MMUST Reaffirms Its Commitment To Supporting Needy Students Amidst Tough Economic Times
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo has assured the newly admitted students at MMUST of the University’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students regardless of their backgrounds. This was during an interview held on 9th September, 2025, where he outlined various measures the University has put in place to support needy and vulnerable students.
Over the past few years, Kenyan Universities have been grappling with issues of financial constraints with the shift in the national universities funding model. The country’s tough economic times have also resulted in the public’s inability to pay for tuition and increased the number of needy students.
Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Judah Ndiku, and the twins at VC’s boardroom.
Speaking to a team from the Nation Media Group at his office, Prof. Shibairo noted that the University has enhanced its students’ welfare through the Office of the Dean of Students, which offers financial aid and other opportunities to students. These include the talent scholarship, a unique initiative that allows talented and needy students to pursue their education as they nurture their talents. The other measures are the Rattansi Bursary and work study program, which support this category of students.
“Education is the great equalizer. We are determined to walk with every student whether privileged or disadvantaged to ensure they actualize their dreams. No student at this University should defer their studies because of financial hardship. We are calling on students who have been admitted at MMUST and are not able to raise tuition fees to come to the institution for assistance and guidance,” said Prof. Shibairo.
Prof. Solomon Shibairo speaks to members of the fourth estate.
A special highlight of this year’s intake is the admission of twin brothers, Agesa Bahati Ian and Agesa Baraka Ivan from Lubao town in Kakamega County. These two needy students captured the hearts of many people, following their resilience and determination to pursue their studies. The two determined young men have been selling dogs at Lubao market to raise money for their secondary school education and upkeep. They beat all these odds to join University to study Bachelor of Education Science (Chemistry and Biology).
MMUST has pledged to support the twin brothers and other needy students by ensuring they receive necessary academic, psychological and financial support to pursue their dreams. The Vice Chancellor also utilized the opportunity to call on well-wishers and other stakeholders to join forces in supporting such cases.
The Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Judah Ndiku at the event.
The Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Judah Ndiku noted that the University was already following up on several cases similar to that of Ian and Ivan. “The University has organized for officers from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and University Fund (UF) to assist students with scholarships and loan applications. The Officials are stationed at the Office of the Dean of Students and have been available from 8th -10th and 8th -12th September, 2025, respectively,” he stated.
Additionally, the Registrar observed that a new trend has emerged where Universities are now receiving a higher number of students who are below 18 years of age and without national identity cards. “To address this, MMUST is using their birth certificates to authenticate them and will later arrange for them to apply for national identity cards,” added Prof. Ndiku.
The twins with the Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Judah Ndiku.
“We are excited to have been admitted to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. This is a dream come true. We thank God for this opportunity,” said Ian.
Certainly, the admission of Agesa Bahati Ian and Agesa Baraka Ivan reflects the University’s dedication to inclusivity and equity in higher education. Such actions are what motivate young people to surmount obstacles that would otherwise cripple them for life.
By Linet Owuor and Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
