MMUST Begins Retrofitting of Centre for Excellence in Early Childhood Development, Education and Research!
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has commenced the retrofitting of a facility that will house the highly anticipated Centre for Excellence in Early Childhood Development, Education and Research (CEECDER), a first-of-its-kind facility in Kakamega County, which is set to change the daily life of student mothers and staff with young children in the University. On Tuesday, 29th July, 2026, a cross-disciplinary research team led by Dr. Rose Atieno Opiyo, a Senior Lecturer Child and Adolescent Development, conducted a site assessment alongside the MMUST estates team, and Mr. Godfrey Ayub, a representative of Kidogo, a social enterprise dedicated to improving access to quality, affordable Early Childhood Care and Education in East Africa’s low income communities. Kidogo will oversee the refurbishment and furnishing of the facility to meet child-friendly standards with all the facilities that are needed as well as train caregivers ahead of the Centre’s official launch.
“Today, we are witnessing a key milestone. The drilling, painting, and furniture-fitting taking place is about far more than bricks and mortar. They represent the University fulfilling a promise that parenthood and ambition should never have to compete for the same hours in the day. We have been planning this project for a long time, and seeing it finally transition from concept to reality is deeply gratifying,” stated Dr. Opiyo during an interview with the DCCM crew.
The Ag. Senior Estates Officer at MMUST, Dr. Micah Mukolwe, explains a point to the team of researchers during the assessment of the facility.
Once operational, the Centre will provide a safe, nurturing environment where student mothers and staff can leave their children in the care of trained caregivers while attending classes, sit examinations, or carry out their work with peace of mind. The Centre will offer a dedicated breastfeeding/lactation room, indoor and outdoor child play spaces, a fully furnished kitchenette, hygiene spaces, nappy-changing stations designed with privacy, comfort, and dignity for nursing mothers.
The research team comprising Prof. Janet Kasilly, Prof. Charles Tibbs, Prof. Robert Egessa, Prof. Benedict Alala, Dr. Bill Ouda, and Dr. Janet Manyasi have been shaping CEECDER’s vision for months, and are now finalizing a Collaborative Agreement with Kidogo, expected to be signed formally during the official launch of the Centre.
The Director Aids Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming, Prof. Benedict Alala shares perspective with the research team.
Notably, the establishment of CEECDER is anchored in the MMUST Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which prioritizes the development of inclusive, staff and student friendly childcare facilities as part of the University’s commitment to fostering an enabling learning and working environment. Under the Strategic Plan’s pillar on Institutional Capacity-People and Culture, the University seeks to build a future-ready workforce by driving continuous improvement and innovative solutions, while investing in world-class, effective, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure that are fit for purpose and reflects modern trends.
Certainly, the Centre is a key milestone in fulfilling this commitment, providing quality childcare services for student mothers and staff, while advancing excellence in early childhood development, education, and research.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
