Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has graduated its first batch of medical practitioners, who have been pursuing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the School of Medicine (SOM). This was during its 21st graduation ceremony that took place on Friday, 11th December, 2024, where the Chancellor of the day, Dr. Pamela Sitienei conferred Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates to 3927 graduands. The colourful ceremony, which was also graced by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research-Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, saw H.E FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya conferred a Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa).
The well attended event drew participation from government officials, including the Governor of Kakamega County, H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa, political dignitaries, representatives of other Universities, members of the community, staff, parents and students. The 2024 graduation, themed ‘Focusing on Excellence and Competency’, was a perfect opportunity for the University to unveil a Book, ‘History of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology-1971 to 2024’, a project steered by the Division of Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI).
Dignitaries at the MMUST 21st graduation ceremony.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Inyangala commended the University Council, the Management Board, Senate and staff for nurturing the graduands and providing high quality training that culminated into this graduation ceremony. “As a Government, we are committed to supporting University Education. We provide resources to Universities across the country, including MMUST, to ensure a conducive learning environment for students,” stated the Chief Guest.
Dr. Sitienei pointed out that the University Council is committed and determined to ensure that the University is run in a professional, structured way and in alignment with global best practice. “The MMUST Council exercises control over the strategic direction of the University through an effective planning process, and ensures that the performance of the University is assessed adequately against the objectives that it has approved. In order to achieve this, we continuously strive to reengineer our processes and procedures to enhance service delivery to our internal and external clients,” she remarked. She added that MMUST had many students graduating in a variety of disciplines, including the first cohort of medical doctors.
Dr. Pamela Sitienei gives her speech during the ceremony.
“I thank the President of the Republic of Kenya H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto as well as the Ministry of Education represented here by Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, for their commitment towards supporting infrastructural development at MMUST. This support has contributed to our progress and the success of our students,” said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. He added, “we are proud today to graduate twelve Medical Doctors, which is a historical milestone for MMUST. This achievement underscores our commitment to producing highly skilled professionals, who will significantly contribute to the healthcare system in the Country.”
The event was also attended by the MMUST Council members, members of the MMUST Management Board, and MMUST Deputy Vice Chancellors (Administration and Finance)-Prof. John Kuria Thuo, (Academic and Student Affairs)-Prof. Hussein Golicha and (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Charles Mutai. Union Officials, Alumni and Student Leaders were also in attendance.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai (left), at the event. With him is the Principal Secretary-State Department for Cooperatives, Hon. Patrick Kiburi Kilemi.
In an interview with the Nation Media team, Prof. Mutai revealed that the University has done very well in research this year, and gone on to win funding to the tune of Kshs. 665 million, as well as an award of Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP). On their part, Prof. Golicha and Prof. Thuo reiterated that MMUST has had significant achievements in 2024.
The 21st graduation ceremony was indeed a historical occasion with many ‘firsts’; graduating the first cohort of Medical Doctors, attracting the highest amount of funding for research from international funders and clinching the GFGP award. Certainly, MMUST is the University to watch, not only in the region, but also in the entire continent.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
