MMUST TVET College Welcomes First Cohort of Students as Orientation Week Ends on a High Note!

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST) TVET College has officially welcomed its first cohort of students at its newly established premises in Webuye, Bungoma County. On 26^th May 2025, fifty (50) students from diverse professional backgrounds were admitted for a pioneer course in ‘Diploma in Pedagogy’. From 27^th to 30^th May, the students underwent an intensive, week-long orientation led by staff from various departments from the MMUST main campus. The orientation exercise introduced the students to the College’s academic structure, support services, and institutional culture, and culminated in a stakeholder engagement forum on 30^th May 2025, where key stakeholders of the College, including the University leadership addressed the students.

Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Hussein Golicha, the Dean School of Education, Prof. Moses Poipoi confirmed that the College is set to implement over 40 diploma and certificate programs accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) as well as Commission for University Education (CUE). He stressed that these programs will adhere to the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, which will ensure that students acquire practical skills aligned with industry needs.

The Dean School of Education, Prof. Moses Poipoi addresses the participants during the forum.

“Since its inception, the MMUST TVET has been working closely with CUE and TVETA to uphold high educational standards, ensure program relevance, and enhance the employability of its graduates. As a University, we are proud of the milestones achieved by the TVET College and we extend our sincere appreciation to the local administration and political leaders for their support since the College’s establishment. We look forward to continued positive engagement to realize our shared goals,” stated Prof. Poipoi.

Prof. Stephen Odebero, Ag. Principal MMUST TVET College, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to providing high-quality technical and vocational education. “We are here today with all our stakeholders to officially welcome our first cohort of students for the May 2025 intake. The Webuye Campus had remained dormant, but we moved swiftly to revamp and operationalize it. We are here to give our students the guidance and the best possible technical trainers’ education that we possibly can give. I assure you that we are not here to make an appearance, but to build an institution that will transform lives and anchor development in this region,” said Prof. Odebero.

Prof. Stephen Odebero, Ag. Principal MMUST TVET College makes his remarks.

Prof. Odebero also disclosed that approximately 50 students had been admitted into the Diploma in Pedagogy programme, with plans to expand to other TVETA-accredited courses, which currently numbers up to over 40 programmes. He also acknowledged the generous support received from political leaders including His Excellency, Governor Kenneth Lusaka and Members of the County Assembly. Further, Prof. Odebero urged prospective students across the region and beyond, to seize the opportunity to upskill by applying through the MMUST website.

The area Member of the County Assembly, Hon. Ali Machani Mutoka, commended MMUST for establishing the TVET College in Webuye, attributing its progress to strong community support. He noted the community’s satisfaction with the College’s operational status and encouraged residents to enroll in large numbers. Hon. Mutoka also appealed to Webuye West and East MPs, Hon. Dan Wanyama and Hon. Martin Wanyonyi, to support incoming students through bursaries, in order to foster a sense of ownership of the institution. “I thank the County Government of Bungoma, under the leadership of H.E Governor Kenneth Lusaka, for allocating land to the College. I urge the Bungoma County Government to expedite the formal transfer of land ownership to the new institution,” he urged.

The area Member of the County Assembly, Hon. Ali Machani Mutoka speaks during the event.

The local administration assured the MMUST TVET community and the public of enhanced security measures to protect the institution and its resources. Notable attendees included Prof. Stanley Omuterema, Associate Dean – School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance; Dr. Peter Cherop, Associate Dean – School of Engineering and Built Environment; Dr. Sabellah Kiprono, Acting Deputy Principal of MMUST TVET; Dr. Lucy Mandillah, representing the Director of the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing; Manager ICT, Mr. Geoffrey Kones; Marketing Officer, Mr. James Muriithi; Mr. Oscar Waswa from the Office of the Dean of Students and staff from the College.

Dr. Lucy Mandillah, engaging the participants.

Strategically situated along the Kisumu-Kakamega-Webuye Kitale Road, a major national highway connecting multiple counties and extending to neighboring countries, MMUST TVET College in Webuye is poised to become a regional hub for technical and vocational education. Certainly, this prime location will enhance accessibility for students from across the region, and in the long run, stimulate local economic growth by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and create employment opportunities.