MMUST Hosts Codesria’s Open Day As Codesria Pledges Support for Bench Marking and Development of a Curriculum in Indigenous Knowledge

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) will support a benchmarking exercise and development of a curriculum in indigenous knowledge at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology(MMUST). This came out strongly during the CODESRIA Open Day, hosted by MMUST on Friday, 3^rd April, 2026. The Open Day was organized by CODESRIA in order to sensitize the MMUST community and other stakeholders regarding the activities of the organization and opportunities that exist.

Dr. Ayemi Lawani (far right), Dr. Patricia Gomes and Dr. Khady Diop keenly follow a presentation by Dr. Lucy Mandillah.

This event was quite significant, coming immediately after the conclusion of the MMUST AFRIAK Hub Residency, coordinated by the Institute of Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Studies and Climate Change (IIKCSCC). The CEO of CODESRIA Dr. Godwin Murunga attended the Open Day and was accompanied by the Deputy Executive Secretary CODESRIA, Dr. Ayemi Lawani; Programme Manager CODESRIA, Dr. Khady Diop; Program Officer at CODESRIA, Dr. Patricia Gomes.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo recognized the efforts of CODESRIA, appreciating them for choosing MMUST as a Hub for research in indigenous knowledge. “Let us strengthen the partnership between MMUST and CODESRIA. I am happy that CODESRIA is assisting MMUST to do what it is supposed to do-impacting communities,” said Prof. Shibairo.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo receives a donation of books from Dr. Godwin Murunga of CODESRIA.

Reiterating the Vice Chancellor’s sentiments, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Christopher Ngacho noted that there is need to deepen the collaboration between MMUST and CODESRIA for continued growth and impact. “MMUST continues to position itself as a hub for knowledge generation

I encourage all participants attending this CODESRIA Open Day to explore the many opportunities availed by CODESRIA and grow their careers, organizations and communities,” stated Prof. Ngacho.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Christopher Ngacho (seated centre), keenly follows the presentations by CODESRIA team.

While making his presentation, CODESRIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Godwin Murunga, revealed that CODESRIA is committed to supporting the research agenda of the University, so that they can be part of the excellent work the University is doing. He added that before the selection of the Hubs, mapping was done and MMUST was listed as one of the two places where good research in indigenous knowledge is being undertaken. Therefore, MMUST merited having this partnership with us.

“We have received very good reports about MMUST. It is precisely because of these initiatives that you are undertaking with CODESRIA, that you have joined a network of institutions engaged in Pan-African research. CODESRIA welcomes more MMUST scholars and students to their research activities. We are open to supporting a few people from the MMUST IIKCSCC to benchmark with a university that already has the programme of training in indigenous knowledge. Let us have the curriculum in indigenous knowledge developed,” urged Dr. Murunga.

CODESRIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Godwin Murunga speaks during the Open Day.

In her presentation, the MMUST AFRIAK Hub Coordinator, Dr. Lucy Mandillah pointed out that, of all the hubs, CODESRIA picked MMUST to host the Open Day event. “As the Coordinator of the MMUST AFRIAK Hub, I thank CODESRIA and Mastercard Foundation for supporting the just concluded residency. Our Hub’s post residency action plan includes to produce a handbook; host a conference; publish jointly with mentors, fellows,scholars and indigenous knowledge holders. We also have plans to develop a knowledge bank for indigenous knowledge and curriculum of indigenous knowledge short courses. I call upon CODESRIA to strategically support the hubs beyond the AFRIAK project,” remarked Dr. Mandillah.

MMUST AFRIAK Hub Coordinator, Dr. Lucy Mandillah makes her presentation.

The Open Day punctuated with interludes of musical extravaganza, steered by Mr. Fred Kusienya and students pursuing music at MMUST. The moderator of the highly exciting event was by Prof. Peter Bukhala. The highlight of the Open Day was a donation of books by CODESRIA to MMUST. Additionally, MMUST and CODESRIA exchanged presents to mark the occasion.

Indigenous Knowledge Holders, Ms. Mary Khakhayi and Mr. Johns Wambetsa receive a present from Dr. Murunga.

Undoubtedly, the partnership between MMUST and CODESRIA is set to deepen further, given the discussions that highlighted the CODESRIA Open Day. The institution is likely to receive a second cohort of the AFRIAK fellows. As we congratulate the MMUST AFRIAK Hub and IIKCSCC for a job well done, we encourage members of the university community to tap into these opportunities!