H.E Dr. William Ruto with MMUST’s Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei at the University exhibition stand during the KAIICO Conference 2024.
The President of Kenya-H. E Dr. William Samoei Ruto, was today, 20th March, 2024 impressed by the top-notch innovations showcased at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology exhibition stand during the inaugural Kakamega International Investment Conference (KAIICO). The Conference, themed ‘Opening up Counties as the New Frontiers for Investments and Development’, attracted local and international dignitaries, government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss the investment potential in the region.
Notably, the President utilized the opportunity to make a stop at the MMUST exhibition stand, where he spent time sampling the University’s innovations. Key among them which the President liked and requested a sample for use was the most recent innovation of a carefully formulated porridge flour for good health and wellness, trademarked ‘Uji Cocktail’ by one of MMUST’s prolific researchers, Prof. Maurice Vincent Omolo. In addition, Prof. Omolo thanked the President for the basic research funding by the government of Kenya through the National Research Foundation (NRF), addressing the neglected health problem of the jigger flea infestation or the tungiasis disease condition, a major public health problem not only in Western Kenya, but also in Coast and Central regions, as well as the larger Eastern Africa and even Africa. Courtesy of this funding, the President was shown a patented product of plant origin with potential to kill the jigger flea in a single topical application within a week. This product has attracted further upscaling funding from NRF and BioInnovative Africa for its clinical trials and roll out in East Africa.
Prof. Maurice Vincent Omolo explains details regarding health related innovations to H.E Dr. William Ruto.
The Chairperson of the Paramedical Science Department, Dr. Tecla Sum and team, showcased the importance of pre-hospital care and the role it plays to feed into the in-hospital care with the patients who have been stabilized. This saves lives, since the focus is on the golden hour where patients are given emergency care service in real time. She also explained to the President her project that involves the ambulance tracking system that utilizes GPS to locate the patient and link them to the nearest ambulance and healthcare facility. It is worth noting that MMUST is the pioneer University in Africa to offer Paramedical Science at Bachelors and Masters Levels.
Dr. Tecla Sum showcases to the President, Kakamega Governor and MMUST Chairperson of Council.
Another unique innovation was by MMUST final-year students from the School of Computing and Informatics (SCI) and the School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE), namely Serah Santa and Fabian Benard respectively, on an Artificial Intelligence security system. This system utilizes machine learning and Internet of Things recognition technology to match faces with identity cards and their registered possessions, thereby generating a unique QR code. This innovation will not only enable quick security checks at exit and entry points of buildings and compounds, but also serve as a means of recording staff and students’ attendance and period of stays in the University premises.
Fabian Benard, a student from the School of Engineering and Built Environment, describes his innovation to the President, as co-innovator Serah Santa looks on.
Distinguished guests included; the United States Ambassador to Kenya, Amb. Margaret ‘Meg’ Whitman, the Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Hon. Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi, the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Secretariat, H. E Wamkele Mene and the Governor of Bungoma County, H. E Kenneth Lusaka, who was representing the Chairperson Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB)-H. E Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, as well as the Chairperson Council of Governors-H. E Anne Waiguru. The event was also attended by the University Council, led by the Chairperson of Council-Dr. Pamela Sitienei, and the Management, which was represented by the Ag. Vice Chancellor-Prof. Charles Mutai.
DCCM’s Mr. Owino Ooko at the MMUST exhibition stand with the Ag. Vice Chancellor and the Chairperson of Council.
The rallying call from all the speakers at the highly decorated event was that ‘Kakamega County is ripe for investment’ and this extends to MMUST which is one of the greatest single contributors of economic development in the County. MMUST is truly a viable destination for investors willing to contribute to the social economic development of Kakamega County and its environs.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Wangari Wambugu and Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
