MMUST Hosts Dr. Oliver Moses of ORIB-Botswana for Co-CAT Project Mentorship Programme Aimed to Advance Climate Adaptation Research Capacity Across African Universities
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on 2nd and 3rd September 2026, hosted Dr. Oliver Moses from the Okavango Institute of Research (ORIB) for a two-day mentorship visit under the ‘Understanding African Universities’ Capacity for Climate Adaptation Research’ (CO-CAT) Project. This initiative is focused on strengthening the capacity of African universities to undertake climate adaptation research. MMUST is among 20 universities participating in the CO-CAT Project, which seeks to enhance institutional capacity, knowledge sharing and research collaboration in climate adaptation across African universities. The project is led by Dr. Edward Mugalavai, Principal Investigator, and Prof. Josephine Ngaira, Co-Principal Investigator.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation- Prof. Christopher Ngacho addresses the researchers at the VC’s Boardroom.
The researcher was received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation- Prof. Christopher Ngacho who welcomed him to MMUST. Prof. Ngacho underscored the importance of such strategic partnerships in advancing research, innovation, and climate adaptation initiatives.
Dr. Oliver Moses from the Okavango Institute of Research (ORIB) at MMUST.
Speaking to the DCCM team, Dr. Edward Mugalavai outlined key milestones achieved by the university through the CO-CAT Project, highlighting its growing contribution to climate action, knowledge exchange, and institutional collaboration among African universities. Among the major milestones achieved was the collection of data through 12 Living Lab workshops, which provided valuable insights into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges facing participating universities. MMUST also hosted the CO-CAT Regional Meeting, bringing together representatives from 20 African universities at the Safari Club Hotel, Lilian Towers, Nairobi on 11-13th March 2026.
Dr. Edward Mugalavai plants a tree during the event.
Further, MMUST has participated in the development of the CO-CAT Tool and subsequently piloted it through a series of technical meetings aimed at refining and finalizing the process. The tool has facilitated the pairing of universities based on their institutional strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring support, creating opportunities for exchange programmes, mentorship visits, and peer-to-peer learning. “Through this initiative, MMUST was paired with the Okavango Research Institute (ORIB) in Botswana. As part of the partnership, Dr. Oliver Moses, a CO-CAT researcher from Botswana, is currently undertaking a two-day mentorship visit to MMUST. The visit focuses on three key areas: climate change science, communication and dissemination of climate information, and climate leadership,” said Dr. Mugalavai
The joint meeting in progress at the VC’s boardroom.
The University is also set to participate in the peer-to-peer learning programme at the University of Nigeria (UniLAG) later this month. Meanwhile, the Project Principal Investigator will represent MMUST at the second and final CO-CAT Regional Meeting, scheduled to take place in Algiers, Algeria, in October 2026. The other members of the MMUST research team include Prof. Peter Bukhala, Dr. Betty Opilo, Dr. Edwin Kanda, Dr. Collins Matemba, Dr. Humphrey Agevi and Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa, who contributed to the implementation of the project and its broader research objectives.
The mentorship visit by Dr. Moses provides an opportunity for the MMUST research team and other stakeholders to engage in knowledge exchange, strengthen research competencies and explore practical approaches to enhancing the University’s capacity for climate adaptation research. The engagement also seeks to foster collaboration between MMUST and ORIB in advancing climate-focused research and building resilient communities.
One of the researchers, Dr Betty Opilo makes her remarks at the meeting.
As part of the mentorship programme, Dr. Moses participated in a range of activities, including visits to schools and departments, MMUST library providing an opportunity to interact with academic staff and understand the University’s research environment and institutional capacities relevant to climate adaptation. The programme also featured a tree planting exercise of indigenous trees at the MCU grounds, underscoring the importance of environmental conservation and practical climate action alongside research and capacity building.
Dr. Oliver Moses and the MMUST team through the conservation efforts reaffirmed the institutions’ shared commitment to environmental conservation and climate action. The activity provided an opportunity for participants to translate discussions on climate change into practical action while promoting environmental stewardship.
Prof. Peter Bukhala ready to plant a tree during the event.
Through initiatives such as CO-CAT, the University continues to contribute to the development of locally relevant knowledge and solutions to the growing challenges posed by climate change across Africa.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
