Researchers From the University of Hamburg- Germany Visit MMUST in a Bid to Conduct a Collaborative Research on Biosphere of Mt. Elgon

The team from the University of Hamburg together with the MMUST team after the discussions.

A team of researchers from the Centre for Earth System Research and Sustainability, University of Hamburg- Germany, has today, 10 January, 2023, visited MMUST in a bid to conduct a collaborative research on the biosphere of Mt. Elgon. They included; Project Coordinator, Department of Geography, Mr. Simon Strobelt, Ms. Michele Von Kocemba and a student, Mr. William Vargas.

The study will involve a baseline survey on human conflicts as well as how nature is conserved on Mt. Elgon and the data will be taken to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for analysis. The event which was presided over by the DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai, was organized by the School of Education (SEDU) led by the Dean, Prof. Moses Poipoi.

The DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai addressing participants at the event.

Expressing his delight, Prof. Mutai pointed out that MMUST is keen on conducting research that is geared towards changing the lives of the community. Adding that research is part of the University’s mandate, he revealed that MMUST is committed to supporting research and that there are a good number of ongoing projects. Of these, about ten (10) have won lucrative grants internationally.

“Geography is a unique area where we need to train many people. We have the same interest in this area of research and selecting Mt. Elgon as an area of study will definitely cause diversity in research. This will improve the social health system of the community through indigenous medicine which is boosting the medical healthcare sector in addressing various health complications,” stated Prof. Mutai.

The Dean, School of Education, Prof. Moses Poipoi making a point during the visit.

Prof. Poipoi acknowledged that the study will document the contribution of relevant bodies, challenges faced and solutions needed to support nature conservancy. He noted that the research will impact the community through outreach activities in training them on environmental conservation.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the University of Hamburg in terms of research and exchange programmes as we look forward to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),” said Prof. Poipoi.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Strobelt acknowledged that the University has been supportive and open-minded in professional experience. “We have a common interest in nature conservation and this will enable long term cooperation as we interact in the field of research. We have a lot to learn. Let us come together and construct knowledge,” he urged.

The project coordinator, Department of Geography, University of Hamburg, Mr. Simon Strobelt explaining a point during the visit.

Present at the event were; the Registrar, PRI- Prof. Alice Ndiema, Associate Dean, SEDU- Prof. Kennedy Bota, CoD Geography- Dr. Nalyanya Wasike, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Planning and Management, Dr. Paul Ogenga, and a student of Geography, Mr. James Kimutai who will be conducting research with the team which will be around for three (3) weeks.

Indeed, this will impact conservation of land and water on which all life depends. The research will create a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

By Verna Awuor
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu

MMUST Marks Staff End of Year Prayer Day at the Graduation Square!

MMUST Chaplaincy during the event.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has today, 22^nd December 2022 marked the annual Staff End of Year Prayer Day to give thanks to God for his blessings and grace throughout the year. The event, which took place at the graduation square, involved all MMUST staff, including the top Management.

Speaking during the prayer day, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo stated that although the University has experienced a few challenges, MMUST staff has remained resilient. “We thank God because he has enabled us to run the University this far despite the challenges. I assure you that the Management is committed to addressing all problems facing the University, especially those relating to staff welfare,” said Prof. Shibairo.

A section of the Management during the prayer day.

“The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us,” quoted the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo while giving his remarks during the event. He advised the staff to be thankful to God at all times and asked them to pray for people in leadership positions. “Since the beginning of the year, we have improved as a University and we pray that we continue growing,” he added.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, reiterated that each individual at MMUST has a lot to thank God for. On the other hand, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, appreciated the good work that all MMUST staff has put in, to enable the University achieve its vision. “We value your efforts and commitment to serving this institution. I urge you to continue with the same so that we can attain our goal,” said. Prof. Mutai.

A section of MMUST staff sings a hymn during the sermon.

Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya, while speaking to the congregation, pointed out that some of the things that the staff should be grateful for include; life, peaceful elections and transition of power, as well as surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga, who gave the sermon, emphasized the need to be grateful to God, saying that He has been present throughout the year.

The University Unions, UASU, KUSU and KUDHEIHA requested for better work conditions for the staff in their respective categories. Dr. Bernard Omogo, Mr. Gregory Lidzanga and Mr. Victor Amasese represented the three Unions respectively. The Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Ombui Motari, also represented the MMUSO Student Executive Council.

MMUST Hosts UON Vice Chancellor to Renew Collaboration Agreement on USAID-funded HealthIT Project Set to Revolutionize the Healthcare Sector

MMUST-UON teams pose for a group photo after the meeting.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology on Tuesday, 20^th December, 2022, hosted the University of Nairobi’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, to renew the collaboration agreement on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded HealthIT project. Prof. Kiama, who was accompanied by the UoN-HealthIT team, was received by the MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

Speaking during the MMUST-UoN meeting, Prof. Shibairo pointed out that MMUST has made significant strides and that such partnerships are crucial to growing the University further. “MMUST is very strong both in academia and research. If we cultivate this project and maintain the great partnership, our institutions will without doubt reach greater heights,” he said.

Prof. Kiama commended the MMUST-UoN teams for carrying out the activities of the HealthIT project effectively, and urged them to continue in the same spirit. “I am pleased to see that both institutions have demonstrated a productive relationship. We look forward to working with MMUST on more future projects,” added the UoN Vice Chancellor.

MMUST-UON Vice Chancellors exchange signed collaboration agreements.

“At MMUST, we have developed a good culture of research. We are committed to conducting cutting-edge research and this project definitely contributes to this agenda,” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. J. Kuria Thuo, affirmed MMUST’s support to the HealthIT project, adding that he anticipated greater results from the project. Further, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, acknowledged that a collaboration between Kenyan-based institutions is as powerful as partnering with international organizations.

The Managing Director of the University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Limited (UNES), where HealthIT is housed, Mr. Seith Abeka, revealed that the project has created internship and attachment opportunities for students, as well as a chance to conduct capacity-building Seminars.

Prof. Peter Waiganjo (left) and Chief of Party at USAID HealthIT, Mr. Raphael Pundo discuss a point.

“The main aim of this project is to generate high quality data that can be used to improve services in the health sector. We are cognizant of the fact that the world is headed towards data-based decision making as it has potential to steer development,” stated the Chief of Party at USAID HealthIT, Mr. Raphael Pundo. Similarly, Prof. Peter Waiganjo, a member of UoN-HealthIT, noted that health digitalization is the way to go.

The Dean, School of Computing and Informatics, Dr. Daniel Otanga, reiterated that MMUST’s students have immensely benefited from the HealthIT project. “This project kicked off in the year 2017. Courtesy of HealthIT, MMUST has worked with Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot as well as Uasin Gishu Counties. As a School, we are honoured to be involved in this project because it resonates with our efforts of providing data that can be utilized by the public,” he said.

MMUST-UON teams during the discussions.

While presenting the MMUST HealthIT activities and achievements, the University project coordinator, Dr. Jasper M. Ondulo, echoed that MMUST will be available to work with not only USAID HealthIT, but also with other key partners in order to bridge the gaps in the health sector.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s involvement in this project is proof that it is dedicated to transforming the healthcare sector through research. The renewal of the collaboration agreement between MMUST and the University of Nairobi is significant as the two (2) institutions will continue with the life-changing project.

By Mary Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu

International Certification for Digital Literacy Kicks Off Pre-Implementation Strategy Meeting With MMUST, a Sign of Good Things to Come

ICDL and MMUST team during the meeting.  

The International Certification for Digital Literacy (ICDL) pre-implementation strategy meeting with MMUST, that took place on Monday 19^th December, 2022, is a sign of good things to come. This comes a few months after the two went into an agreement that saw MMUST being appointed as an Accredited Test Centre (ATC).

ICDL Foundation is a Global Social Enterprise dedicated to raising digital competence standards in the workforce, education and society. The enterprise’s certification is currently available in over 100 countries across its network of more than 20,000 Test Centres, delivering over 70 Million ICDL Certification Tests to more than 16 million people worldwide. Nationally, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) accredited ICDL Africa as a ‘Foreign Examination Body’ and approved the ICDL programme as a certificate level qualification in the TVETA system in Kenya.

Upon successful completion of these strategy meetings, MMUST will roll out the highly competitive programme that will see its students enhance their digital literacy skills to international levels. Additionally, the University will also be in a position to offer consultancy services as Trainer of Trainers (ToT) to train other institutions in the region, hence an avenue of generating income and boosting our webometrics ranking.

Webometrics and Short Courses Unit Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Ochieno speaks during the meeting with ICDL.

ICDL was represented by Ms. Solange Umulisa, Mr. Peter Maina and Mr. Stevens Kareri Mungai. The team from MMUST comprised of the Director, Privately Sponsored Students Programmes (PSSP), Prof. Benedict Alala, Dean, School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa, Representative of the Director International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Rose Opiyo, Webometrics and Short Courses Unit Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Ochieno, Faculty Member from the Civil and Structural Engineering Department, Dr. Edwin Kanda, Senior Lecturer in Department of Educational Psychology, Dr. James Bill Ouda, Faculty Member from the Pure and Applied Chemistry Department, Dr. Gershom Mutua, Dr. Emily Wamalwa from the Department of Biological Sciences, and the In-charge of admissions, Ms. Pamela Inzai.

We live in an era where technology is indispensable. Delving into such collaborations only reaffirms that we are heading in the right direction. 

By: Caren Nekesa

Photos by: Wilberforce Shiundu

MMUST Shines at the Captain’s Prize Tournament at Kakamega Sports Club

The Kakamega Sports Club Captain Mr. Rajinder Pape Sembi with a section of the tournament participants after the ward of prizes

 MMUST staff and students exhibited prowess in indoor games held at the Kakamega sports club on 3^rd of December 2022. The tournament, which was dubbed the Captain’s Prize Tournament was sponsored by the Kakamega Sports Club Captain Mr. Rajinder Pape Sembi in partnership with East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

The tournament which had a variety of competitions like darts, table tennis, pool table, squash as well as table tennis attracted players from various parts of the country. Among the clubs that participated in the event include Nandi Bears Club, Nyanza Golf Club, Kericho Sports Club, Kisii Sports Club, Eldoret Golf Club, Karen Country Club among other top clubs within the country.

MMUST was represented at the event by a total of 30 students who participated in all indoor games and emerged the best. Participation of MMUST in this tournament is part of strengthening the existing partnership between the University and the club. The partnership deed between MMUST and the Kakamega Sports Club is anchored on sports, conference facilities and career opportunities for students. Currently, MMUST students are involved in various engagements at the club which has given them an opportunity to participate in most of the Kakamega Sports Club activities. The partnership has also given an opportunity to many MMUST students to have their attachments and internships at the club as part of the career development initiatives that the club is undertaking.

A MMUST student receives a prize after exemplary performance at the tournament

Top three students per sport were awarded with amazing gifts such as gas cooker, electronics as well as various kitchen cutleries. Dennis Ng’eno won the squash category while Amos Too and Peter Macharia won the Table Tennis and Darts respectively. Pool Table was won by the experienced Dr. Jimmy Akhonya of Kakamega Sports Club with the coveted position for the golf tournament going to handicap 24 Dr. Scarlet Muhadia.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the week-long tournament, Mr. Pape Sembi encouraged the students and the University to make good use of the facility which he said is one of its own kind in the region. MMUST was represented by the Director for International and Academic Linkages, Dr. Catherine Aura who also doubled up as the Chairman of Kakamega Sports Club.

By Wilberforce Shiundu 

MMUST Hosts President William Ruto in His First Ever Graduation to Grace Since He Took Office!!

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has today, 9^th December, 2022 hosted H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto, in his first ever graduation to grace since he took office as the 5^th President of Kenya. The colourful event, which drew the interest of a host of government officials and political dignitaries, saw MMUST confer Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) in Peace and Sustainable Development to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, H.E Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi EGH.

The University graduated about 3,802 students from ten (10) Schools in the levels of PhD, Masters, Bachelors, Diploma and Certificate, who were awarded and conferred by the Chancellor, Dr. Peter Wanyaga Muthoka. The highly decorated ceremony themed ‘Mainstreaming Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development’ was an opportunity for MMUST to share its institutional agenda with the Head of State who promised to implement a raft of infrastructural and human capital development projects.

The event was also attended by the University Council led by the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Musangi Jane Mutua and the Governor of Kakamega County, H.E FCPA, Fernandes Barasa as well as the Senator, Kakamega County, Dr. Boni Khalwale. One of the earlier MMUST Honoris Causa recipients, the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Dr. Francis Atwoli was also present.

Notably, the President also laid a foundation stone on the Engineering and TVET Complex which is under construction.

The 18^th graduation ceremony has indeed placed MMUST at the apex of the education sector national and global conversation. MMUST is the University to watch out for when it comes to matters of sustainable development.

MMUST Vice Chancellor Hosts Lubao FM Journalists In Readiness To Conduct The Forthcoming Graduation Ceremony

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (in black suit), the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Lubao FM journalists.

The MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo yesterday, 6^th December, 2022 hosted Lubao FM Journalists in readiness to conduct the forthcoming graduation ceremony. The event which took place at the Vice Chancellor’s office was geared towards interviewing the VC on the level of preparedness towards the 18^th graduation ceremony slated for Friday, 9^th December, 2022.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that the University has achieved a lot and preparations are underway in readiness for the big day. He revealed that the University is expecting 3,802 graduands and a good number of dignitaries, including, religious and political leaders as well as the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi who will receive an Honoris Causa (Honorary Degree) during the graduation ceremony.

“Organizing graduation events has been a challenge during the COVID- 19 pandemic era but things have normalized recently. The forthcoming graduation ceremony will be held physically and complemented virtually on television and the University social media handles,” stated Prof. Shibairo.

The Vice Chancellor speaking during the interview with Lubao FM journalist, Mr. Javan Sajida.

The Vice Chancellor pointed out that MMUST is a student- centered institution that recognizes students’ needs. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the need for a proper footbridge, students’ centre and boarding facilities. He called upon well-wishers and partners to support MMUST for effective service delivery.

“Students have been facing challenges throughout their learning process. About 500 students may miss graduation due to incomplete payment of school fees. However, the Deans have worked hard to ensure that we have valid graduation lists,” said Prof. Shibairo.

Notably, the VC hinted that through the University’s flagship programmes such as Engineering and Health Sciences, the University management looks forward to tackling issues of malaria, sickle cell anaemia and herbal medicine. As a result, the University needs structures to support the project.

The Vice Chancellor extended a hand of appreciation to the University Alumni who have been very supportive in terms of contributions and fundraising. They look forward to identifying and coming up with a project in the University. Expressing his delight, the Vice Chancellor pointed out that there are several solutions to the lack of school fees menace, stating that the University through its Chancellor has come up with a fund.

“We have launched an alternative fund, the ‘Chancellor’s Endowment Fund’ which is an initiative that helps needy students pay their school fees. We are coming up with criteria where students who show good progress in academia and prove an inability to pay fees will benefit from the fund. We are calling upon everyone to contribute to the initiative so that we can support our students. Besides, the CDF has been quite helpful to the needy students,” explained Prof. Shibairo.

The Vice Chancellor receiving a crate of water from Lubao FM Journalists after the interview.

 Further, Prof. Shibairo commended the new government’s taskforce which will improve the quality of education in the country especially at the University level. He added that the government will help the University establish accommodation.

“We have pride in providing quality education in various fields of expertise. Our lecturers have offered the best training to our graduands and they are ready for the job market. They have the capacity to secure good jobs and can also become entrepreneurs. The students who are willing to continue with further studies should do so as we anticipate to admit students in January. I wish everyone a merry X-mas and a prosperous New Year, 2023,” stated Prof. Shibairo.

By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Verna Awuor

Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu

MMUST Proposal Review Committee Training Workshop Set to Strengthen Research Capacities in the Institution

DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai (in black suit) together with other Participants present at the workshop.

The just concluded Proposal Review Committee Training Workshop held from 29 to 30 November, 2022, is set to Golf Hotel, Kakamega. This was DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation,

The workshop was geared towards providing knowledge and skills needed in writing research proposals that attract collaborations with other Universities and Higher institutions of learning.  This will strengthen, manage and raise the status of research not only at MMUST but also in the country and globally.