MMUST-Safaricom teams at the Vice Chancellor’s office.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has today, 11th April, 2024, hosted Safaricom’s senior regional managers to discuss possible areas of collaboration between the two (2) organizations. The Safaricom delegates, led by the Ag. Chief Technology Officer-Mr. George Njuguna, visited the Directorate of ICT Services and later paid a courtesy call on the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutai.
During the courtesy call, Prof. Mutai stated that he looked forward to formalizing what was discussed during the meeting through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He acknowledged that Safaricom is the largest telecommunications provider in Kenya, and urged the two (2) organizations to conduct joint research that will lead to impactful innovations, which will in turn transform communities. “As an institution of science and technology, we endeavor to build stronger ICT infrastructure. By doing so, we will be able to improve our internet connectivity to cater for our large student population,” said the Ag. Vice Chancellor.
Ag. Chief Technology Officer at Safaricom-Mr. George Njuguna with the Ag. Vice Chancellor-Prof. Charles Mutai.
“This University is a key anchor for the Western region. Safaricom is committed to building local talent and providing local solutions, and this includes enriching the students’ experience while learning at MMUST,” stated Mr. Njuguna.
Notable areas of collaboration discussed during the visit were; the possibility of establishing a Safaricom Customer Care Centre here, making MMUST the only University in Kenya to house a Safaricom shop. Additionally, the two (2) will partner in research, innovation and community outreach activities, through the Safaricom University programme, which aims at strengthening computer studies, engineering, as well as IT programmes. MMUST and Safaricom will also expose students to industry expertise by conducting joint training for them, and work together in upgrading the University ICT infrastructure.
Prof. Charles Mutai gives his remarks during the courtesy call.
MMUST members present during the meeting at the Vice Chancellor’s office included; the Director, Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM)-Dr. Lydia Anyonje, the Marketing Officer-Mr. James Muriithi and Network Administrator-Mr. Rawlings Mulongo. The Safaricom team consisted of the Head, Network Planning and Design-Mr. Gerishon Gitonga, Terminals and New Growth Areas Business Lead-Ms. Agnes Kinga, Senior Manager Regional Network Implementation and Operations-Ms. Esther Karuga and Ms. Gunilla Ouko.
MMUST is one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Western Kenya and is undoubtedly the biggest Safaricom customer in the region. The two (2) have partnered in a number of projects and it is high time that they sign an MoU, which will allow for even bigger collaborative projects!
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
