The Chairperson of the University Council- Dr. Pamela Sitienei and Ms. Maureen Ellis from IFAPA launching the Biosafety and Biosecurity program.

In an effort to bridge the gap in Global Health Security, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), on 10 May 2024, unveiled a Bachelor’s degree in Biosafety and Biosecurity. This academic program is designed to meet the growing demand for experts to address global health preparedness and response. The program is the first of its kind globally and has greater potential as it has attracted students from Kenya and beyond.

The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences designed and developed the program as per the Commission for University Education (CUE) Standards and Guidelines 2014. Courtesy of collaborative efforts with the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), the Department admitted the first batch of 21 students in January 2024.

Speaking during the program's launch, the Chairperson of the University Council- Dr. Pamela Sitienei assured that this program will be successful as MMUST has previously effectively rolled out various unique academic programs, including Optometry and Paramedicine. 

“The launch of this program aligns with our overall goal of producing quality professionals that will not only make an impact in the country, but also the entire continent. We have invested in this program to ensure that we train highly skilled biosafety and biosecurity individuals equipped with skills, and knowledge for bolstering the global biosafety and biosecurity workforce,” stated Dr. Sitienei.

 The Ag. Vice Chancellor- Prof. Charles Mutai speaking during the launch.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor- Prof. Charles Mutai reiterated that MMUST is the trailblazing University in Africa that is defining career pathways for this program, adding that this unique program is intended to produce professionals who will address environmental conservation and security. “As the only University offering this program in Kenya, MMUST will be the first University to produce professionals in this field,” said Prof. Mutai.   

Commenting on the establishment of the program, the Registrar (Academic Affairs)- Prof. Judah Ndiku pointed out that this programme has been published with the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) and MMUST is set to receive the first cohort of KUCCPS placement in the 2024/25 academic year.

“The programme subscribes to all the Commission for University Education (CUE) programme standards and is accredited,” assured Prof. Ndiku.

The Registrar (Academic Affairs)- Prof. Judah Ndiku making his remarks during the program launch.

Defining Biosafety and Biosecurity career path within the higher education system is key to filling the gap of professionals in this field. The establishment of this new Undergraduate Degree Program has put MMUST on the forefront as the champions in addressing the global shortage of Biosafety and Biosecurity professionals through education.  

By Linet Owuor

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

In anticipation of the imminent launch of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Programme, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has today 9^th May, 2024, welcomed international partners for a courtesy call to the Office of the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutaii. The meeting served as a platform to discuss the progress status of the upcoming program in the University, exhaust its significance to the Kenyan industry, and garner support from various stakeholders. The event took place at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor- Prof. Charles Mutai (standing in the middle), MMUST team, and the International partners during the courtesy call.

Speaking during the event, Prof. Mutai underscored the historical context of biosafety in the country, highlighting MMUST’s pioneering role in its development. He expressed pride in the unique program, the first of its kind in Kenya, and reported that despite the challenges, the program has successfully navigated all necessary processes.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor- Prof. Charles Mutai speaking during the meeting.

Prof. Mutai further appealed for the partners’ support in nurturing the inaugural cohort of students. He revealed the University’s plans to initiate a master’s program in Biosafety and Biosecurity, aligning with the vision of producing top-tier professionals in the field.

Commenting on the potential of the program, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor of Planning, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Josephine Ngaira, projected a promising future for the program. She envisioned the emergence of professors in biosafety and biosecurity within the next decade, highlighting the program’s potential for long-term impact.

Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (DVC ASA), Prof. Edwin Wamukoya confirmed the program’s approval by the Commission for University Education (CUE). He also provided insights into the current student population stating that it is currently at twenty-one.

Similarly, the Registrar of Academic Affairs- Prof. Judah Ndiku, commended the program’s uniqueness and assured support for the students. He extended gratitude to the partners for selecting MMUST as their partner institution.

A section of the partners at the VC’s boardroom.

The team lead, Janet Hankins expressed enthusiasm for the program’s global significance. She congratulated MMUST on its accomplishment and noted widespread interest from individuals eager to participate. Additionally, the partners pledged to support the program by constructing laboratory facilities.

Mr. James Robert Wakungwi Sakwa, who doubles as the Technical Advisor of the program and the Principal Medical Laboratory Technologist at the Department, provided an update on the student’s academic progress. He noted that the students had completed their first semester and are currently in their second semester of studies as preparations for their transition to the second year come September is underway.

Reiterating his counterpart, Mr. Fidelis Mambo thanked the University Management for the support it has accorded the Department. He affirmed that the program has momentum and it has the potential to attract more students.

The Technical Advisor of the program- Mr. James Robert Wakungwi Sakwa, making his presentation during the meeting.

The partners later had an engagement with pioneer students and staff from the Department of Medical Laboratory where they presented on .’ During this engagement, students were assigned into groups and paired with their international delegate. This session was facilitated by Stephanie Norlock and assisted by Rebecca Lyerly, Sarah Ackerman, Geraldine Pretorius, and Janet Hankins.

The Biosafety Engagement Program (BEP) helps in mitigating biological threats by building biosafety and biosecurity capacity globally. The key goals of this program are to enhance cybersecurity best practices at high containment laboratories to protect biological research and materials; to expand biosecurity information sharing and networks, and to mobilize international capabilities to reduce biological threats. 

The team lead, Janet Hankins speaking at the meeting.

The international partners’ visit to MMUST ahead of the launch of the program not only reaffirms institutions’ commitment to advancing biosafety and biosecurity but also signals a collaborative effort to address global challenges in these fields. With the launch of the program looming, stakeholders are more curious to witness the fruition of MMUST’s pioneering efforts in biosafety and biosecurity education.

By Caren Nekesa and Linet Owuor

Photos by Linet Owuor and Wangari Wambugu 

The Commission for University Education (CUE) on Wednesday 21/6/2023, verified resources for MMUST to offer Bachelor of Science in Biosafety and Biosecurity under the Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, School of Public Health Biomedical Sciences and Technology. 

This program is aimed at equipping laboratory professionals with the necessary expertise to advise all personnel and management on biosafety and biosecurity issues and concerns while carrying out experiments in the laboratory. The program was presented by the Program Leader Dr. Evans Raballah and the Chairman of the Department Medical Laboratory Sciences Mr. Fidelis Mambo. The two were also guided by the Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Thomas Sakwa, Director Curriculum Review and Development Prof. Judah Ndiku and the Dean, School of Public Health Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Prof. Edwin Wamukoya. 

The Chairperson, Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Mr. Fidelis Mambo while presenting to the team from the Commission for University Education on MMUST preparedness to Biosafety and Biosecurity program.

This program is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified Biosafety and Biosecurity professionals to support national and global health threats. Students in this program will benefit from local and international biosafety experts to gain theoretical and practical knowledge to give them an in-depth understanding, extensive knowledge and skills in biosafety and biosecurity. 

After graduating from this program, graduands will be able to pursue career options in diagnostic or research laboratories, disease outbreak response, synthetic biology, public & animal health policy and other related fields. In Kenya, the graduands will be eligible for employment opportunities at the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour - Department of Safety and Health, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, National Biosafety Authority, World Health Organization (WHO), Higher learning Institutions, Ministry of Education   and Ministry of Agriculture.

By Shiundu Masafu