A team from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), led by Prof. Robert Egessa, the director of career services, recently embarked on a career education tour. The initiative aimed to provide career guidance to students while simultaneously promoting the University’s diverse academic programs. The team visited Sigalame High School, St. Stephen’s Lwanya Girls in Busia County, and St. Benedict’s Konya Secondary School in Siaya County.

MMUST team at Benedict’s Konya Secondary School.

The team comprised staff from Career Services and the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing including Ms. Eveline Omungala, Ms. Marcella Nandi, Mr. James Muriithi- Marketing Officer, Ms. Terry Wanjau, Mr. Owino Ooko and Mr. Ken Kathukumi from the office of DVC ASA.  This initiative is designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about their academic and career paths. They engaged the students on various career options, subjects that lead to various careers, KUCCPS subject clusters, and their calculations that determine University placements.

A section of form four students from St. Stephen’s Lwanya Girls at the Career Education event.

“Understanding the career options available and aligning them with academic strengths is crucial for students, especially at this stage of their education,” said Prof. Egessa. “Our visit is not just about promoting our programs; it is about informing students of global and regional trends in the world of work, the vast opportunities that exist, and how university education can shape their futures.”

The Director of Career Services- Prof. Robert Egessa addressing students at the Konya Secondary School.

The sessions included interactive discussions on subjects. Students were encouraged to ask questions, seek advice, and learn about the variety of degree, diploma, and certificate programs offered at MMUST. In addition, the team highlighted the significance of skills development, internships, and practical experience as part of the holistic education offered at the institution.

The Marketing Officer- Mr. Muriithi encouraged the students to strive for excellence, noting that MMUST’s doors are open to those who are committed to making a positive impact in society. He also assured students of the university’s support in helping them navigate their career choices.

 A section of Konya Secondary School students following presentations at the event.

The significance of peer inclusion in career education cannot be over-emphasized. It fosters a collaborative and inclusive session that benefits all students by making career exploration more engaging, personalized, relatable, and accessible. MMUST’s career education program utilizes this strategy. Ms. Mary Waithera, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery, and Mr. Evans Omondi a fourth-year student of Engineering played a significant role in mentoring the students by sharing their success stories, and life experiences at MMUST and navigating career barriers.  Such engagements are a great motivation for secondary school students and keep them optimistic and focused. The program also involved alumni from the respective schools who are currently students at MMUST pursuing various programs. They included Mr. Daniel Odongo (Statistics IT-Konya Sec Sch), Mr. Rodgers Omondi (Agriculture and Extension-Konya Sec Sch), Mr. Emmanuel Wando (Education Science- Konya Sec Sch), and Mr. Anthony Ocholla (Medicine and Surgery from Sigalame High School, whose success stories served as a great motivation to their peers.

A section of Students from Sigalame Boys High School at the event.

Attesting to the impact of the program, Mr. Bwire Wanyama- Career Master, the Deputy Principal - Mr.  Patrick Aderi from Sigalame Boys High School, and the Deputy Principal- Konya Secondary School, Mr. Oscar Shinyala, applauded MMUST for providing their students with the opportunity to learn about the different career paths and guiding them to make more informed decisions about their future. Similarly, the Director of Studies at Lwanya Girls- Mr. Michael Odipo appreciated the guidance given to his students, especially on issues related to weighted mean calculations that determine KUCCPS placement, emphasis on STEM subjects, and how they affect career choices.

The outreach program is part of MMUST’s broader strategy to engage with communities, especially in rural areas, and to ensure that students across Kenya are informed about the options available for further education. Additionally, this initiative also aims to inspire students to pursue higher education with confidence, emphasizing the importance of university education as a stepping stone to achieving long-term career goals.

As part of the University’s outreach activities, MMUST plans to extend this career education program to more schools across the region, to actualize its mission of empowering students and promoting higher education opportunities.

By Linet Owuor