Left, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo together with the Governor Bungoma County, HE. Kenneth Lusaka after the signing of the MoU.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and the County Government of Bungoma have today 29 January 2024, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their strategic partnership and foster regional and national development. The ceremony took place at the Bungoma County offices.
The MOU, which was signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo and the Governor Bungoma County, HE. Kenneth Lusaka, outlines a framework for joint initiatives in various sectors crucial for regional and national development. These include but are not limited to resource sharing, training, research, innovation, and service delivery to stakeholders.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Shibairo emphasized the significance of this partnership in driving the socio-economic status of the region. He congratulated the Governor for being keen on education and for taking the initiative to work with Universities.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo making his remarks during the ceremony.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our commitment to leveraging academic resources and expertise for the benefit of our communities and beyond. By joining forces with the County Government of Bungoma, we aim to enhance our collective impact on national development. We intend to work together in research, consultancy and community outreach,” remarked Prof. Shibairo.
Similarly, the Governor of Bungoma County, HE. Kenneth Lusaka, expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of this partnership.
“We are thrilled to formalize this collaboration with MMUST, a renowned institution with a track record of excellence in education and research. Through this partnership, we envision innovative solutions and initiatives that will address the development needs of our County besides contributing to the broader national agenda,” he said.
HE. Kenneth Lusakaaddressing the participants at the MoU signing ceremony.
The Deputy Governor of Bungoma County, H.E Janepher Mbatiany, who is also a student at MMUST, commended the University for its unwavering commitment to supporting its students. Stressing the universal importance of education, she highlighted MMUST’s central role in providing evidence-based solutions to societal issues. Further, she pointed out the need for further engagements with the University, emphasizing the positive potential of collaborative efforts between MMUST and the County Government to harness the power of education in driving meaningful change.
A section of MMUST staff during the event.
It is worth noting that the collaborative efforts envisaged under this partnership are expected to yield tangible outcomes in areas such as; Health and Sanitation; Agriculture; Engineering and Built Environment; Entrepreneurship; Leadership and Management; Climate Change Adaptation; Education; Sports; ICT, and Community Outreach. By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and networks of MMUST and the County Government of Bungoma, the partnership will definitely bring positive change.
The staff representing MMUST at the event were, Prof. Benedict Alala, who was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation; the Registrar Planning Research and Innovation, Dr. Collins Matemba; Director SPIIC, Prof. John Muoma; CS. Prof. Robert Egessa, a lecturer in the department of Business Administration and Management Sciences; Director DIAL, Dr. Umulkher Ali; Legal Officer, Mr. Gregory Ombito; Director DCCM, Dr. Lydia Anyonje; Dean SOBE, Dr. Dishon Wanjere; Dean SDMHA, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa; Administrative Assistant Office of PRI, Mr. Canon Odhiambo, and Administrative Assistant DIAL, Mr. Nelman Monari.
Ag. County Attorney, Mr. Amos Makokha making a presentation of the MoU before the signing.
Participants from Bungoma campus included the Campus Coordinator, Prof. William Toili; Campus Exams Coordinator, Dr. Herman Wachiye; Section Head SASS and SEDU, Dr. Joash Mabonga and the Section Head SOBE, Ms. Deborah Muchilwa.
The ceremony attracted many participants from the County Government. They included the Chief of Staff, Dr. Janet Manyasi; Economic Advisor to the Governor, CPA Andrew Wamukoya; Director Communications, Mr. John Nalianya; CEC in charge of Lands, Urban Planning, Housing, and Municipalities, Mr. Douglas Sasita; CECM Education, Mr. David Wamamili; Ag. County Attorney, Mr. Amos Makokha; CECM Public Administration and Service Management, Mr. Benedict Esiromo Emacar; Head of Governor’s Press Unit, Ms. Barbra Kakai; Personal Assistant to the Deputy Governor, Ms. Janet Chebet; Incharge of Protocol, Mr. Noah Wekesa.
A section of MMUST staff keenly following the events of the ceremony.
The strategic partnership between MMUST and Bungoma County underscores the importance of synergy between academic institutions and local governance in achieving sustainable development. With a shared vision and commitment to excellence, both institutions are positioned to make significant strides towards advancing the socio-economic well-being of the region and the nation. Certainly, as the collaboration takes shape, a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, the MMUST - Bungoma County partnership, sets a promising precedent for effective collaboration in driving national development agenda.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
