The Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research- Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Council and a section of the staff after the inauguration.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has formally inaugurated its 7 Council, ostensibly beginning a new journey of development and growth. The team comprises of the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei, and independent members Ms. Grace Wanja Kimotho, Dr. Kennedy Ochieng Olungo, Ms. Dorothy Kimeu, Dr. George Akolo Lutomia and Ms. Susan Nyaboke Nyasinga. The event was presided over by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research- Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala who was representing the Cabinet Secretary of Education, Mr. Ezekiel Machogu.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Inyangala said that she was certain that the new team would steer MMUST to greater heights and maintain its visibility on the global map. She revealed that working with Universities is part of the government’s agenda and after this inauguration, the real work must begin.
“We have entrusted you with an enormous and important responsibility to ensure that MMUST achieves its mission and vision to generate, preserve and disseminate knowledge through research and teaching. I am certain that the newly inaugurated Council will deliver on its mandate given its mix of skills and international exposure,” said Dr. Inyangala.
VC, Prof. Solomon Shibairo welcomes Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research- Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala to the inauguration.
In her inaugural speech, Dr. Sitienei accepted the honor of being inaugurated as the Chairperson of the 7th Council and promised to work with the University Management, Senate, Unions, Staff, Students and the entire MMUST community adding that she will infuse the elements of Cultural Change, Processes and Systems, Innovation and Technology, Climate Change and Institutional Sustainability into the operations of MMUST.
“Let the transformation journey begin. Research and Innovation is the fuel that sustains and propels the development of institutions across the world. As a University with strong grounding in science and technology, research and innovation should become part of our routine operations. We will strive to ensure that our researchers and innovators are funded and supported to boost the relevance and reputation of MMUST. I encourage you to continue establishing partnerships and collaborations with other academic institutions, both local and international, as well as with other critical stakeholders,” stated Dr. Sitienei.
Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei speaking during the inauguration of the 7th Council at MMUST.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo thanked the outgoing council members and congratulated the incoming Chairperson of Council and Members of Council for their well-deserved appointment and inauguration.
“The University is reviewing its achievements and increasing its collaborative activities by partnering with other institutions in areas of research, staff and students exchange, community outreach, internship, industrial attachment and placement. We currently collaborate with local, national and international institutions, industry, community organizations, and institutions of higher learning, colleges and centers. I invite like-minded individuals, institutions and organizations to join us in realizing the quest,” he said.
This inauguration was attended by officials from the Ministry of Education, County government of Kakamega, the MMUST Deputy Vice Chancellors, members of the University Management Board, Deans, Directors, Chairpersons of Departments, staff, student leaders, students and members of the community. The historical occasion was also graced by a battery of well-wishers from United States of America, Norway, South Africa and Australia.
VC, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (second from left), Prof. Egara Kabaji, the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research- Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala take a tour of the University facilities.
The 7th Council that was earlier gazetted on 25th May 2023, and officially inaugurated today, has its work cut-out especially with the dwindling financial support from the government and growing demands in the education sector. We wish the newly inaugurated Council all the best as it provides oversight and strategic leadership for MMUST.
By Lydia Anyonje and Linet Owuor
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu
