Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has taken the lead in empowering communities to cope with Covid- 19. Last week on Monday 18th May, the MMUST Management jointly with the institution’s unions namely; University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) and Kenya Union of Hotels Education Institutions and Allied Workers (KUDHEIA), donated Sanitizers, water tanks for hand washing, bar soaps, face masks and sanitary towels to the inmates at Kakamega Prisons and Shikusa Farm Prison.

Speaking during the flagging off ceremony at the University, the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Shibairo expressed his gratitude to the Union officials who spearheaded the initiative to reach out to the vulnerable in the society. He emphasized the need of unity during this pandemic so as to overcome the challenges imposed by Covid 19. “Coronavirus is deeply rooted among us, therefore, as a higher learning institution in the region, it is our responsibility to teach the society regarding the safety measures necessary to fight Covid-19. We must also share the essential items our noble University is in a position to produce,” said Prof. Shibairo.

The Corporate Social Responsibility activities at the Kakamega and Shikusa Prisons were spearheaded by MMUST’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Students Affairs, Dr. Bernedett Sabuni. She reiterated the need for universities to exhibit their expertise and change lives through their activities and projects. “MMUST prides itself with the ability to manufacture sanitizers within the institution through its able Chemistry department,” said Dr. Sabuni.

Dr. Sabuni was flanked by several Union leaders, including Prof. Stanely Omuterema of UASU, KUSU spokesman Mr. Ronald Wamalwa, Chairman of KUSU Mr. Onzere Mulongo, Chairman of KUDHEIA Mr. Edwin Wafula and Mark Komen. Others members of the university who attended the function were the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Dr. Lydia Anyonje, and Mr. Benard Ooko from Human Resources department.

The Union leaders said that they are happy when University leadership works with other stakeholders to transform lives positively. They lauded the MMUST management for the special gesture. The Borstal Institution, a part of the Shikusa Farm Prison also benefited from the MMUST Union donations.The Borstal Institution is a correctional and learning institute that serves the under eighteen year old inmates.

It is our responsibility to take care of the vulnerable members of the society especially at this time when the world at large is at war to combat the spread of this deadly virus. Such generous activities foster good relations between people living within the society.

By Linet Owuor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Wilberforce Shiundu This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Albert Induli This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.