Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has been awarded the prestigious gold tier Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) certification, increasing its prospects of attracting global research funding. The award was officially received by the Director of Research and Postgraduate Support (DRPS)-Prof. Francis Orata, in a ceremony that took place at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi on 27th March, 2025. Prof. Orata was accompanied by the Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Umulkher Ali, to the event that drew participants from Kenya, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Somalia, Uganda, Burundi and Ethiopia.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Orata pointed out that the certification, whose process was initiated by his Directorate, will not only enhance the University’s research funding, but also open it up to more collaborations. “I am glad that MMUST has received this recognition, which serves as evidence to potential funders and donors of our prudent grants management,” he stated, emphasizing that most reputable funding organizations require that institutions demonstrate excellent financial practices.
Prof. Orata showcases the MMUST GFGP certificate at the event.
Prof. Orata went on to thank the University Management, led by the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo, for its support in the accreditation process. He also acknowledged the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Peter Bukhala for supporting the establishment of the MMUST Grants Management Office. He did not forget to mention the immediate former DVC (PRI)-Prof. Charles Mutai, as well as the DVC (Administration and Finance)-Prof. John Kuria Thuo, who he said were very instrumental in ensuring that all the necessary documents were prepared, reviewed and presented for the certification process. Other individuals from MMUST that Prof. Orata recognized in his remarks were; the Director of Quality Assurance-Prof. Danstone Lilechi Barasa, the Registrar (PRI)-Dr. Collins Matemba and Dr. Umulkher Ali.
Prof. Orata gives his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony.
He specifically appreciated the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) for sponsoring the entire evaluation process, enabling MMUST to achieve the gold standard tier certification.
With this certification, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has certainly positioned itself in securing international grants as well as partnerships. The University has continued to practice sound financial and grant management, and this award is a testament to this fact.
