MMUST Secures KShs. 974 Million Centre of Excellence in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering as Phase II of HEST Project Launches
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has secured a Centre of Excellence in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, valued at Kshs. 974 Million. This is courtesy of the Kenya Higher Education Science and Technology Project Phase II (HEST II), which was officially launched by the Principal Secretary-State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, on 16th June, 2026 at KALRO in Naivasha. Delegates from MMUST, led by the Dean-School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE), Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, joined participants from other 18 beneficiary Universities for the launch, held in tandem with an orientation Workshop that ran from 14th to 19th June, 2026.
HEST Project Phase II launch participants at KALRO in Naivasha.
The launch capped a productive week in Naivasha. In the week starting 8th to 14th June, 2026, teams had gathered to develop the project’s terms of reference, building on months of earlier engagements with the State Department, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) on designs, specifications and documentation. During the launch, Dr. Inyangala challenged Universities to make a mark in research and innovation.
Notable personalities present at the launch were senior officials from AfDB, National Treasury, the State Department of Higher Education and Research, and the HEST II Project Coordination Unit (PCU), led by Mr. Mulatya Nzumbi. The MMUST technical team comprised Dr. Eng. Peter Cherop, Dr. Eng. Emmanuel Osore, Dr. James Owuor and Ms. Judy Dipondo (the project documentalist).
A section of participants during the launch.
The establishment of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering marks a major milestone for MMUST. Certainly, this project is set to significantly boost the University’s research capabilities, upgrade its technical infrastructure, and position MMUST as the region’s premier hub for engineering education and industrial innovation.
By Wangari Wambugu
