Rotary International’s Technical Advisor and Cadre, Dr. Adeyemi Oladokun, on 8th September, 2026, paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, following the successful implementation of the Craig Memorial Health Centre Project in Mumias West Sub-County, Kakamega County. The project is a significant Rotary-supported health initiative that transformed a previously stalled health facility into a functional healthcare centre serving communities in Mumias West and surrounding areas. It was implemented through collaboration between the Rotary Club of Busia and Rotary Club of North Platte, USA, in partnership with the County Government of Kakamega, with support from the Rotary Club of Kakamega. Dr. Oladokun’s visit provided an opportunity for the partners to celebrate the successful collaboration between Rotary, MMUST and the County Government of Kakamega in strengthening healthcare services and capacity development within the community.
MMUST and Rotary Club teams during the courtesy call.
A major component of the project is the Resource Centre, which was established in collaboration with MMUST through the School of Public Health, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences. The partnership has since provided a key platform for practical training, research, mentorship and community-based learning for students, particularly in Optometry and Vision Sciences, while simultaneously contributing to improved access to eye-care and other health services.
Welcoming Dr. Oladokun to the University on behalf of the Vice chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho lauded the project, saying that its impact extends beyond the community to the University and its students.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho shares a moment with Rotary International’s Technical Advisor and Cadre, Dr. Adeyemi Oladokun.
“Apart from the equipment, the goal is to extend the opportunity to train medical students so that they can gain rural experience. We are happy you embraced this advantage and gave us the opportunity to show what we can do. We visited the centre to assess the existing challenges and how they can be addressed so that good things can continue to come to this County,” said Dr. Oladokun, adding that Rotary will continue to maintain and build on the relationship to deliver even greater impact for Kakamega County.
While giving a brief on their current engagements and projects, the President of the Rotary Club of Kakamega, Ms. Eunice Rapando, who is also a Senior Administrative Assistant at MMUST, announced that Rotary Club of Kakamega and MMUST are in the process of signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to formalize their partnership. She commended MMUST for its role in bringing other partners on board and for its strong collaboration with the community. Similarly, the Chairperson Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Dr. Julius Rono affirmed that the Department will build on what has been established through the project to enable students to gain high-level skills that will make them more effective and impactful in serving the community. “As mentors, we will guide the students to interact with the community and gain what is necessary to achieve our shared objective, preventing blindness,” he stated.
The President of the Rotary Club of Kakamega, Ms. Eunice Rapando who is also a Senior Administrative Assistant at MMUST, and the Coordinator, Rotary Western Region, Dr. Victor Omondi, during the meeting.
On her part, the Director DIAL, Dr. Umulkher Ali commended Rotary’s continued support to the University in fulfilling its core mandate of teaching, research, and community service. She recognized Dr. Rono and Dr. Rapando for their proactive role in creating the linkages and partnerships that made the collaboration possible. “Had they not stepped out and been active in creating these linkages, we wouldn’t be here. Keep up the good work. We are here to provide that facilitative role as DIAL,” she noted.
Other notable personalities present during the event included the Dean School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Dr. Evans Raballah; President of the Rotary Club of Busia Ms. Lydia Nasubo; Ms. Clara Bundotich, Carolyne Omucheyi, Eric Nyabuto, Sharifa Mauto, and Rotarians from both Rotary Clubs.
MMUST is undoubtedly growing into a hub of community-driven health innovation, strengthening its institutional mandate of linking teaching, research, and community service.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Linet Owuor
