MMUST-UON teams pose for a group photo after the meeting.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology on Tuesday, 20th December, 2022, hosted the University of Nairobi’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, to renew the collaboration agreement on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded HealthIT project. Prof. Kiama, who was accompanied by the UoN-HealthIT team, was received by the MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.
Speaking during the MMUST-UoN meeting, Prof. Shibairo pointed out that MMUST has made significant strides and that such partnerships are crucial to growing the University further. “MMUST is very strong both in academia and research. If we cultivate this project and maintain the great partnership, our institutions will without doubt reach greater heights,” he said.
Prof. Kiama commended the MMUST-UoN teams for carrying out the activities of the HealthIT project effectively, and urged them to continue in the same spirit. “I am pleased to see that both institutions have demonstrated a productive relationship. We look forward to working with MMUST on more future projects,” added the UoN Vice Chancellor.
MMUST-UON Vice Chancellors exchange signed collaboration agreements.
“At MMUST, we have developed a good culture of research. We are committed to conducting cutting-edge research and this project definitely contributes to this agenda,” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. J. Kuria Thuo, affirmed MMUST’s support to the HealthIT project, adding that he anticipated greater results from the project. Further, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, acknowledged that a collaboration between Kenyan-based institutions is as powerful as partnering with international organizations.
The Managing Director of the University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Limited (UNES), where HealthIT is housed, Mr. Seith Abeka, revealed that the project has created internship and attachment opportunities for students, as well as a chance to conduct capacity-building Seminars.
Prof. Peter Waiganjo (left) and Chief of Party at USAID HealthIT, Mr. Raphael Pundo discuss a point.
“The main aim of this project is to generate high quality data that can be used to improve services in the health sector. We are cognizant of the fact that the world is headed towards data-based decision making as it has potential to steer development,” stated the Chief of Party at USAID HealthIT, Mr. Raphael Pundo. Similarly, Prof. Peter Waiganjo, a member of UoN-HealthIT, noted that health digitalization is the way to go.
The Dean, School of Computing and Informatics, Dr. Daniel Otanga, reiterated that MMUST’s students have immensely benefited from the HealthIT project. “This project kicked off in the year 2017. Courtesy of HealthIT, MMUST has worked with Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot as well as Uasin Gishu Counties. As a School, we are honoured to be involved in this project because it resonates with our efforts of providing data that can be utilized by the public,” he said.
MMUST-UON teams during the discussions.
While presenting the MMUST HealthIT activities and achievements, the University project coordinator, Dr. Jasper M. Ondulo, echoed that MMUST will be available to work with not only USAID HealthIT, but also with other key partners in order to bridge the gaps in the health sector.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s involvement in this project is proof that it is dedicated to transforming the healthcare sector through research. The renewal of the collaboration agreement between MMUST and the University of Nairobi is significant as the two (2) institutions will continue with the life-changing project.
By Mary Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu
