MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno, has commended the initiative aimed at strengthening the Science and Technology base at the University. Speaking after a meeting between University representatives and team members from Computer for Schools Kenya (CFSK), who paid him a courtesy call, the Vice Chancellor noted the need to be practical whem implementing the MMUST-CFSK e-waste Management project.

Prof. Otieno noted that the rate of e-waste disposal in the country has increased tremendously with increased production and importation of electronics into Kenya.

The core team from the University was led by the Director, Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL) Dr. Catherine Aura, who had earlier held a joint collaborative meeting on Tuesday 13th February, 2018 with Computer for Schools Kenya (CFSK) which was focused on addressing issues of electronic waste management and maintenance of ICT equipment. The meeting also resolved to develop a work plan for the implementation of the signed MOU and MOA.

During the courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, the Holder Director CFSK Dr. Tom Musili, observed that there was need to train more people on e-waste management in order to protect the environment.

Other members during the discussion included: Director ICT, Mr. A Waliaro, Mr. Emmanuel Simiyu, Procurement Officer, and MMUST Asset Manager Ms. T. Shisia, Western, Regional Officer Mr. E. Ayiro and the Nyanza Regional Officer, CFSK Mr. J. Muga.

The collaboration aims to set a framework for the launch of an e-waste training programme in Kakamega County with the support of Safaricom and the Kakamega County Government.

As part of updating on European Research Funding opportunities for MMUST Academics and researchers, MOEST has organised for a series of institutional based one day awareness and mobilisation process on the Horizon 2020 program calls.

MMUST was identified a key stakeholder to hold on the upcoming EU's funding schemes on Horizon 2020 and the ERA-Net co-fund calls for proposals.

The MMUST mobilisation is took place  on Friday 9th February, 2018 at the MCU Boardroom.

The aim of these sessions is to inform the participants about Horizon 2020 as a research and funding mechanism and upcoming program calls under the 2018/19 work programme

The Directorate of Postgraduate Students (DPS) in conjunction with the Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Support held the Melting Pot Research Seminar on 26th January, 2018. This was the first Seminar in Melting Pot Series.

While addressing the various scholars and postgraduate students in attendance, the Director DPS, Prof. John Obiri, said that the melting pot seminar will encompass a mixed variety of disciplines, cultures, academic ages, mentors and mentees; who all assimilate into a cohesive whole and enhance the culture of research in the University. For a start, it will be held on a bimonthly basis.

Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Judith Achoka on the other hand emphasized on the need for persistence in research. She urged the students to submit their applications for the National Research Fund (NRF) and the University Research Funding (URF) so as to be supported in their research work.

“The World is promoting inter-multidisciplinary research. We therefore intend to have a publication series on these seminars”, the Chair DPS Board Prof. John Shiundu said.

Prof. Frank K. Matanga, Professor of Political Science in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, SDMHA, commended the new idea of the Melting Pot seminars. He underscored the need to strengthen a research culture since research is the core business of the University. He urged the scholars to emulate the late Prof. Calestous Juma who had numerous publications and was a renowned international scholar.

A mosaic of research work and talks were presented by Prof. John Obiri, Dr. Peter Bukhala, Ms. Lucy Kageha of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Dr. Charles Epari, Dr. Joash Mabonga, Dr. Rose Opiyo and Dr. Umulkher Ali.

The other scholars who graced the occasion were Dr Sabuni, Dr Alala, Dr Okwena, Dr Barasa, Dr Olege, Dr Mugalavai, Dr. Wanambisi amongst many others.

To get the first presentation in this seminar series please click here. To get a deeper review of the proceeding please check for the synopsis at the MMUST digital repository.