MMUST Vice Chancellor – Prof. Solomon Shibairo Unveils Major Achievements in Research, Academic and Institutional Development as He Hosts Media Breakfast
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, on Thursday, 6th August 2026, unveiled the University’s major achievements in research, academic excellence and institutional development during the quarterly Vice Chancellor’s Media Breakfast (VMB) held at the University. The engagement, which brought together members of the Fourth Estate and the University’s senior management, served as a platform for the Vice Chancellor to provide an update on MMUST’s strategic milestones, ongoing transformative initiatives, and future plans. The event was organized by the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM), led by Dr. Lydia Anyonje.
In his address, Prof. Shibairo highlighted the University’s impressive growth in research and innovation, noting that MMUST has continued to attract competitive research grants from both local and international funding agencies. He revealed that the University has significantly expanded its research portfolio and has the potential to attract research funding worth up to Ksh. 7 Billion.
The Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo addresses the media at the VC’s boardroom.
One of the key milestones he outlined included the University’s recent award of over Ksh 11 billion from the African Development Bank to establish a Centre of Excellence for Mental Health and Infectious Diseases. The flagship project is expected to position MMUST as a regional leader in cutting-edge research, innovation, postgraduate training, and healthcare solutions.
Further, Prof. Shibairo announced that the construction of the MMUST Level III Health Facility is now 96 per cent complete and is set to become operational upon completion. The state-of-the-art health facility will significantly strengthen the University’s healthcare infrastructure by providing comprehensive, accessible, and quality medical services to students, staff, and members of the surrounding community. Once operational, the hospital will have a 20-bed women’s ward, an 8-bed men’s ward and a maternity wing.
VMB meeting in progress.
Additionally, the Vice Chancellor highlighted notable progress in academic programmes, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and overall student experience.
Speaking during the VMB, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho, invited members of the media to participate in the ‘2026 UNESCO International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrations,’ which will be hosted by MMUST on Monday, 10 August 2026. He noted that the event will provide a platform for scholars, policymakers, indigenous communities, development partners, and other stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue on the preservation of indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
VMB meeting in progress.
Similarly, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, welcomed all first-year students who have been placed at MMUST for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. He affirmed that the University is fully ready to receive the new students when they report on 20th August 2026. Prof. Golicha assured students and their parents of a seamless admission process, reiterating that MMUST is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching environment for all students. The event was also attended by the Coordinator – Extension Services and Outreach – Dr. Philip Amuyunzu.
One of the journalists, Mr. Charles Oduor from Lubao FM, makes a point during the meeting.
During the interactive session, the journalists commended MMUST’s leadership for the strides it has attained in research, academic excellence, innovation, infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement. They also applauded the University’s recognition of the media as a strategic partner in advancing public awareness and promoting institutional achievements. The journalists encouraged the University Management to sustain the quarterly Vice Chancellor’s Media Breakfast, noting that the forum provides an invaluable platform for constructive engagement, transparency, and information sharing. They confirmed their commitment to partnering with MMUST in documenting and providing accurate, timely, and comprehensive coverage of the University’s achievements, programmes, and events to enhance the institution’s visibility.
The Vice Chancellor’s Media Breakfast attracted journalists from leading national and regional media houses. Media representatives in attendance were drawn from Citizen TV, Nation Media Group, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), MMUST FM, Nyota FM, West Media, Lubao FM, and the Standard Media Group.
Director- DCCM, Dr. Lydia Anyonje speaks at the event.
The Media Breakfast provided an opportunity for journalists to engage directly with the University’s leadership, discuss ongoing initiatives, and gain insights into the institution’s strategic plans and future aspirations.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
