Residents of Sirisia, Bungoma County Reap Big as MMUST Impacts Community Through First Rate Health and Sanitation Interventions
Once again, the residents of Sirisia Sub- County in Bungoma County are reaping big courtesy of the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s health and sanitation program interventions. From 11th to 15th August, 2025, a team from MMUST, led by the Chairperson, Department of Reproductive Health, Midwifery and Child Health, Dr. Roselyne Abwalaba, implemented their highly intensive and impactful health program in the area. The Dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS) where the department is domiciled is Mr. John Arudo. These activities, funded by the University, take place every year.
A section of the MMUST team at the Chief’s office, Sirisia.
Speaking to DCCM Crew at the Sirisia event, Abwalaba stated that MMUST has undertaken an assessment of health and sanitation for Sirisia Sub- County as part of the students’ practicum and community experience. “We assess the community about their health status, general environmental hygiene, water sanitation and any outbreak of diseases. On the basis of this assessment, we come up with health interventions such as school health programs, health education and water treatment,” stated Dr. Abwalaba.
Sirisia Chief, Mr. Fred Simiyu Sikala addresses MMUST staff.
Lauding MMUST for transforming the Sub-location, Sirisia Chief, Mr. Fred Simiyu Sikala revealed that MMUST is quite visible among the residents of Sirisia and the entire Bungoma County. “MMUST is leading in enrolment from this locality. The numerous courses availed by MMUST, especially medical sciences and social sciences are well known to us. The impact is big. These outreaches should continue since a large number of girls are now moving into the fields of medicine, public health and nursing,” said the Chief.
Sirisia Chief, Mr. Fred Simiyu Sikala speaks MMUST students.
The outreach incorporated the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) drawn from the community. The Lead CHP, Mr Patrick Waluvengo Simiyu commended the community outreach efforts of the MMUST team, saying that such initiatives are an effective marketing strategy by the University. “Sirisia has benefited a lot from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. We CHPs are the agents of change in Sirisia. We work hand in hand with the local administration to improve the health outcomes of the community. MMUST has been instrumental in behavior change regarding hygiene, nutrition and malaria prevention,” he noted.
Nursing student attends to members of the community.
Other staff from MMUST who participated in the outreach included Prof. Mary Kipmereo, Dr. Beatrice Mukabane, Ms. Wilfridah Bore, Mr. Peter Nandikove, and Mr. Eric Kibai.
Indeed, such outreaches have immense impact in communities especially as a behavior change strategy. They attract enrollment and inspire communities to transform their lifestyles regarding hygiene, water sanitation, and general health behavior.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Shiundu Masafu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
