MMUST Marks International Day of Persons With Disabilities to Promote Mainstreaming of Disability Issues
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology on 14th January 2026, joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The celebrations themed ‘Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,’ provided a platform for the participants to celebrate PWDs and advocate for practices that promote inclusion which is the foundation of sustainable development, social cohesion and human dignity. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilize action in support of the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The commemoration was organized by the Directorate of AIDS, Control, Gender and Mainstreaming, under the leadership of Prof. Benedict Alala. It brought together university management, staff, students, disability advocates and representatives from government offices. It provided a platform to reflect on the progress made in promoting the rights of PWDs while also highlighting existing gaps that require urgent action.
The Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Research and Innovation (DVC-PRI), Prof. Bukhala speaks at the event.
Speaking during the event, the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Research and Innovation (DVC-PRI), Prof. Bukhala, who is also the Patron of the Disability Club, reiterated the University’s commitment to celebrating the day as a means of recognizing PWDs and addressing their needs. He noted that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities offers an important opportunity to advocate, create awareness and engage the university community on issues affecting PWDs, including accessibility, inclusion and social challenges.
The County Disability Service Officer- Ms. Rosemary Amim makes her remarks during the celebration.
In her keynote address, Ms. Rosemary Amim, the County Disability Service Officer, noted that as a centre of academic excellence, MMUST is uniquely positioned to shape an inclusive future. She underscored the critical role universities play in influencing policy, research, innovation, and social attitudes, which advance the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Ms. Amim called for strengthened partnerships between academic institutions and government agencies to address systemic barriers, promote accessibility, and foster environments that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in education and society.
A section of the participants listens to the presentations.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Disability Mainstreaming Committee, Prof. Francis Orata applauded the University for supporting the activities of the PWDs and commended its efforts in creating spaces where disability inclusion is discussed. He called upon all stakeholders to embrace disability mainstreaming not as a compliance requirement, but as a shared responsibility that enhances dignity, diversity and institutional excellence.
Special Interest Secretary, Ms. Riziki Yvonne makes her remarks during the event.
Student representatives present at the event expressed their appreciation to the University management for the support accorded to students with disabilities who participated in various games last year. He noted that the assistance significantly enhanced their participation and visibility in co-curricular activities. They further commended MMUST for the implementation of the five per cent inclusion policy, describing it as a progressive step towards equity and inclusion within the institution.
A section of the participants.
In addition, the student leaders urged the University to further streamline disability mainstreaming by improving access to various university buildings and providing appropriate equipment to support students with disabilities in their co-curricular activities. They also appealed to the management to consider students with disabilities under the Talent Scholarship Programme, saying the move would go a long way in nurturing and rewarding their abilities.
A section of the participants during a procession.
The commemoration concluded with a collective call for sustained advocacy, policy implementation and resource allocation to ensure that disability inclusion remains central to MMUST’s development agenda, in line with national and global commitments to leave no one behind.
By Linet Owuor and Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
