The Ag. Vice Chancellor- Prof. Charles Mutai (standing in the middle), MMUST team, and the International partners during the courtesy call.
In anticipation of the imminent launch of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Programme, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has today 9th May, 2024, welcomed international partners for a courtesy call to the Office of the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutaii. The meeting served as a platform to discuss the progress status of the upcoming program in the University, exhaust its significance to the Kenyan industry, and garner support from various stakeholders. The event took place at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Mutai underscored the historical context of biosafety in the country, highlighting MMUST’s pioneering role in its development. He expressed pride in the unique program, the first of its kind in Kenya, and reported that despite the challenges, the program has successfully navigated all necessary processes.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor- Prof. Charles Mutai speaking during the meeting.
Prof. Mutai further appealed for the partners’ support in nurturing the inaugural cohort of students. He revealed the University’s plans to initiate a master’s program in Biosafety and Biosecurity, aligning with the vision of producing top-tier professionals in the field.
Commenting on the potential of the program, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor of Planning, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Josephine Ngaira, projected a promising future for the program. She envisioned the emergence of professors in biosafety and biosecurity within the next decade, highlighting the program’s potential for long-term impact.
Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (DVC ASA), Prof. Edwin Wamukoya confirmed the program’s approval by the Commission for University Education (CUE). He also provided insights into the current student population stating that it is currently at twenty-one.
Similarly, the Registrar of Academic Affairs- Prof. Judah Ndiku, commended the program’s uniqueness and assured support for the students. He extended gratitude to the partners for selecting MMUST as their partner institution.
A section of the partners at the VC’s boardroom.
The team lead, Janet Hankins expressed enthusiasm for the program’s global significance. She congratulated MMUST on its accomplishment and noted widespread interest from individuals eager to participate. Additionally, the partners pledged to support the program by constructing laboratory facilities.
Mr. James Robert Wakungwi Sakwa, who doubles as the Technical Advisor of the program and the Principal Medical Laboratory Technologist at the Department, provided an update on the student’s academic progress. He noted that the students had completed their first semester and are currently in their second semester of studies as preparations for their transition to the second year come September is underway.
Reiterating his counterpart, Mr. Fidelis Mambo thanked the University Management for the support it has accorded the Department. He affirmed that the program has momentum and it has the potential to attract more students.
The Technical Advisor of the program- Mr. James Robert Wakungwi Sakwa, making his presentation during the meeting.
The partners later had an engagement with pioneer students and staff from the Department of Medical Laboratory where they presented on .’ During this engagement, students were assigned into groups and paired with their international delegate. This session was facilitated by Stephanie Norlock and assisted by Rebecca Lyerly, Sarah Ackerman, Geraldine Pretorius, and Janet Hankins.
The Biosafety Engagement Program (BEP) helps in mitigating biological threats by building biosafety and biosecurity capacity globally. The key goals of this program are to enhance cybersecurity best practices at high containment laboratories to protect biological research and materials; to expand biosecurity information sharing and networks, and to mobilize international capabilities to reduce biological threats.
The team lead, Janet Hankins speaking at the meeting.
The international partners’ visit to MMUST ahead of the launch of the program not only reaffirms institutions’ commitment to advancing biosafety and biosecurity but also signals a collaborative effort to address global challenges in these fields. With the launch of the program looming, stakeholders are more curious to witness the fruition of MMUST’s pioneering efforts in biosafety and biosecurity education.
By Caren Nekesa and Linet Owuor
Photos by Linet Owuor and Wangari Wambugu
