Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has today, 15^th November, 2024, officially celebrated unity in diversity as it joined the rest of the globe to mark International Students’ Day. This day was a culmination of week-long activities, which included tree planting, as well as volleyball and football tournaments sponsored by Walter Okelo Mentorship Program (WOMP). The event was graced by Chief Officer Governance and Administration-Siaya County, Hon. Walter Okelo, who is also the Patron of WOMP. It was organized by the Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), led by Dr. Umulkher Ali, in partnership with the University International Students’ Guild (ISG) and MMUSO leaders.

“The University recognizes and appreciates the international students pursuing studies at MMUST. We invite more students from across the globe to come and study at this great institution and be ready to achieve their desired goals,” stated Prof. Benedict Alala, who was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof Charles Mutai. Prof. Alala added that MMUST awards the best performing international student during graduation and encouraged the students to run for higher MMUSO leadership posts.

Hon. Walter Okelo (in flowered shirt) listens keenly to an international student at the cultural foods gallery.

Speaking during the celebrations Hon. Okelo pointed out that MMUST is a global University that represents the future. “I am pleased and honoured to join you today, to celebrate students who have left their home countries to seek academic opportunities in MMUST. Our mentorship program is aimed at inspiring a community of thinkers and creators among the youth to become ambassadors of change in their respective communities,” he said. Hon. Okelo was accompanied by the Youth Coordinator in the office of the Governor-Siaya County, Mr. Fredrick Opanga; CEO-WOMP, Mr. Erick Langi and other members of the mentorship program.

According to Dr. Umulkher Ali, the event, themed ‘United in Diversity: Bridging Cultures as we Celebrate the Spirit of Learning’, is celebrated annually on 17^th November but this year, MMUST marked it earlier. “MMUST has attracted students from Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Congo and South Sudan. We also have a significant number of international students who come to MMUST via the Student Exchange Program from countries such as Croatia, Finland, USA, Germany and Norway,” remarked Dr. Umulkher Ali, adding that she looked forward to receiving and interacting with more international students.

Director-DIAL, Dr. Umulkher Ali, joins the Lotuko cultural dance at the event.

The Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM)- Dr. Lydia Anyonje, who was also present at the event, pointed out that her office works closely with DIAL in fostering international students’ activities, programs and projects. “International students are a very critical component of the University’s fraternity and we are proud to engage with them. DCCM is cognizant of the international students’ activities and the role they play in marketing our University,” stated Dr. Anyonje.

Notable personalities present at the event included; the University Chaplain-Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga, Dean of Students’ Representative-Ms. Mirriam Kimani, DIAL Staff-Ms. Dorine Ambetsa and Ms. Whitney Kahiga, Mr. Nelman Monari from the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies (DPS), MMUSO President- Mr. Allan Ochieng, Special Interests Secretary-Mr. Brian Omolo, ISG leadership-Koang Yong Puok (ISG Chairperson), Iman Nasrala (International students’ female representative) and Dak Hon Deng (Male representative), and international student leaders from Maseno University.

International students’ male representative-Dak Hon Deng (left) receives a trophy from Hon. Okelo (Second from right).

The participants at the colourful event were treated to an array of cultural dances from South Sudan, Uganda and Kenya. The guests also had an opportunity to take a gallery walk and visit the various booths representing the cultural foods from different countries across Africa. The climax was the awards ceremony, which saw the teams that took part in the football and volleyball tournaments receive cash prizes and trophies. These awards were provided courtesy of the MMUST Management and WOMP.

International students from South Sudan showcase the Lotuko Cultural dance.

Indeed, international students bring invaluable contributions to this University, which enrich the cultural fabric of MMUST. The University has created a conducive environment for international students to feel comfortable, appreciated and valued. Events such as International Students’ Day are a testimony of MMUST’s commitment to bridging cultures as it provides quality international education.

The President Awards Kenya (PAK) MMUST Chapter activities have attracted the coveted gold award after showcasing a number of activities that impressed the evaluators. The Gold Awardees, who were accompanied to State House by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha and the Patron Ms. Tabytha Shisia, were presented to the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto. The event took place on 17^th October, 2024, at State House in Nairobi.

H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto together with some of the awardees.

The President Awards Kenya presents to young people a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary activities, which encourage personal discovery and growth, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and service to their community. The PAK MMUST Chapter has successfully gone through the three stages required, namely, Bronze, Silver and Gold to attain the award that was presented to the achievers by His Excellency the President at State House Nairobi.

MMUST team with the Attorney General, Senior Counsel Dorcus Oduor.

Speaking during the event, Prof. Shibairo congratulated the students, pointing out that the program is in line with the University’s strategic goals and aspirations.

PAK MMUST Chapter Patron-Ms. Tabytha Shisia visits the Attorney General.

The awardees had an opportunity to meet with the Attorney General, Senior Counsel Dorcus Oduor. Later they interacted with students from Ololulunga High School in Narok, where they conducted mentorship sessions based on life skills. The team was entertained by students from the school, who openly admitted that they wish to join MMUST after their KCSE Exams.

MMUST team at Ololulunga High School.

Undoubtedly, this award places MMUST at the forefront among the institutions who are making great strides in student mentorship and preparation for nation building. 

By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Caren Nekesa