MMUST team together with the Kenya Red Cross Society team after the meeting.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), has today 4th April 2023, held discussions with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) on the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed on 23rd May 2022. The delegation led by Dr. Michael Aiyabei (Head of Disaster Management-KRCS), paid a courtesy call to the office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai.
Speaking during the courtesy call, Prof. Mutai urged the delegation to work with the University to serve humanity. He added that through this collaboration, MMUST looks forward to establishing a Center of Humanitarian Assistance.
“This partnership will synergize efforts to stimulate scientific cooperation and strengthen research in humanitarian assistance for sustainable livelihoods. As a University, we are the pioneers of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, and we are well positioned to offer the expertise required,” said Prof. Mutai.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai (right) receiving a notebook from the Coordinator, Training & Capacity Building (KRCS)- Ms. Monica Orero.
Concurring with Prof. Mutai, the representative of the Director- International Relations and Academic Linkages, Dr. Rose Opiyo encouraged the team to come together and network on the strengths and capacities, share available resources, as well as complement existing expertise for a more effective partnership.
Dr. Aiyabei highlighted some of the key objectives of the MOU which include; undertaking joint emergency response practical to activate response units by KRCS and the School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (SDMHA); promoting professionalism through the exchange of experience; enhancing professional skills of the two institutions through training; joint research and technological developments; capacity building and conduct joint supervision of students on attachments disaster experts from both institutions.
The Head of Disaster Management-KRCS, Dr. Michael Aiyabei planting a tree at MMUST.
The other notable personalities present during the meeting included the patron Kenya Red Cross Society (MMUST Chapter)- Dr. Nicodemus Nyandiko, Dr. Nicholas Ombachi (Representing Dean SDMHA), Dr. Edward Mugalavai, Ms. Lydia Nyachiro from MMUST. Similarly, the other individuals drawn from the KRCS were Ms. Euphresia Musundi, Ms. Margaret Wanyonyi, Ms. Hellen Cheruto, Ms. Esther Chege, Ms. Monica Orero, Ms. Serah Lekalkuli, and Ms. Ruth Miningwo.
With such collaborations involving experts on board, the vulnerability of organizations and societies towards potential disasters is well mitigated.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Wangari Wambugu
