Plans to document and preserve Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s legacy are currently at the final stages. The authors of ‘The History of MMUST’ book, on 21st, 22nd and 25th November, 2024, held a Workshop to review the manuscript, expected to be published soon. The three-day intensive Workshop, organized by the Institute of Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Studies and Climate Change (IIKCSCC), took place at the Golf Hotel-Kakamega. It focused on critically analyzing the book, which traces the journey of MMUST from its early days as a middle-level technical college, to its current status of a leading institution of higher learning in Kenya.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Charles Mutai, who officially opened the Workshop, commended the authors, emphasizing the importance of preserving the University’s cultural heritage. “As you work towards documenting the history of MMUST, I encourage you to explore all aspects, including founding principles, the challenges it faced during its transformation, as well as its significant contributions to education and research. Make sure that you use a credible publisher for this book, because we want it to be read anywhere in the world,” stated Prof. Mutai.
A section of the authors follows keenly during the Workshop. From left; Prof. Kubasu Kwashe, Prof. John Shiundu and Mr. Tom Shivachi.
“When we first established the Institute of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Studies, we were interested in capturing the culture and the identity of the University, in a socio-economic context. We wanted to not only document the history of MMUST, but also that of the surrounding community,” stated Prof. John Shiundu, the founder of IIKCS, which is steering the book project. He further pointed out that history is very important, as it helps people to understand how events in the past made things the way that they are, while informing them of the mistakes that were made, hence improving the future. “After publishing this book, we look forward to expanding to other projects,” added Prof. Shiundu.
As stated by the Deputy Director-IIKCSCC, Dr. Lucy Mandillah, documenting the history of MMUST plays a key role in preserving the institution’s legacy, as well as ensuring that the future generations appreciate the University’s foundational values and understand its progression. “The authors of this manuscript are drawn from various Departments at MMUST, both teaching and non-teaching staff, and are in the final stages of editing and reviewing it, with plans of publishing the book soon,” said Dr. Mandillah.
The Deputy Director-IIKCSCC, Dr. Lucy Mandillah, gives her remarks at the event.
The authors of the book are; Prof. Charles Mutai, Prof. John Shiundu, Prof. Kubasu Kwashe, Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya, Prof. Stanley Omuterema, Prof. Peter Bukhala, Prof. Asenath Sigot, Prof. Judah Ndiku, Prof. Sibilikhe Makhanu, Dr. Bernadette Abwao, Dr. Lucy Mandillah, Dr. Pamela Buhere, Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Dr. Caroline Wekulo, Dr. Daniel Otanga, Eng. Dr. Janet Oyaro, Eng. Dr. Micah M. Mukolwe, Dr. Bill Ouda, Dr. David Barasa, Dr. Issah Kweyu, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga, Mr. Oscar Waswa, Mr. Tom Shivachi, Ms. Irene Aluku, Ms. Purity Muchere, Ms. Lilian Kundu and Ms. Brendah Kabindio.
MMUST boasts of a history of growth and development since its origin as WECO. Over the years, it has undergone tremendous growth in terms of students’ enrollment, academic programs, research and infrastructure. The University has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of modern education and research, and there is no doubt that this book will be captivating to readers who are interested in the rich legacy of MMUST.
By Linet Owuor and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
