The VC shared his vision of making MMUST a healthy environment while urging the University fraternity to observe both physical and mental health in order to avoid lifestyle illnesses.
5Km participants beginning their race
The Marathon marked the beginning of a greater partnership between MMUST and StanChart Bank. The two (2) institutions will collaborate in the areas of green energy, paramedical and sports sciences, optometry, offering internships to our students among others.
“MMUST believes in environmental conservation. Therefore, we ask you to partner with us so that we can keep Kenya green. By doing so, we will be able to tackle issues of hunger, environmental degradation and deforestation. Let’s keep our country fertile for agriculture and for all humanity and living things. It is our wish that this remains for future generations to facilitate their involvement in agricultural activities,” stressed the Vice Chancellor.
The Vice Chancellor and other participants after the race.
MMUST being the only higher institution offering programmes in Optometry and Vision Sciences, and as stated by the Vice Chancellor, the University envisions upgrading the Optometry and Vision Sciences Department so it can go beyond just providing eye glasses to its clients to offering services such as surgeries. “Today, we will be offering a free eyesight examination. If we run and develop ways that will improve eyesight, then, we will improve how Kenyans do things and have a healthy life,” he said, adding that MMUST needs partners like Standard Chartered Bank to improve its programmes.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, participated in the 5km run. He acknowledged the efforts of the organizers in planning the marathon. “I hope that the University will adopt this initiative and engage staff in annual internal competitions. Sports is key in terms of a strong workforce. If we have a healthy staff, we cut down on medical expenses and avoid lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure,” said Prof. Mutai.
From left to right, Prof. Hussein Golicha (DVC Academics and Student Affairs), Prof. Solomon Shibairo (Vice Chancellor) and DVC Prof. Charles Mutai (DVC Planning Research and Innovation)
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, echoed the idea of the University pulling together its stakeholders and adopting the marathon strategy. He further thanked students and professors who took part in the Marathon.
Representing the Standard Chartered Bank, the Country Head, Client Relationship Retail Banking Manager, Ms. Joan Okello, appreciated MMUST for making the first StanChart Virtual Marathon a success.
“We are overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm we have seen today. We are keen on building a strong running community across the country. Let it not be the end but the beginning of many more events,” she said.
Ms. Okello applauded the participants saying that in running, they support the Future Makers Program which is an initiative aimed at supporting the youth and women participating in economic activities.
She urged the MMUST community to keep up the good spirit and be ambassadors of virtual running.
The Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala, who was among the key organizers of the event, thanked the University Management for supporting and participating in the run. He exuded confidence that with this type of events, Standard Chartered Bank will be able to positively touch the lives of many people. He further urged the Management of the Standard Chartered Group to consider bringing the next run back to western Kenya.
The MMUST’s assistant game tutor and assistant Rugby coach, Mr. John Asila commended the University for taking part in the StanChart virtual marathon that has opened the opportunity for staff to exercise.
Other key personalities who participated in the run include, the Dean, School of Education Prof. Moses Poipoi, Director, Postgraduate Studies Prof. Stephen Odebero, Dean, School of Nursing Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS) Mr. John Arudo, Director, Quality Assurance Prof. Maurice Omolo and Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Rose Auma.
The University Union was represented by the Vice Chairperson Dr. Consolata Lusweti (UASU) and Mr. Ronald Wamalwa (KUSU). Other Union members were Dr. Joyce Kasilly and Dr. Sabella Kiprono both from UASU.
The top three participants in the ten (10km) race men and women were; Festus Ruto, Eliab Kiplagat, Rotich Ghacary, Dr. Sabela Kiprono, Yvonne Batasi and Sylvia Nyamwata respectively.
The top three participants in the five (5km) race men and women were; Pius Otuke, Yego Titus, Douglas Mwachi, Beryl Asinwa, Cynthia Muthoni and Roba Lubembe respectively.
By: Charity Idaya, Caren Mutoro
