MMUST agricultural experts participated in the recent KALRO Farmers Open Day dubbed Promoting Innovation Technology in Agriculture and Trade for Food security and Commercialization, in Kakamega County on 17th August 2018. This is an activity that is carried out with the aim of educating and sensitizing farmers on current technologies and innovations.
The growing demand for higher education amidst forces of internationalization transforms universities into global villages. MMUST, the key institution of higher education in Western Kenya, finds itself at the convergence of various cultures from the forty-two counties of Kenya, with a growing international population from Africa and beyond. In order to embrace cultural diversity, MMUST organizes various events within and outside the University. Most important is the week-long Tamasha event that showcases the cultural heritage of Kenya among other nationalities. The theme of this year’s Tamasha festival held in July was ‘Promoting Cultural Diversity to Enhance Peace and Unity’.
Tamasha brings people together irrespective of age, gender, culture or race. Students exhibit their cultural practices, which are showcased through different kinds of foods, attire and lifestyle. MMUST is also located at the core of the Isukha and Idakho Luhya sub-tribes, whose famous Isukuti dance has been listed by UNESCO as endangered cultural heritage. Bullfighting tournament comes as the climax of the event, amidst roaring Isukuti drums and horns, with highly charged fans. While attending bullfighting event, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno urged students and members of community to embrace diversity and culture by passing it on to the next generation for preservation, as culture is the tool of identity.
MMUST is on the path to strengthen capacity in research and innovation, which are vital components of economic development. Through a workshop on 3rd August 2018, organized by the Directorate of Science Park, Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC), researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators were trained on the importance of incorporating innovation into their research activities while safeguarding their intellectual properties.
Mr. Fred Otswong’o, a Patent Specialist, explained the necessity of patenting for all innovative works, which can be compared to an open secret letter to the public. He encouraged staff to work on innovative ideas, as he commended MMUST for being among the leading universities in patenting. Dr. Roselida Owuor, an official from the Ministry of Education informed the participants that Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013, provided for establishment of the Kenya Innovation Agency (KENIA), which funds innovative ideas that have the potential for upscaling. MMUST has elevated SPIIC to a major innovation hub in Western Kenya. The director SPIIC Dr. John Muoma said that the hub enables innovators and researchers to work with the community for better output.
While gracing the occasion, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno emphasized on the importance of incorporating innovative ideas into research activities. He noted that this approach aligns to the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and the Presidential Big Four Agenda. Knowledge on innovation will empower youth with the capacity for self employment and wealth creation.
MMUST hosted the first World Conference on Transformative Education (WCTE) themed; Rethinking Curriculum, Pedagogy and Research in Africa. Scholars from around the world including USA, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon among other nations, converged at the University for the conference on 26th – 28th, July 2018. The conference addressed the need for Quality Education in Africa as a component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
MMUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng Fredrick Otieno, applauded the partnering institutions including Ball State Universty and Indiana University from the USA, The School Project Foundation, The Bay and Paul Foundation and the scholars, saying such a conference shall provide solutions to problems facing our educational systems. He said that the conference has come at the right time when Kenyan and entire African schools are re-aligning to curriculum changes to make them suitable to the fast-changing world.
KNUT Secretary General and Nominated Member of Parliament Mr. Wilson Sossion recognized the role of teachers as being central and pivotal in bringing up a well set community. He further highlighted on the use of ICT facilities to improve pedagogy by teachers.
Other keynote speakers included Dr. Kofi Marfo from Ghana, Nkem Khumba from Cameroon, Justo Mendez Aramburu from Puerto Rico, Prof. Michael Takafor Ndemanu from USA, Prof. Serafin M. Coronel-Molina from Indiana University in USA, Prof. Daniel Baron from USA, Prof. Winnie Mucherah from Ball State University in the USA, Dr. Kennedy Bota from MMUST and Dr. Bryce Smedly from Souther Oregon University in Ashland.
The 2nd MMUSO Student Executive Council and the Parliament underwent a Leadership Induction from 11th - 14th July, 2018, at the Green Park Villa in Kakamega. The induction was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno.
While addressing the student leaders, Prof. Otieno emphasized the need for honesty among them. “As you undergo this induction, one thing I want you to bear in mind is that popularity can never be a quality of good leadership. A good leader is one who can see beyond the rest, and be an honest team player,” he said.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Josephine Ngaira, advised the student leaders to maintain high level of etiquette in their work, and be role models to the rest. She further urged them to observe protocol while addressing matters concerning student welfare. She introduced the new leadership motto ‘Leaving No One Behind’ to mobilize teamwork that is necessary for their achievement as leaders.
The main topics covered during the induction included Diplomacy and Protocol, Stress Management, Youth Mentorship, Radicalization and Religious Extremism, Counseling Skills, Financial Management and Entrepreneurship. Such topics were aligned to global developments that leaders around the world need to be aware of, which the University Management gives high priority. The process was facilitated by the Dean of Students Dr. Bernadette Abwao, University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Willis Otuya, Chair of MMUST Electoral Commission Dr. Judah Ndiku, Head of Student Counseling Pauline Adhiambo, Assistant Student Counselor Milka Aswa, and the Finance Officer Stella Kabuga.
MMUST Chaplaincy held Interdenominational Live Church Service on Citizen TV, on Sunday 22nd July, 2018. Led by the Chaplains Reverend Dr. Willis Otuya and Father Dr. Kizito Muchanga, the service was based on the theme “Utilizing God-Given Potential.” Following opening prayers by Fr. Dr. Kizito who holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies, the Preacher of the Day, Rev. Dr. Otuya delivered a powerful message on God-Given Potential and Authority that was granted to human beings during the creation of Adam and Eve, and is a blessing accorded by God to everyone at conception.
“There is Potential in God to bring form where it did not exist, and God transferred that Potential by creating us in His own image” Rev. Dr. Otuya preached. He urged the congregation and people around the world to make use of their Potential to be agents of positive change and peace ambassadors. Rev. Dr. Otuya, a Senior Lecturer and Researcher of Entrepreneurship in the MMUST School of Business and Economics, lamented on cases of many people with Potential to make the world a better place, but have failed to utilize the God-Given gift to improve their own lives and the lives of others. “It is so sad that we have many people moving with the title ‘doctor’ yet they have never treated any sickness, engineers who have never done any construction, and worse, in our universities, are those who claim to be scholars yet they have never done any research and never even published a single paper” Rev. Dr. Otuya preached.
Rev. Dr. Otuya further preached that Kenya has not yet realized its God-Given Potential, because many people utilize such Potential wrongly. “God-Given Potential can be misused to harm others, just like in the Book of Genesis 4:1-4, Cain who was given Potential to till the land, instead of building it, he became jealous and hacked to death his own brother Abel, who was flourishing by utilizing his God-Given Potential of being a livestock keeper” he said. Continuing, he said that our Country Kenya has been facing a lot of problems because of people who utilize their God-Given Potential to do wrong things and harm others. “Corruption scandals are on the rise, and people have become so wicked and rebellious to God that they do not respect any authority. This is why you hear of looting in the National Youth Service, Ango-Leasing Scandal, Goldenberg Scandal, Mercury in Sugar and so on; we have to change” he added.
While concluding, Rev. Dr. Otuya urged the worshippers and nation to utilize their God-Given Potential to be Agents of Peace. He appealed to the audience to extend the handshake and reach out to those whom we may have wronged. “Let me tell you, the Handshake is a Biblical concept, it is spiritual and it brings healing. May God Bless His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga for Utilizing their God-Given Leadership Potential and delivering the famous Handshake that is bringing healing to this Nation” he prayed.
In his thanks giving remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Fred Otieno praised the Chaplaincy and Citizen TV Crew for organizing the Great Interdenominational Service. “Use your God-Given Potential to help the underprivileged in the society, as I wish you success in your examinations that start tomorrow” said Prof. Otieno.
The Church Service was followed by a wonderful Bambika Live Show on Citizen TV, organized by Kambua, Holy Dave, DJ Gee Gee, Timeless Noel, Malik, Bruce Newton, Smith Boy among others. MMUSO Secretary for Sports and Entertainment Mr. Bahati Mong'are thanked the University Management for hosting Bambika, saying that students look forwarded for more such events from Citizen TV and Royal Media Services.
MMUST in partnership with Vera Beauty Collage have pioneered a Bachelor of Technology in Cosmetology. This Cosmetology degree is first of its kind in Africa, exploiting the very lucrative market that has for a long time lacked appropriate professional input. MMUST being an accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institute is well placed to run this skill-based program. Specialized practical sessions are run at the Vera Beauty College, Thika Campus.
During student celebrations for successful completion of practical classes at Vera College Studios in Thika on 13th July 2018, the TVET Programs Coordinator for MMUST School of Natural Sciences, Dr. Regina Bwire, thanked the management of MMUST and Vera Beauty Collage for the immense support. “We’ll ensure everyone is beautiful and well-groomed through Cosmetology, and we look forward to producing Super Models like Debra Sanaipei and Lupita Nyong’o,” said Dr. Bwire.
The Director Vera Group of Colleges, Mrs. Alice Kamunge, supported MMUST’s interests in establishing a state-of-the-art studio to Cosmetology programs. Mrs. Kamunge, who is also the Director Miss Tourism Kenya, also advised that Cosmetology program could easily influence the growth of that industry to support the Presidential Big Four Agenda on enhancing Manufacturing.
MMUST hosted the fifth General Committee Meeting of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Western Kenya Branch, on Wednesday, 18th July 2018. The members deliberated on matters of industrial relations, infrastructure, security, state of the economy and political developments among other issues.
They laid emphasis on the need to observe issues of standardization and quality management by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in all sectors of the economy. Currently, the Western Kenya region is struggling to industrialize, following the near collapse of the sugar industry through illegal imports and the recent contaminant concerns. MMUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno thanked the collaborations that have helped to greatly improve the performance and standards of this University.
MMUST and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) are working on a collaborative study to address the growing problem of drug and substance abuse in Western Kenya. The study was initiated in a meeting held on 17th July 2018, between the Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno, with the MMUST researchers Dr. Donald Kokonya and Dr. Dennis Ochieno; and the KEMRI Project Principal and Co-Principal Investigators, Dr. Jane Mbui, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Public Health, and the Medical Sociologist Dr. Prisca Otambo, respectively.
The study focuses on institutions of higher learning with MMUST students as key participants. Prof. Otieno welcomed the initiative saying the problem of drug and substance abuse exists, but the extent to which it is rooted in this region is poorly understood. He further said that the study is timely and of great importance to the University and community at large.
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