The Mbele Leadership Foundation-USA has officially launched the Mbele African Leadership Centre at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in a bid to inspire and equip emerging leaders across the African continent. The Centre is the product of a project on leadership, whose Principal Investigator (PI) is Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya, an associate Professor in the School of Business and Economics (SOBE). The launch, which took place on 17th February, 2025, was graced by the President of the Foundation-Bishop Jawwad Love and his wife-Dr. Tammi Love (Vice President), Council Member-Dr. George Lutomia and the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo. Bishop Love was accompanied by his daughters and a delegation from various parts of the USA.
As he flagged off the construction of the Centre, Bishop Love pointed out that the facility is expected to train and transform young leaders in Africa. “We want to connect young people from the continent to opportunities in the USA through exchange programs. The Centre will certainly be a symbol of liberation, education and innovation,” said Bishop Love. Reiterating that MMUST is a suitable location for the leadership Centre, Dr. Tammi Love stated that the Foundation is determined to see the project completed in the scheduled time.
MMUST and Mbele teams at the grounds.
Speaking during the event, Council Member-Dr. Lutomia, who was also representing the Chairperson of Council-Dr. Pamela Sitienei, expressed gratitude to the Mbele Leadership Foundation for its support in establishing the Centre. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with MMUST’s institutional planning and development agenda. “The University Council is responsible for promoting the institution's interests as outlined in our Strategic Plan. The establishment of this Centre will play a crucial role in implementing key University policies related to academic excellence, research, capacity building, and governance,” said Dr. Lutomia. He further assured the Mbele Foundation team of the Council’s full support in ensuring the Centre’s successful implementation.
“The Mbele Centre for African Leadership will offer an array of benefits, including the provision of exchange programs for our staff and students. This is a plus for MMUST, as our mission is to ensure that we produce students that possess global awareness, are able to form networks and secure international opportunities. As a University, we are proud to have the first cohort of students that underwent the Mbele Global Leadership Program graduating at the same time that we are launching this Centre,” stated Prof. Shibairo. He assured the stakeholders of the University Management’s full support for the project and all its future activities.
A light moment during the launch of the Mbele African Leadership Centre.
Thanking the Foundation for choosing MMUST to host this Centre, the DVC (Administration and Finance)-Prof. John Kuria Thuo, noted that the project is a timely intervention that will address the missing link in capacity building of ‘ready to serve’ leaders in the society. He added, “we shall do all it takes to ensure that the ideals of the project’s vision bearers are achieved.”
“Indeed, the benefits that will accrue from this great milestone will spill over to the communities and educational institutions around the University. I am proud of the accomplishments of the School of Business and Economics, whose member Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya has enabled the Mbele Foundation partnership to happen. I encourage other Schools to forge productive partnerships such as that of SOBE in order to be self-sustaining as we pursue the education agenda of our great University,” remarked the DVC (Academic and Student Affairs)-Prof. Hussein Golicha.
Principal Investigator-Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya speaks at the event.
In his remarks, the Ag. DVC (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Peter Bukhala said that the project is a collaborative initiative that mirrors MMUST’s commitment to advancing leadership, innovation and research. “I am particularly excited about the inclusion of an innovation hub within the Centre. This hub will serve as a creative space for researchers, innovators, staff and students, to engage in research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the development of solutions to real-world challenges. It is my hope that this hub will spark new ideas and drive impactful innovations across various disciplines,” added Prof. Bukhala.
The East Africa Director of Mbele Leadership Foundation, Rev. Dr. Titus Makusi, revealed that other Universities were interested in this initiative but the foundation opted for MMUST. “This groundbreaking marks the start of a journey-one that will push boundaries, challenge expectations and create new opportunities. It is a reminder that innovation is born from vision and vision is powered by passion.”
Mbele Leadership Foundation-USA President (right) with MMUST’s Global Leadership Exchange Program Student-Steven Tavasi.
“This project is worth 750,000 dollars (Kshs. 130,000,000). I thank the University Management for providing the space to set up the leadership Centre. I look forward to working with my Dean, Dr. Dishon Wanjere, as well as all the other members of the School of Business and Economics to make the initiative a success,” said Rev. Prof. Otuya. While presenting the first cohort of twelve (12) students who successfully completed the Mbele Leadership program, Dr. Wanjere stated that plans are underway to recruit more students into the program.
Undoubtedly, the Mbele African Leadership Centre at MMUST has not only placed the University on the global map, but is also the beginning of the institution’s journey to create transformative change locally and globally through developing, empowering and connecting emerging leaders.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
