MMUST Partners with AICAD to Prepare Undergraduate Students for the Job Market
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has partnered with the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) to prepare undergraduate students for the job market. Held on 18th and 19th June, 2026, the joint mentorship training equipped students with practical life skills, leadership, and professional development to complement their academic training. The two-day session saw facilitators from both institutions guide students through critical areas, including personal wellbeing, skill-building, and professional conduct during the job search phase. The event was officially opened by the Director AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming, Prof. Benedict Alala, who was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho.
The Programme Officer, AICAD, Mr. Geoffrey Rotich (left), Ms. Ms. Eunice Wairimu, from AICAD hand over 50,000 dermy cheque to Prof. Benedict Alala and Dr. Reuben Rutto.
Speaking during the official opening of the event, the Director AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming, Prof. Benedict Alala observed that success in today’s world requires more than academic qualifications. He noted that the Division views such initiatives not merely as extracurricular routines but as strategic human capital investments that directly translate to the future of regional growth and development.
“In the modern global landscape, a university degree alone is no longer a golden ticket. True competitiveness requires holistic capacity, which includes a blend of technical intelligence, mental resilience, financial literacy, and firm ethical standards,” stated Prof. Alala. Additionally, he urged the students to use this mentorship platform to redefine their personal values, set rigorous ethical benchmarks for their leadership dockets, and align their innovations with the greater social good.
The Director AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming, Prof. Benedict Alala engaging the students during the event.
“Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is one of AICAD’s valued partner universities in Kenya. Our collaboration is anchored on a shared commitment to capacity development, research, innovation, technology transfer, and community transformation,” said the Programme Officer, AICAD, Mr. Geoffrey Rotich. He also stressed that today’s employers seek graduates who possess not only academic credentials but also integrity, adaptability, creativity, emotional intelligence, communication skills and leadership abilities.
“This mentorship programme has therefore been designed to equip you with practical life skills that will help you navigate both your academic journey and your future careers,” he added.
The Programme Officer, AICAD, Mr. Geoffrey Rotich making his remarks.
Notably, AICAD made a donation of Kshs. 50,000 cheque to MMUST’s Disability Mainstreaming Unit, as part of its commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.
The Registrar (Planning Research and Innovation), Dr. Collins Matemba speaking to the students.
On his part, the Registrar (Planning, Research and Innovation), Dr. Collins Matemba challenged students to continuously develop themselves beyond the classroom by acquiring market-driven skills.
“Academic qualifications alone may not secure employment. You must strategically pursue additional skills and opportunities that distinguish you from other job seekers,” he advised.
Representing the Office of the Dean of Students, Ms. Miriam Kimani welcomed the mentorship initiative, saying that it is an important extension of classroom learning.
“We are privileged to have this mentorship at MMUST. I believe that the knowledge and experiences shared here will positively shape our students by complementing the skills they acquire in class and nurturing them into well-rounded graduates,” she said.
Students engaging in practical activities during the event.
Key topics covered during the mentorship included, ‘Time management, examination preparation, Academic integrity and responsible use of AI’, ‘Psychological wellness, stress, anger and Ego management’, ‘Financial literacy and personal security’, ‘Career planning, job search and improving employability’, ‘University adjustment, relationship and Interpersonal skills’ ‘Innovation, entrepreneurship & opportunities’ and ‘Leadership, Ethics, Integrity and civic engagement’.
Certainly, MMUST is keen to nurture graduates who are academically competent, innovative and well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Story by Caren Nekesa, Lucy Olang’o and Gerald Steve
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
