the Vice Chancellor’s office.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s School of Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences has received a donation of equipment worth 675 million shillings from Malteser International. The equipment, which was handed over on 23^rd February 2023, will support Intensive Care Unit training, the High Dependency Unit, operating theatre and procedure room. The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation Prof. Charles Mutai who was representing the Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo, received the equipment on behalf of the University.

The donation included; four ventilators; Prisma ventilators and vent logic ventilators which will support the respiratory system of the patients. Other equipment received were pulse ox meters, valve respirators, corona starter kits, and anti- logic equipment in a bid to help run the Intensive Care Unit.

Prof. Charles Mutai receives equipment from Country Director, Malteser International-Martin Schoemburg.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Mutai noted that the vision of the University is to become a premium University in both science and technology. He was accompanied by Prof. Hussein Golicha, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs).

 “MMUST is committed towards producing highly skilled students. This equipment will be beneficial to both our staff and students in teaching and learning of Paramedical Sciences. I believe we shall work together to nurture them as well as improve learning in other areas and build our University,” stated Prof. Mutai.

Dr. Tecla Sum explains a point to the Malteser International team.

Expressing her gratitude, the MMUST paramedic expert, Dr. Tecla Sum acknowledged that MMUST is the only University that offers Paramedical Sciences and the key is to address neglected professions. She showed the Malteser team the High Fidelity Simulated Laboratory in the refurbishing space that the university had offered for the first phase of construction.

“This is the first batch of equipment received. As a University; it is our responsibility to build a digital environment for all our students as this will help in teaching before students get into the skill acquisition unit. The equipment will be used in the High Fidelity Simulated Laboratory to support technology in learning and to include telemedicine where our students are able to receive learning from other faculties not only in Kenya but also around the world,” said Dr. Sum.

MMUST and Malteser International team after the handing over of the equipment.

Further, Dr. Sum pointed out that “We are embracing competency based assessment and learning for our future generation. I must say the future is bright, very bright. I thank the management, the school of nursing and paramedics for their great support and other schools and departments in the University that have really supported us in this endeavour. I would also like to thank the Malteser International Country Director- Martin Schoemburg, and County Health Program Manager-Ms. Joy China very much for giving us their utmost support in this project,” she added.

With such equipment, MMUST can look forward to becoming an incubation centre of ideas and champion the improvement of the healthcare system in our country. Indeed, MMUST embracing technology in healthcare will certainly prosper our dream as a University of Science and Technology.

By Sheila Ivayo 

Photos by Shiundu Masafu 

MMUST Set to Host Staff and Students From Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany team together with the team from MMUST having lessons during the visit.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is set to host staff and students from the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences (THB), Germany for a period of one week. The staff and students will be in MMUST courtesy of the International InterDisciplinary InterActive (Inter³DNA) learning project sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The visitors, who comprise five (5) staff and fourteen (14) students, will stay in MMUST from 27^th February to 4^th March 2023 on an exchange program in the Schools of Agriculture, Engineering, and Public Health. This comes after MMUST’s three (3) staff and six (6) students visited THB in September 2022.

The participating students were drawn from the final and masters classes in the Schools of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Engineering, and Built Environment, as well as Public Health, Biomedical Sciences & Technology. They were trained on various topics touching on ‘Agile Design and Working’, ‘Intercultural Coaching’, and ‘Digital Signal Processing’. The students designed projects which they worked on during the visit and are expected to finalize them during the forthcoming visit by the German counterparts. The MMUST staff, who accompanied the students during the visit included; Dr. Vitalis Ogemah (SAVET), Dr. Jasper Ondulo (SCI), and Dr. Emmanuel Ebinga (SEBE).

MMUST team visited the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

The students will be working towards the completion of the key projects they designed and launched during their visit to THB. These include; Solar Box (for SEBE), Internet of things in Agriculture (for SAVET), and Telemedicine (for SPHBS&T). The solar box project aims at optimizing the utilization of solar energy by designing an efficient and portable solar unit. The IOT in Agriculture focuses on optimizing the operations of the bio-digester for the effective production of biogas and bio-slurry. The telemedicine project aims at providing medical services in remote locations.

Students of Agriculture making a presentation on the ‘Internet of things project.

During their stay at MMUST, the participants are expected to hold a workshop on ‘Modelling and Optimization of complex systems' at the MCU on Tuesday 28^th February 2023. The program will end with a colloquium in which the participating students from both Universities will present the final results of their respective projects.

The collaboration between MMUST and THB started way back in 2017 following the visit to MMUST by Prof. Dietmar Wikarski from THB and Mr. Suleiman Kweyu- the Director of Agro-Kenya, an NGO working with farmers in Kakamega County. The visit led to the signing of a tripartite MOU between the three institutions. This has led to the implementation of several activities such as; visits of scholars from the two institutions to partner Universities, research workshops, and seminars. The partnership has also facilitated the acquisition of equipment to support teaching and learning at MMUST.

By Verna Awuor

MMUST TVET Staff Undergo Intensive Training Ahead of Implementing Competency-Based Education and Training in the University

CBET implementation Workshop participants at Golf Hotel, Kakamega.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s TVET staff have undergone an intensive training workshop in readiness for the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) in the University. The three-day Workshop, which kicked off on 22^nd February, 2023, was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, who was representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

The main facilitator of the activity was TVETA’s Assistant Director of Standards Development, Mr. Paul Muriithi. The MMUST staff, who steered the CBET implementation Workshop were; Prof. Basil Ong’or, Dr. Samuel Waweru, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa, Dr. Issah Kweyu and Mr. Wakungwi Sakwa. Other organizers of the Workshop included; Ms. Mable Wambani, Mr. Fred Koyaya, Ms. Valarie Luta and Ms. Hannah Minayo.

 A section of the participants during the Workshop.

The trainees were taken through the requisites of occupational standards, designing, developing and the validation of assessment tools, as well as the procedures of implementing Competency-Based courses in TVET institutions.

“At MMUST, we are committed to supporting TVET programmes as we are cognizant that the job market calls for graduates who possess practical skills. I am very pleased to see that the TVET Institute is taking the lead in preparing the University to host the first cohort of Competency-Based Curriculum students,” said Prof. Golicha, adding that the University Management has approved the recruitment of nine (9) TVET trainers, to beef up the running of the programmes at the institute.

Prof. Hussein Golicha gives his remarks during the Workshop.

In his remarks, the Ag. Principal, MMUST-TVET Institute, Prof. Basil Ong’or, stated that all TVET programmes at the University have been accredited by TVETA, and that they have been aligned with the CBET guidelines. “From this workshop, we expect that the trainees will impart knowledge to the members of their respective departments. As an Institute, our aim is to produce a pool of competent graduates who will be able to meet the industry’s requirements and expectations,” said Prof. Ong’or.

“MMUST TVET Institute has been in existence for almost five years now and we have witnessed tremendous growth. We appreciate the support that we are receiving from the University Management, especially the Vice Chancellor, and the Division of Academic and Students Affairs, where the Institute is housed,” said the Ag. Deputy Principal MMUST-TVET Institute, Dr. Samuel Waweru.

A section of the Workshop participants follows keenly.

Mr. Wakungwi Sakwa, a Principal medical laboratory technologist at the University, in an interview with MMUST’s Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing, revealed that the TVET Institute is home to a robust faculty. “Most of our technical staff are as a result of CBC training and I am certain that we have what it takes to attract more students to the Institute,” he added, saying that TVET is the next big thing in Kenya.

MMUST’s TVET Institute is at the forefront of ensuring that the University transitions seamlessly to Competency-Based Education and Training. There is no doubt that the University is on the right track regarding hosting the first CBC students, who are expected in 2029.

By Mary Wangari Wambugu

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

MMUST Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme Sensitizes Its Members on the Scheme’s Performance, Achievements and Projects During the 12th Annual General Meeting

A section of MMUST staff following presentations during the Retirement Benefits Scheme Annual General Meeting.

 MMUST’s Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme (SRBS) on 18 February, 2023, sensitized its members on the Scheme’s performance, achievements, and projects during the 12 Annual General Meeting. The AGM was conducted in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Authority’s (RBA) requirement to give members an opportunity to receive updates on the Scheme’s performance. The event which took place at the Main Catering Unit (MCU) -001 was organized by the MMUST’s Board of Trustees in collaboration with the RBA and graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

Prof. Shibairo noted that MMUST’s SRBS is a well-defined contributory scheme that ensures the safe retirement of its staff. He added that the meeting is key in providing psycho-social support, to enable them to have a positive attitude towards their forthcoming retirement. “We have made sure we pay all our dues to the government to ensure your well-being after retirement. The sponsors shall continue making contributions in tandem with the law.  Therefore, this meeting guarantees us the safety of our contributions as well as the sponsors’,” he stated. He further emphasized that the scheme is a safe place to invest.

From right; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, the Chairman of the MMUST SRBS Board of Trustees, Mr. Josephat Shigogodi and the Director of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Prof. Joseph Nasongo at the event.

In his remarks, the RBA representative, Mr. Bosco Gicheo, pointed out that the RBA is committed to safeguarding the members' and sponsors’ retirement benefits. “It is our mandate to protect the interest of members and sponsors of the scheme, to develop the sector, and to alleviate old-age poverty through enhanced saving for retirement. This is your investment, take it seriously, and consider investing for a longer period for more benefits,” he urged.

The Scheme administrator, Octagon Pension Services Limited, tackled accessibility of the benefits, payment process, taxation, and member rights. He advised the scheme members to always attend the scheme AGMs and study the annual statement of records. “I encourage you to make sure that your accumulated benefits can replace at least 75% of the current salary upon retirement, refrain from partial withdrawals, nominate beneficiaries as early as possible, and focus on saving as much as you can,” he urged.

A section of the MMUST’s Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme Professional Advisors (far left) and MMUST staff at the meeting.

According to the Scheme’s Custodian, Kenya Commercial bank (KCB) represented by Mr. Michael Mbuvi, the bank is charged with keeping the financial assets of the Scheme safe and servicing the portfolios related to those assets. “It is our obligation to ensure that reporting on assets held under custody is carried out to Trustees as per the RBA guidelines and that the assets held are detailed in the audited accounts. In addition, we confirm receipt of monthly pension contributions from the sponsor. Therefore, we certify that all the assets for MMUST Retirement Benefits Scheme were maintained in segregated accounts and all the investments were executed as per the fund manager’s instructions,” he said.

The Scheme’s fund professional managers; African Alliance Kenya Investment Company Limited and Old Mutual Investment Group Limited who are tasked to advise Trustees on investment decisions, encouraged the members to consider investing in the scheme for more benefits to them in the future. “Retirement could mean the end of a work shift or a gradual transition with reducing responsibilities and commitments. However, we are here to help you make that transition into a sustainable, long, and happy retirement,” stated the representative.

Moreover, he revealed that a ‘Personal Pension Plan’, helps self-employed people, informal groups, and former employees. It enables the members to determine how much they can save regularly which they can review at will.

The Scheme Auditor, FCPA Dr. Jackson Maingi making a presentation as the Octagon Pension Services Limited representative (seated left) follows keenly.

In his presentation on, ‘The Audited Accounts for the Year Ended, 30^th June, 2022’, the Scheme Auditor, FCPA Dr. Jackson Maingi who was representing Maingi & Jackson Associates, acknowledged that the auditing was conducted in accordance with the International Standards Board for Accountants’ on Auditing (Code of Ethics for Professional Accounts) together with other ethical requirements that are relevant to the audit of Financial Statements in Kenya.  Further, he declared that the firm has fulfilled its ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

Expressing his delight, the Chairman of the MMUST SRBS Board of Trustees, Mr. Josephat Shigogodi pointed out that the AGM is extremely important in the Calendar of the Scheme as it provides an opportunity to members to receive an update on the Scheme’s performance.  Further, it creates an opportunity for members to interact with the Trustees and Service Providers as well as seek clarification on matters pertaining to the progress of the scheme.

“It is a good gesture shown by the employer (MMUST Council) and employees to contribute towards the scheme. Despite the tough economic challenges, our employer has shown a huge commitment to supporting the scheme through regular and timely remittance of contributions. To date, there are no unremitted contributions and the scheme is fully funded. On behalf of the trustees and members, I sincerely thank the sponsor for the support received. This has helped the scheme to grow and comply with regulatory requirements,” said Mr. Shigogodi.

A section of MMUST staff at the event.

The MMUST Staff Retirement benefits Scheme Trustees include; Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Mr. Josephat Shigogodi (Chairman), Prof. Joseph Nassongo, Prof. George Lawi, Prof. Alice Ndiema, Dr. Eglay Tsuma, Dr. Isaac K’Owino, Ms. Dorah Mbakaya and CPA Patrick Kivale. The Secretariat are; Mr. Bernard Wesonga and Ms. Celestine Mmasi.

The scheme is anchored on four main pillars. These include; provision of optimum return on investment, establishment of a good governance framework, utilization of technology to improve service delivery and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Certainly, the AGM enables employees of MMUST to understand the scheme’s performance, achievements, and projects.  It also educates them on cash benefits and pensions due to them upon retirement as well as a relief for the dependents of the deceased employees.

By Verna Awuor

Photos by Linet Owuor

MMUST Takes Experiential Learning and Mentorship a Notch Higher Through Its Career Fair as Students Are Trained to Tackle the Shrinking Job Market Using Technology

Dr. Teresa Okoth with students at the School of Arts and Social sciences stand.

MMUST has taken experiential learning and mentorship a notch higher as it trains students to tackle the shrinking job market using technology. This was exhibited during the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s career fair, 2023, which took place at the University grounds. The three-day event themed 'Embracing Technological Knowledge and Skills towards a Self-Reliant Dynamic World', began on 16^th February, 2023 and officially ended on Saturday, 18^th February, 2023.

The aim of the career fair was to provide networking opportunities for both high school and University students, give them guidance in their career paths and meet potential employers who gave them an opportunity to inquire on job opportunities and learn about company expectations.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo welcomed the participants to MMUST, assuring them that this is the place to be. Giving a brief history of MMUST from the then Western College (WECO), a college of Arts and Applied Sciences Prof. Shibairo noted that the country still lacks technical skills. He encouraged students to embrace the TVET programmes, noting that they are grounded on responding to emerging market demands besides having the potential to improve the employability and productivity of the young generation.

“We live in a time that calls for speedy technological development and creativity. As a University, we have embarked on experiential learning, mentorships and organizing for career fairs such as this where we bring on board diverse industry players to assist in mentoring you in different areas. Additionally, we will continue to review our curricular to strengthen technical skills in your learning,” said Prof. Shibairo.

School of Computing and Informatics representative engaging students during the career fair.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Student affairs, Prof. Hussein Golicha applauded the students for attending the forum, saying that it is a great way for them to explore their career options and assist them to develop the required employability skills.

Speaking during the launch of the event, the Director, Career Services, Dr. Teresa Okoth highlighted the need to empower students for lifelong career development needed for a dynamic society.  Dr. Okoth introduced the participating institutions and encouraged the students to keep an open mind through the discussions.

MMUST’s Marketing Officer, Mr. James Muriithi discussed the programmes offered in the University, inviting the students present at the career to visit the Customer Care and Call Centre for a more personalized guidance after the release of their KCSE results. Additionally, he briefed the students about the scholarship opportunities available in the University, stating that MMUST is the place to be.

 “We accept and admit all grades from form four except (E), in various categories. In the event that you encounter challenges deciding a course to pursue, come to us. We will take you through our courses and help you decide on one that will build your careers,” said Mr. Muriithi.

MMUST researcher, Dr. Mario Kollenberg together with his team showcase yoghurt, cheese and other products produced at MMUST.

In her address, the Chief Officer Public Service Commission-Kakamega County, CPRH Dorine Otipa emphasized the need to strengthen technical skills training in youths as a way of tackling the high unemployment rates. Ms. Otipa noted that the tech-world is the only place that has space for everyone, adding that equipping youths with technological skills will result in more people venturing in entrepreneurship hence developing self-reliant youth in this dynamic world.

“Many of you are out here looking for jobs which are not available. The market has shrunk, but we can expand it by ensuring that we explore the talents we have to be able to fit into the market,” said Ms. Otipa. Quoting the famous Jack Ma, who said ‘Your employee should have superior technical skills than you. If he doesn’t it means you have hired the wrong person’, Ms. Otipa stressed that employers can only hire an individual if there is something they will give to employers in return.

“Keep your continuous focus on building technical expertise and on acquiring technical leadership skills. Do not limit yourself to your careers, aim higher and keep abreast with the new advances in technology,” she advised.

Representing the Director General NITA, Ms. Mary Mahoho acknowledged that it is the desire of every child to join the University but that is usually not the case. She encouraged the students to consider industrial training in the event they do not gain entry into the Universities. She revealed that individuals who have gone through NITA have been successful in securing jobs, encouraging even those in Universities to take up side courses.

Students participate in the MMUST career fair activities.

Dr. Rose Opiyo, a counselling psychologist, from MMUST, urged parents to support their children in developing their talents and encourage them to pursue their passion, saying that talents can make individuals successful in life.  She reminded the students of the need to live a holistic life. She was among the renowned scholars from within and outside the University who had interactive sessions with students across different faculties.

“We all desire to be people of substance in life. It is important that you build your soft skills such as communication, problem-solving skills, relational skills, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking, and time management which have become more relevant in today’s society. As you build on these skills, ensure that you understand your personality, passion, interest and talent so that you can confidently identify and pursue your life-long careers,” noted Dr. Opiyo.

It is worth noting that the event was well attended by notable industry representatives, including, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), Media Council of Kenya, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as well as the County Government of Kakamega. The representatives from the various institutions made interesting presentations and encouraged the students not to shy off from approaching them. The mentors confirmed that indeed career fairs offer an opportunity for the learners and industry partners to establish long term mutually beneficial partnerships, exposing students to challenges of the productive work environment. Such events secure career guidance for students in addition to enabling them to understand the 21^st century job skill requirements.

School of Engineering and Built Environment demonstrate to students what they do

Over thirty (30) secondary schools from western region took part in the event. Other notable persons present were Mr. Paul Okaya and his team from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Dr. Mwangi Njuguna, a career advisor and lecturer from Kenyatta University and Ms. Neville Lukaya from KUCCPS.

Technical skills development is expected to play the central role as economies move towards creating new jobs in different domains. Without opportunities to build the right skills, youths will always struggle to find employment and risk being left behind. By stepping up efforts to counter this, MMUST is undoubtedly headed in the right direction. 

By Caren Nekesa 

Photos by Mary Wangari Wambugu

MMUST Conducts Disability Mainstreaming Workshop in Tandem With the Requirements of the National Council for Persons With Disabilities

Participants at the Disability Mainstreaming Workshop, Golf Hotel- Kakamega.

MMUST has conducted a two-day Disability Mainstreaming Workshop in tandem with the requirements of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). The event which was facilitated by the Kakamega County Disability Officer, Ms. Priscah Akoth, took place on 16^th and 17^th February, 2023 at the Golf Hotel- Kakamega. The workshop, organized by the MMUST’s AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming Unit, was graced by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai. It earmarked the Disability Mainstreaming Committee members and staff from the unit.

Pointing out that disability mainstreaming is an area that needs intervention by Universities; Prof. Mutai noted that MMUST is committed towards supporting the disability mainstreaming activities and projects through research. “It is useful to identify the barriers that staff and students with disabilities face in accessing University education. We recognize that anybody can become disabled anytime,” he stated. Prof. Mutai who is also an ardent researcher and renowned scholar in health added that innovation is critical in disability mainstreaming.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai addressing participants at the workshop.

Ms. Akoth took the committee members through several issues regarding Disability Mainstreaming including; ‘Understanding Disability’, ‘Data and Statistics on Disability’, ‘Disability Etiquette’, ‘Policy and Legal Frameworks in Disability’, ‘Disability Mainstreaming Guidelines’, ‘2022/2023 FY Indicator and Reporting Portal’ as well as ‘Accessibility and Usability Audits’. She encouraged the Committee members to help the PWDs to overcome stereotypes and handle them in a humane manner depending on the nature of their disability.

“Include the PWDs in all the University planning, activities and programs. We encourage you to involve NCPWD in your events in order to access assistive devices, infrastructure and equipment support, rehabilitation and habilitation programs, registration of the PWDs, scholarship opportunities and funding for business as well as education,” stated Ms. Akoth.

The Coordinator of AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming Unit- Prof. Gladys Mengich, stated that the mandate of the unit includes sensitization, formulation and development of measures and policies targeted at promoting equal opportunities for PWDs. “This Disability Mainstreaming Committee Workshop has been conducted in tandem with the requirements of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. It is also one of our indicators in the performance contract,” she said.

Prof. Charles Mutai (right) and Prof. Gladys Mengich listening as the Disability Mainstreaming Committee Chairperson, Prof. Danstone Baraza explains a point at the workshop.

The Director of Quality Assurance, Prof. Danstone Baraza who is also the Committee Chairperson, tackled ‘Roles of the Disability Mainstreaming Committee including; promoting awareness on disability issues, working towards 5% representation of the PWDs in the University, ensuring infrastructure is friendly to the PWDs, submitting standardized quarterly disability mainstreaming progress reports to the NCPWD and implement the recommendations, guarantee inclusion of PWDs in operations, as well as promoting principal of universal design in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the University core mandate.

The Director of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation- Prof. Joseph Nasongo applauded the Disability Mainstreaming Unit for the improved performance and urged the committee members to be on the forefront of advocacy for disability mainstreaming. He added that the committee members should strengthen their partnership with the NCPWD to assist the PWDs in the University.

“PWDs are human beings entitled to enjoyment of equal human rights enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. It is our role to ensure that working, learning and living environments are conducive for them. Let us demonstrate to the NCPWD that we are considering the PWDs in the institution,” urged Prof. Nasongo. He encouraged the committee members to consider working with commitment as a sacred duty to humankind and to God.

The Director of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation- Prof. Joseph Nasongo making a presentation at the workshop.

In her presentation on ‘Accessibility of services in MMUST’, the hostels officer- Ms. Jackline Olweny noted that the University is committed to make services easily accessible to the PWDs. These areas include; the hostels, parking areas, internet services and pathways. She encouraged sensitization of staff and students to inculcate good practices to ensure comfort of the PWDs in the institution. “I commend our customer care staff and the student leaders for ensuring a better stay for PWDs in the University,” she said. She advocated for a helpline for serving the PWDs in case of emergency.

From right: Ms. Gavin Nyarotso, Ms. Elizabeth Simiyu and student representative- Mr. Patrick Obaria keenly following the presentations during the workshop.

The Disability Mainstreaming Committee members present included; Prof. Francis Orata, Prof. Alice Ndiema, Prof. Jacob Wakhungu, Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Mr. Vincent Chibini, Ms. Gavin Nyarotso, Ms. Lilian Kundu, Jackline Olweny, Mr. Daniel Korir, Mr. Paul Rotich, Mr. Francis Osaka, and student representative- Mr. Patrick Obaria. Other University staff present were; Ms. Elizabeth Simiyu, Mr. Felix Ambuche, Ms. Eunice Pundo, Mr. Kennedy Anjieho, Ms. Adelaide Imbuka, Ms. Millicent Ingado, Ms. Selipher Sabatia, Ms. Verna Kungu, Ms. Linet Owuor and Mr. Canon Omondi.

By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Verna Awuor 

Photos by Linet Owuor

MMUST Hosts Delegation From Family Bank Kenya to Discuss Issues of Mutual Benefit

The Vice Chancellor in the company of the Finance Officer and the team from Family Bank during the meeting. 

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has today, 16^th February, 2023, hosted officials from the Family Bank Limited to discuss issues of mutual benefit between the two (2) institutions. The delegate, led by the Kakamega Branch Manager, Mr. Claude S. Karani was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Shibairo pointed out that the University has had a good working relationship with the bank, adding that he looked forward to a more vibrant collaboration. “I am aware that Family bank provides quality and all-round services to its clients. As an institution, we need to strategize with banks, such as Family bank, and explore investment opportunities so that we can mobilize more finances,” said the Vice Chancellor.

The Vice Chancellor making a point during the meeting.

The Finance officer, CPA Jared Rading', briefed the visitors on the available opportunities that the team could explore in the University and asked them to consider MMUST students pursuing business related programmes for attachment opportunities. 

The Kakamega Family Bank Branch Manager, Mr. Claude S. Karani, engages in a conversation with the participants during the courtesy call.

“We are grateful for the things that we are doing together and most especially our relationship which has been strengthening each day. We guarantee you that we will continue to support the University and its students’ initiatives from time to time,” said Mr. Karani. Additionally, Mr. Karani took note of the Bank’s involvement in the University’s corporate social responsibility engagements and assured the Vice Chancellor of the Bank’s unalloyed commitment to working with MMUST.

Other notable members from Family Bank Kenya-Kakamega branch present during the meeting included; Ms. Everlyne Etemesi, Credit Supervisor and Mr. Cyrus Masinya, the Branch Operations Manager.

By Caren Nekesa

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

MMUST Conducts Policy Review Workshop on Risk Management in an Effort to Enhance the University’s Preparedness to Handle Risks

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (center seated) together with other MMUST top officials after the workshop.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology recently conducted a Policy Review Workshop on Risk Management  in an effort to enhance the University’s preparedness to handle risks. The two-day workshop which was held from 14th to 15th February, 2023, was conducted in tandem with the law of Kenya which requires all organizations to sensitize personnel about Enterprise Risk Management Policy Framework. The event organized by the Office of the Registrar (Planning Research and Innovation) in conjunction with the Office of the Internal Auditor, took place at the Golf Hotel- Kakamega. This initiative was spearheaded by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. In his opening remarks, Prof. Shibairo noted that it is prudent to understand the risks around us and prioritize them. He challenged the participants to be ready to face the challenges posed by the risks emanating from various parts of the University. “As an institution, people have different perceptions about us. For this reason, we are vulnerable to risks arising from the public as well as our competitors. It is our mandate to come up with a proper risk management policy to safeguard our reputation. Let us work together to achieve this,” he urged.

Prof. Shibairo addressing participants during the workshop.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai pointed out that the University consists of various cadres of professionals who should acquire risk mitigation skills. He added that the workshop will enable the team to utilize the resources available effectively. “We are here to ensure that the risks in the University are well managed. This is important in how the University attains its goals,” he stated.

According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, the University should cultivate a culture of appropriate coordination of its operations for proper risk management. “When we manage the risk areas, we shall ensure proper delivery of services and churn out highly skilled professionals,” he said. Equally, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo pointed out that strategic social cohesion improves service delivery and clear frameworks in collaborations will take the University to a higher level.

The Director of Pinebridge Training and Consulting Limited, Mr. Samuel Kibaara making a presentation during the workshop.

The workshop Facilitator, Mr. Samuel Kibaara, who is the Director of Pinebridge Training and Consulting Limited- Nairobi, acknowledged that institutions of higher learning are prone to threats, and implementation of a risk management policy helps in offering solutions to improve their products and services. Mr. Kibaara urged the University management to invest in risk management to adjust to the dynamic world. He stressed that the University should focus on training students who adapt best to the job market.

 “Our world today is interconnected and there are risks everywhere. Identify the needs of your clients to survive in the ever-changing job market. Invest in programs that are of high value to churn out highly skilled professionals who will be flexible to adapt to change,” stated Mr. Kibaara.

The Registrar (Planning Research and Innovation), Prof. Alice Ndiema stated that the University management is keen to know the activities that are risky so that it can come up with proper risk mitigation skills. She added that proper risk management measures serve the purpose of marketing the University and will result in a positive outcome. “The risks are many but we can manage to mitigate, avoid and tolerate them,” she said.

A section of the participants following presentations keenly.

Reiterating the Vice-Chancellor, the Internal Auditor- CPA Samuel Rotich emphasized that the risks must be understood and mitigated properly. “The risks faced by this institution are felt and handled by this team of top officials. Let us set aside an aim to achieve our objectives,” he said.

A MMUST Lecturer and expert in policy matters-Mr. Anthony Sang tackled institutional management policy framework, risk management register, risk assessment process, risk incident reporting, policy review, and structure of the policy. He stated that the risk management register should capture all the University risk areas for the standardized quality of the programs and services.

The workshop which drew the University’s top managers, deans, and directors across the University will certainly help in identifying and assessing a broad array of risks that could negatively impact the achievement of the University’s goals and objectives. Additionally, this policy review not only ensures appropriate ownership and accountability of risks but also develops and implements appropriate risk mitigation and monitoring plans by the institution.

By Verna Awuor and Sheila Ivayo 
Photos by Shiundu Masafu