Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has once again solidified its reputation as a key player in international academic collaboration through its continued engagement in the European Commission’s Global Mobility Program KA171. The University, in partnership with Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK) in Finland, has successfully sustained a fruitful exchange program that has thrived for thirteen years. Courtesy of this program, a total of 37 students and 16 staff have benefited from the exchange, further strengthening MMUST’s commitment to fostering global academic excellence. Dr. Tecla Sum from MMUST-Kenya and Dr. Markus Karttunen from Finland are the program coordinators of the European Commission Project.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha represented the University management as he led the mobility team comprising of two staff and three students. Commenting on the partnership, Prof. Golicha applauded the team saying that the program has set a transformative platform that not only enhances academic collaboration but also equips participants with the necessary global competencies required in today’s interconnected world.
MMUST team at one of the labs.
Ms. Lucy Kageha, a Tutorial Fellow at the Department of Paramedical Science participated in training international students drawn from over 16 countries across the globe under BSc. Paramedicine and Nursing. She represented staff from Kenya in sharing good clinical practice and Kenya’s experience of a Paramedic expert; ‘Simulation Laboratory training as TOT,’ championing increased quality of teaching, networking and competence development, excellent research and innovation networking. “I would like to thank the University Management for granting me this opportunity to represent my team here in Finland. It was a wonderful experience to visit ‘The SMARTEST’ Hospital in the world where our students gained advanced knowledge and competencies in clinical practice,” she said.
The Erasmus Plus programme covers mobilities in the areas of Innovation, Trauma and Emergency, Research, Nursing and Paramedic education and good clinical practices from Africa’s and Europe’s environment as well as supporting the youth participate in exchange programs and cultural awareness.
MMUST team together with their partners from Oulu University.
The students currently on the three- month Mobility program from 20th February 2025 to 16th May 2025 are Ms. Moraa Joyvon Omari, Mr. Odero Ronald Pecos, and Ms. Kavu Judith Mativo from MMUST, while the students from Oulu University include Lines Luosujarvi, Hannah Kalapudas and Pinja Huuhtanen. The students from Oulu University will be in MMUST until 28th May 2025. Similarly, the staff currently under the mobility program are Prof. Hussein Golicha and Ms. Lucy Kageha from MMUST, and Virpi Makikangas and Dr. Markus Karttunen from Finland.
The team was also privileged to attend the final presentation of Dr. Sum’s post-doctoral research project (Emergency Medicine) at the Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology at University of Oulu. Dr. Sum shared that the mobility program builds experiences and excellent competitive edge for future opportunities for staff and students from both institutions, in addition to reinforcing educational and multicultural knowledge and skills.
MMUST team in Finland.
Kenya’s focus in the national development process is anchored in quality education and improved health care services. As MMUST continues to participate in international exchange programs, the University remains committed to expanding its global footprint through such partnerships to provide its students and staff with opportunities that prepare them for the dynamic global job market.
By Linet Owuor
