MMUST Receives Major Donation of Books From Codesria and Optometry Equipment From Rotary Club of Michigan
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), on 22nd September 2025, received a major donation of 141 books with 69 titles from the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA). At the same event, the University also received specialized optometry equipment comprising of assorted frames and lenses donated by the Rotary Club of Michigan, USA, through the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences.
The collection of books is the product of an earlier pronouncement by CODESRIA CEO, Dr. Godwin Murunga who visited MMUST on 4th September, 2025 to discuss the University’s role in CODESRIA’s activities through the Institute of Indigenous Knowledge Cultural Studies and Climate Change (IIKCSCC). Dr. Murunga tasked the Deputy Director, IIKCSCC- Dr. Lucy Mandillah to organize to collect the books donated to MMUST.
The three MMUST Deputy Vice Chancellors- Prof. Peter Bukhala,Prof. Hussein Golicha and Prof. John Kuria Thuo share a light moment as Deputy Director, IIKCSCC– Dr. Lucy Mandillah looks on.
The books were brought in from Senegal by the Dean of the School of Engineering and Built Environment- Prof. Bernadette Sabuni and the Director- DIAL- Dr. Umulkher Ali and delivered to the Institute. Prof. Sabuni disclosed that CODESRIA had not only donated the books but had also paid for the air freight and transportation of the consignment to MMUST, a gesture she described as a demonstration of the organization’s deep commitment to supporting African universities.
The DVC (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo, DVC- ASA- Prof. Hussein Golicha and Ag. DVC- PRI- Prof. Peter Bukhala going through one of the books donated.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo expressed gratitude regarding the two donations, emphasizing their alignment with MMUST’s mission of advancing knowledge, innovation, and community engagement. “The generosity of CODESRIA and the Rotary Club of Michigan is a clear demonstration of how partnerships can drive excellence in education and research while uplifting society. We must put to good use what we have received, as these donations will go a long way in bridging the knowledge gaps within our institution and beyond,” stated Prof. Thuo.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha underscored the significance of the CODESRIA book donation, noting that access to such resources will stimulate a stronger culture of reading and intellectual growth among staff and students. “This collection will be invaluable in strengthening teaching and learning, particularly in advancing postgraduate research and mentorship,” he stated.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha receives one of the books from the DVC (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo. Flanked by Prof. Peter Bukhala and Mr. Vincent Chibini.
On his part, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Peter Bukhala lauded the partners for their contribution to MMUST’s research agenda. He further encouraged members of staff to take advantage of CODESRIA’s publishing opportunities. “CODESRIA is publishing these books for free. I encourage our researchers to put in requests, so that their scholarly work can reach wider audiences and contribute to knowledge production,” said Prof. Bukhala.
Commenting on the donations, the Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Rose Auma, expressed gratitude to CODESRIA on behalf of her faculty, noting that they were direct beneficiaries of the donation. “A number of the books are in French, while the rest are specifically targeted to enrich teaching, learning, and research in the Social Sciences. This is a big boost to our academic resources,” she said.
Similarly, the Dean of the School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Dr. Evans Raballah, underscored the significance of the donation. “This donation will not only enhance student training but also elevate the quality of services provided through our Optometry Department. It strengthens the link between academia and community service, which is at the center of MMUST’s mission,” said Dr. Raballah.
The Optometry Department Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Andrew Wekesa (second from right) gives a description of the donations.
The Chairperson of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Dr. Julius Rono, lauded the Rotary Club of Michigan for their generosity, emphasizing that the donation would greatly enhance hands-on learning. “This equipment will expose our students to modern optometry practices and enable them to serve patients with precision. It is a valuable addition to our teaching and clinical facilities,” he remarked.
The Chairperson of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Dr. Julius Rono explains a point to the Ag. DVC PRI- Prof. Peter Bukhala and DVC ASA- Prof. Hussein Golicha.
Echoing these sentiments, the Optometry Department Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Andrew Wekesa, highlighted the impact of the donations on community service. “The assorted frames and lenses will directly benefit patients during our outreach programs, especially in underserved communities. This donation strengthens our ability to extend quality eye care services beyond the University,” he noted.
The University Librarian, Mr. Vincent Chibini termed the donation as a major boost to the Library’s collection, emphasizing its impact on access to scholarly resources. “This consignment will strengthen our holdings in the social sciences. I will ensure that the books are disseminated to the user,” said Mr. Chibini.
Speaking on behalf of the Directorate of International and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Kelvin Machuki commended both CODESRIA and the Rotary Club of Michigan for choosing MMUST as a partner. “These donations underscore the value of international collaboration. They demonstrate how global partnerships can strengthen our capacity in both research and service delivery,” noted Dr. Machuki.
The MMUSO President- Mr. Collins Sankale receives a box of spectacles courtesy of the Rotary Club from the DVC ASA- Prof. Hussein Golicha.
The MMUSO President- Mr. Collins Sankale who is also an Optometry student expressed delight at the donations. “As students, we are proud to be direct beneficiaries of these donations. The CODESRIA books will broaden our intellectual horizons, while the optometry equipment will enrich our practical skills and improve the eye care services we provide to the community. This is a true investment in our future,” he said.
The CODESRIA book collection, which covers a wide range of fields in the social sciences, will strengthen the University Library and enable access to critical academic resources for students and researchers. Similarly, the equipment donated to the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences will support hands-on training and expand quality eye care services at MMUST.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
