Seated from left; the DVC PRI Prof. Charles Mutai, DVC ASA-Prof. Hussein Golicha, the Director Computer For Schools Kenya (CFSK), Dr. Tom Musili, together with MMUST staff present during the meeting.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is set to become an E-waste Disposal Centre, the benefactors being the School of Computing and the School of Medicine in collaboration with the Computer for Schools Kenya (CFSK) who donated Manikins for practical training. The meeting was held at the Vice chancellor’s office, Prof. Solomon Shibairo on the 31st of July 2023 where the two schools were offered Manikins by the CFSK Director.
The purpose of the meeting was to initiate the process of putting up an innovation Hub and a disposal center for the larger Former Western Province to clear all e-wastes in the University and make new innovations. Representing the Vice Chancellor, the DVC- Administration and Finance (A&F), Prof. Kuria Thuo John, appreciated the presence of the Director of Sustainable Digital Development for Africa and the Founder and Chairperson of Computers For Schools Kenya- Dr. Tom Musili saying that this program will be a great achievement in dealing with obsolete electronics.
He said that the partnership is important, especially to the University in dealing with E-wastes management, and being in charge of finance he will support the program for the betterment of the University as a whole.
The Deputy Vice Chancellors (PRI &ASA), the Director Computer For Schools Kenya (CFSK), Dr. Tom Musili, together with MMUST staff present during the meeting after receiving the equipment.
Additionally, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning Research and Innovation) Prof. Charles Mutai applauded CFSK Director for the good job done noting that with this project the University is going to be on another level in terms of waste management. He advised the Deans to make use of the donated manikins to enhance development.
Addressing the meeting Dean School of Computing and Informatics, Dr. Daniel Otanga stated that amid efforts to create an efficient workplace of e-waste, Mmust has introduced a diploma course in computer technology and e-wastes management system the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa and hopes to introduce a degree course to enable its students to conduct their industrial attachments.
Director of Computer For Schools Kenya (CFSK), Dr. Musili affirmed that the CFSK had initially entered into a partnership in the year 2004 which has grown into a Memorandum of Understanding. “CFSK disposes E-wastes on behalf of Masinde Muliro University and recently the MoU was expanded whereby, two of the University’s Tvet programs that are domiciled in the School of Computer Science are offered. In addition, it has donated computers in the past to MMUST and last year CFSK released a mobile learning truck to our Kakuma Centre,” he noted.
CFSK promised to support and bring in more partners to the University. The goal is to make MMUST an E-waste disposal center for the collection of all obsolete computers, mobiles, televisions, sports equipment, and many more electronic gadgets and make new innovations from the waste.
The other notable members present at the meeting included; the Associate -Dean, of the School of Disaster Management- Prof. Stanley Omuterema, Chairperson, of Medical Biochemistry- Dr. Anthony Sifuna, Director, International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL)- Dr. Umulkher Ali, In-Charge University Assets -Ms Tabytha Shisia, and Mr. Koech Raymond.
By Ivy Alivitsa and Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
