MMUST Postgraduate Students Receive Scholarships Courtesy of Acces, Kenya.

The Executive Director, ACCES, Mr. Kevin Fadum making a point during the meeting.

Two (2) of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s postgraduate students have received scholarships, courtesy of the African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES), Kenya. This was revealed during a courtesy call made to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, by the Executive Director, ACCES, Mr. Kevin Fadum, on Monday, 30^th January, 2023. Mr. Fadum was accompanied by the Program Manager, Mr. Anthony Kikubu Mutevane, who is also an alumna of MMUST. The two (2) presented the awards to the Vice Chancellor before the University Management Board (UMB), which was in for its weekly meeting.

Speaking during the event, Prof. Shibairo emphasized that Kenya will never go wrong with many learners joining higher education. “Today, the transition rate from high schools to universities stands at 37% - 40% in Canada. In Finland, over 50% of students join University while approximately 40% of the student population are enrolled in vocational programmes. In the Philippines the student transition rate stands at 66%. In Kenya, the transition rate is not as high and this does not imply that we should normalize failing,” said the Vice Chancellor.  

“When people join higher education, it changes their way of thinking. The more we have educated people, the better we are,” he stated, adding that countries such as India and China, invested in higher education and their economies are stable, with China having the second largest economy in the world.

The Vice Chancellor together with the University Management Board, as they hosted the ACCES team.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, thanked the ACCES team for sponsoring MMUST students. “Thank you for sponsoring our students. The initiatives that you are doing in our communities are the best ways to bring change and improvement into our societies,” he said. Further, Prof. Mutai encouraged the ACCES team to keep up the good work and commended them for extending such support to postgraduate students.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, echoed Prof. Mutai’s sentiments, as he thanked the ACCES team for the support they are giving to Kenya’s children.

The Executive Director, ACCES, could not agree more. “Our students are the future of this Country. Attaining an undergraduate degree is great but, we need to encourage the younger generation to pursue higher levels of learning so that they can be better leaders in the society,” said Mr. Fadum.

The Vice Chancellor shakes hands with the Executive Director, ACCES.

It is worth noting that funds used by ACCES in supporting students in western region are usually obtained from donors. Additionally, the postgraduate scholarships are only awarded to bright and needy students who have benefited from ACCES for their undergraduate studies.

As the old adage goes, it really is far better to give than to receive. The knowledge that you are helping others is hugely empowering and, in turn, can make you feel happier and more fulfilled bearing in mind the impact your donation is making out there. It is no secret that today, hundreds of thousands of learners have been dropping out of the education system annually despite the much-hyped 100% transition policy introduced by the government in 2017. Lending a hand can help you support a child to stay in school. Let us purposely live a life of giving. 

By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Mary Wangari Wambugu

MMUST Hosts Newcastle University Doctorate Research Fellow as He Undertakes Field Research in Kenya

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is hosting a Doctorate Research Fellow from Newcastle University, UK, as he undertakes his PhD fieldwork research in Kenya, courtesy of the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme.  The Doctorate Research Fellow, Mr. Julius Olumeh, was received on Thursday, 26^th January 2023, by MMUST’s renowned Researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Dennis W. Ochieno who is his co-supervisor during his stay in Kenya.    

It is important to note that Dr. Ochieno will be co-supervising the student jointly with his supervisors from Newcastle University who include: Dr. Dave George, a senior lecturer and reader in precision agriculture, crop protection and integrated pest management; Dr. Kirsty Mclnnes, a researcher in molecular dynamics of crop, pest and disease  interactions for Integrated pest management; and Dr. Beth Clark, a social research scientist exploring evidence based methods in public perceptions motivating food choices, innovations and technology for sustainable production.

Mr. Julius Olumeh pays a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

In an effort to acquaint Mr. Olumeh with the University, he paid a number of courtesy calls to the Office of the Vice Chancellor and the Division of Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), where he was received by Prof. Solomon Shibairo and Prof. Charles Mutai respectively. Speaking during the courtesy call to the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, gleefully welcomed Mr. Olumeh to MMUST and reassured him that he is in good hands.

“I am aware that the UK, in many other ways through the Kenya-UK Health Alliance, has been looking for partners. My vision is to see MMUST become a research University. We have embarked on a mission of ensuring that MMUST staff and students cultivate a culture of research that can directly impact on people’s lives. I will be delighted to engage in further conversations that will lead to the realization of this mission. We are happy to have you here, welcome to MMUST,” said Prof. Shibairo.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (PRI), together with the Registrar (PRI), Prof. Alice Ndiema, also welcomed the researcher to MMUST, stating that they were delighted with this collaboration and added that they anticipated more partnerships.

Mr. Olumeh gifts MMUST staff Newcastle University-branded bags.

“We are a University that believes in research and collaboration. As our vision states, ‘To be the premier University in Science, Technology and Innovation’, research plays an important role in ensuring that we are the pace-setters. You have our full support and commitment towards this course, and we look forward to learning so much from Newcastle University as we explore other possible areas of collaboration,” stated Prof. Mutai.

Dr. Ochieno, who is also MMUST’s Coordinator of Webometrics and short courses, was happy to note that the team from Newcastle University found MMUST from a touch of a button. “Truly the website works,” he stated, adding that he is enthusiastic about working with the doctorate research fellow.

“Despite Mr. Olumeh being registered as a student at the University of Newcastle, we accept him as our own student, anchored at the Centre for African Medicinal and Nutritional Flora and Fauna (CAMNFF),” said Dr. Ochieno as he welcomed Mr. Olumeh to MMUST.

Speaking during the meetings, Mr. Olumeh briefed the attendees of his passion for agriculture entomology and crop protection for improved food security and sustainable production. He noted that his specialization is in Biocontrol of Invasive Pest, Sustainable Agriculture, Environment Conservation & Management as well as Biosciences sectors including: IPM in Crop and Animal Systems, Quarantine Protocol, Biocontrol agents, Biotechnology, Agribusiness and Agro-markets. Following this background, Mr. Olumeh stated that he will be in the country for two months where he will be working to develop bio-pesticide options for control of tomato pests and expanding horticultural farming into organic systems. His research will result in creation of better markets for African farmers as well as help them to reduce insecticide use, which he says has known health problems.

Mr. Olumeh gives his remarks during a courtesy call with the Vice Chancellor.

“Newcastle University was keen on ensuring that I find a study partner who is closer to the study site, Bungoma County. As we searched for possible partners we could collaborate with, one of my supervisors, Dr. Dave George, who is a senior lecturer and reader in precision agriculture, crop protection and integrated pest management suggested that we find someone to work with in MMUST. As we searched through MMUST’s website, Dr. Ochieno’s profile popped up with very interesting and great publications on crop protection and entomology. We had a very in-depth discussion within the University on his work and how it aligns to mine and that caught the University’s interest which led to communication with the Office of the Vice Chancellor MMUST,” said Mr. Olumeh. He further revealed that Newcastle University is keen on developing partnerships and he looks forward to seeing more interactions between the two institutions.

Further, he commended Dr. Ochieno for being responsive towards their inquiries. He urged other Universities to respond in a timely manner to inquiries made from possible international partners, saying that this will be a game changer as we look to attract international collaborators.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation) gives remarks during a courtesy call at his office.

It is worth noting that the two (2) institutions are in pursuit of expanding this collaboration to go beyond Mr. Olumeh’s PhD fieldwork research. A move that will possibly see them work with other faculties such as the School of Medicine, considering the fact that Newcastle University was recently ranked first in cancer research in the UK.

“Newcastle University is big in cancer research. We were ranked number one in cancer research in the UK this year. This is also a very viable area for collaboration as you are expanding your school of medicine,” noted Mr. Olumeh. In response, Prof. Mutai acknowledged that his collaboration with MMUST is indeed the beginning of good things, and it is from here that MMUST will continue to build its niche in research.

MMUST has grown into a global player in academics, research and innovation and we can only achieve higher levels of standards by building progressive partnerships with well-established institutions such as the Newcastle University. Certainly, this is a sign of good things to come.

By Caren Nekesa

Photos by Shiundu Masafu 

Collection of Students’ Smart Cards

MMUST Carries Out Strategic Plan Review to Chart Out Roadmap for the Next Five Years!

MMUST team at Kisumu hotel during the Strategic Plan Review Workshop.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has carried out Strategic Plan Review for 2022/2023 to 2026/2027, geared towards charting out the roadmap on which the institution will be anchored for the next five years. The well attended workshop, which was organized by the Division of Planning, Research and Innovation, through the office of Registrar, Planning, Research and Innovation, involved close to 80 participants from diverse departments in the University. The two- day workshop that was conducted from Thursday 19th to Friday, 20th January, 2023, was officially opened by MMUST’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

The participants of this important workshop, who were drawn from various departments, directorates and sections, were taken through the Strategic Plan’s historical background, the key fundamental issues, situational analysis as well as the key result areas and implementation framework. The facilitators included Prof. Alice Ndiema, Prof. Judah Ndiku, Prof. Robert Egessa, and Dr. Dishon Wanjere.

Speaking at the workshop, Prof. Solomon Shibairo stressed on the need to leverage on ICT by infusing it in all our programs and processes in the University. He pointed out that during this period, MMUST, must align its plans with the 5 pillars underpinning the operations of the current government, which are: Agriculture, Healthcare, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy, Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy , Housing and Settlement.

Prof. Solomon Shibairo following proceedings during the Strategic Plan Review workshop in Kisumu Hotel.

“Let us invest in unique programmes such as Biomechanics, Mechatronics and Gold Mining. We must take advantage of our networks and linkages to steer the development of our University development projects such as the Student Centre, Senior Common Room, and the 10,000 units promised by Kenya’s President, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto. However, we should not over- rely on the government for funding. Instead, every University must look for alternative sources of income. That is why MMUST established the Chancellor’s Endowment Fund,” stated the Vice Chancellor.

The Registrar, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof Alice Ndiema presenting during the Strategic Plan Review Workshop in Kisumu.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai, whose Division is steering the review process, revealed that the drafting of this Strategic Plan started in July 2022 by a team of experts from the University and that this Workshop was organized to allow interrogation of the document by stakeholders and heads of various sections for purposes of ownership and quality.

Reiterating the importance of specifying what is to be delivered by the Strategic Plan, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance- Prof. Kuria Thuo as well as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs- Prof. Hussein Golicha encouraged participants to ensure that their areas are clearly stipulated in the document so that implementation is straight forward and guaranteed.

“The key success factors for all Strategic Plans is implementation. Culture eats Strategy for breakfast. This means that the manner in which the implementation is done informs whether or not the objectives of the Strategic Plan will be achieved,” advised Prof. Thuo.

The 2022/2023 - 2026/2027 Strategic Plan Review Workshop was spearheaded by Prof. Charles Mutai. Other members of the Stategic Plan Committee were: Prof. Alice Ndiema, Prof. Judah Ndiku, Prof. Robert Egessa, Dr. Dishon Wanjere, Mr. Antony Sang, Dr. Eglay Tsuma, Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Dr. Catherine Aurah, Dr. Immaculate Ayodo, CPA Elkanah Kinyor, Ms. Irene Aluku, Mr. Jeffry Miima, Mr. Canon Odhiambo and Mr. Shiundu W. Masafu. Other critical members involved in the organization of the Strategic Plan Review Workshop included Ms. Florence Ogwang, and Mr. Eick Wendo.

Chairman UASU, Dr. Jairus Odawa discusses a point during the workshop
The Strategic Plan will support the positive transformation of the University’s operations and procedures in addition to providing strategic direction for this period. As the workshop came to a close today, it was clear that the gist of the Strategic Plan is to re-engineer the University’s programs and processes in tandem with the evolving dynamics in the global higher education sector. This robust Strategic Plan has the potential to catapult MMUST into the realm of higher education giants.

By Lydia Anyonje and Shiundu Masafu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu 

MMUST Efforts to Improve Healthcare Education Continue as It Hosts University of Nottingham Delegation to Discuss Possible Areas of Collaboration

MMUST-University of Nottingham teams pose for a group photo at the DIAL office.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has hosted a delegation from the University of Nottingham, UK, to explore possible areas of collaboration in healthcare education. The team, which comprised of Prof. Yash Mahida, a professor of Medicine, and the Senior Global Engagement Manager at the University of Nottingham, Mr. Joshua Hawkins, visited MMUST on Thursday, 19^th January, 2023, courtesy of the Kenya-UK Health Alliance.

The visitors were received by Dr. Rose Opiyo, who was standing in for the Director, International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Catherine Aura. “This collaboration will have a huge impact on not only the School of Medicine, but also other faculties within the University, as well as the community and the Lake Region Economic Block,” stated Dr. Opiyo.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Yash noted that his University was interested in understanding MMUST’s School of Medicine, by familiarizing with its programmes, activities, inspirations and plans on its areas of interest to enable development of a mutually beneficial collaboration between the two institutions.

Prof. Yash Mahida gives a presentation during the MMUST-University of Nottingham meeting.

“At Nottingham, there is significant interest in Basic Science, particularly infectious diseases, expertise in molecular microbiology, parasitology including malaria, antimicrobial stewardship, Hepatitis C&B, clinical aspects of pneumonia and COVID-19,” stated the Professor of Medicine. Additionally, he briefed the meeting of the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre which receives a stream of funding for Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, where the areas of strength are: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Gastrointestinal & Liver, Hearing, Mental Health & Technology; Musculoskeletal, Surgery, Inflammation & Recovery; Respiratory Medicine, Informatics and COVID-19.

The University of Nottingham team also revealed that the advancement of technology in the medical sector has resulted in great improvement of health for patients with common diseases. This paved way to a discussion on the challenges faced in the Kenyan healthcare system, which despite having adequate infrastructure and human resource, does not provide excellent services. Prof. Yash noted that the UK faces challenges as well, and added that it is important for Kenya to understand its problems in order to identify gaps for intervention.

MMUST-University of Nottingham teams discuss at the DIAL office.

MMUST’s School of Medicine team also had the opportunity to share some of its ongoing research, citing their achievements, challenges and areas of interest.

In harmony, the two (2) institutions proposed for inclusion of exchange programmes between staff and students, clinical elective exchange programs for students, online seminars for both students and staff, introduction of virtual collaborative courses in the form of short courses that will target the identified gaps with regards to skills and expertise, after which the learners will be issued with transcripts and certificates that will allow them to practice internationally.   

Notably, the group also held discussions and proposed to undertake collaborative research, joint review of publications with a view of how to expand the scope of citation matrix that will enable them secure funding when opportunities arise.

University of Nottingham’s Mr. Joshua Hawkins gives a presentation during the meeting.

Interestingly, the team from MMUST sought the opinion of Prof. Yash regarding the use of traditional herbal medicine. This triggered conversation among the participants who confirmed that herbal medicine has been commonly used over the years for treatment, prevention of diseases and health promotion as well as for enhancing quality of life. They however agreed that despite this adoption, there is need to keenly look into issues of lack of research data, education and training, information, safety monitoring upon use, and methods to evaluate their safety and efficacy.

The Kenya-UK Health Alliance is a collaboration between the Governments of Kenya and the UK, which aims to uplift the standard of healthcare in Kenya, through research, workforce training and education of healthcare professionals, initially focusing on improving cancer outcomes through early detection, rapid diagnosis and the delivery of high-quality care. Certainly, this alliance will power up MMUST’s national and international networks, thereby improving the quality of training in this sector.

Other participants from MMUST included; Ag. Dean School of Medicine, Dr. Iddah Ali, Professor of Medicine, Prof. James Aggrey Oloo, adjunct lecturers Department of Medical Physiology, Dr. Henry Nyongesa and Dr. Sarah Okiya, who is also an anaesthesiologist at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital, and the Ag. Director Corporate Communications and Marketing, Prof. Stanley Omuterema.

By Caren Nekesa

Photos by Wangari Wambugu

MMUST Strategic Plan Begins Review to Chart Out Roadmap for the Next Five Years!

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology today, 19^th January 2023, begun a two-day Strategic Plan Review Workshop geared towards charting out the roadmap on which the institution will be anchored for the next five years, from 2022/2023 to 2026/2027. The Strategic Plan will support the positive transformation of the University’s operations and procedures in addition to providing strategic direction for this period.

The well attended workshop was organized by the Division of Planning, Research and Innovation through the office of Registrar, Planning Research and Innovation, led by Prof. Charles Mutai and Prof. Alice Ndiema. It will go on up to Friday, 20^th January, 2023.

Attached, please find photos of the event.

MMUST Conducts a Seminar on Application of Molecular Biology to Investigate Bacterial Pathogens

Dr. Anthony Sifuna making a presentation at the seminar.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the University of Pretoria, on 18^th January 2023, conducted a seminar on ‘Application of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Tools in Detection, Monitoring, and Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens’. This collaborative effort steered by a lecturer from the Department of Medical Biochemistry- Dr. Anthony Sifuna, is aimed at investigating the surgical site infection at the Kakamega County General Hospital.

The seminar encompassed keynote addresses from Prof. Martin Welch from the University of Cambridge and Prof. Reva Oleg - from the University of Pretoria. The other presentations included ‘Genomic Analysis of S. aureus reveals hospital transmission of ST 152 at a referral hospital in Western Kenya’ – Mr. Nick Mogoi, ‘Potent antimicrobial plant compounds against MRSA bacteria’- Dr. Nicholus Kogo and ‘Surgical site P. aeruginosa infection at a referral hospital in Western Kenya’ by Ms. Sara Kindiki.

Prof. Martin Welch - the University of Cambridge giving a keynote address during the seminar.

Giving a presentation on ‘The need for better diagnostics for environmental pathogen detection’, Dr. Sifuna pointed out that the environment plays a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases adding that there is a need to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of infectious disease agents in the environment.

This collaboration also involves a student exchange program that has seen Mr. Mogoi visit the University of Pretoria to upgrade his skills in Bioinformatics. Similarly, Ms. Kindiki is set to travel to the University of Cambridge to sharpen her skills in Laboratory Analysis.

A section of the seminar participants keenly following the presentations of the seminar.

The other key personalities present at the seminar included, the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala, the Dean School of Natural Sciences- Dr. Joseph Owino, and Prof. Stanley Omuterema. Building international partnerships is a contemporary approach that fortifies the education industry and helps in shaping the future of students.

MMUST Hosts Paramedical Sciences Students From the University of Oulu- Finland Courtesy of the Erasmus Plus Exchange Programme

The DVC, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai (center seated) together with the MMUST team and the Paramedical Sciences students from the University of Oulu.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is hosting Paramedical Sciences students from the University of Oulu- Finland, courtesy of the Erasmus Plus Exchange Programme. This five-year exchange program which kicked off on 18^th January 2023, will expose staff and students of Paramedical Sciences and Nursing to diverse teaching and learning environment. It will also enhance their skills to maximize and improve patient outcomes. The team led by the Chairperson of the Department of Paramedical Science, Dr. Tecla Sum, and Dr. Markus Kartttunen, paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai.

Speaking during the courtesy call, Prof. Mutai expressed his delight towards the program stating that international exchange does not only increase the students' chances of employability but also helps them gain skills required in the job market.

“Not only do students get to experience travel to other countries through such programs. Those who participate in student exchange programs exhibit higher degrees of awareness, acceptance for cultural diversity, and an increase in their cultural capital,” stated Prof. Mutai.

The MMUST team and a team from the University of Oulu during a courtesy call to the DVC, Planning Research and Innovation office.

Dr. Sum noted that this is the first batch of students for this program and they will be at MMUST for three (3) months. Further, she added that MMUST students are set to travel to Finland for the exchange program in August 2023. Dr. Sum is also a post-doctoral student in Trauma and Emergency Medicine at the University of Oulu.

The other members of the Erasmus Plus Exchange Programme at MMUST include Prof. Lt. Col (Rtd) John Okoth, Prof. Gladys Mengich, Prof. Mary Kipmerewo, Dr. Millicent Ambetsa, Dr. Damaris Ochanda, Mr. John Arudo, Ms. Dinah Okwiri, and Mr. Simon Ogana.

Certainly, such programs allow staff and students to respond to the changing demands of the global labor market and society at large, which requires both educators and students to acquire updated skills and knowledge.

 By Linet Owuor