MMUST’s Department of Physics Receives Virtual Arm Equipment Worth Kshs. 5.4 Million From Stem Power Inc. Massachusettes, USA

MMUST’s Department of Physics on Friday, 7^th October, 2022, received assorted Virtual Arm equipment worth Kshs. 5.4 million from STEM Power Inc. Massachusetts, USA. The equipment, earmarked for virtual computer and electronics laboratories, was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, and Dean, School of Natural Sciences (SONAS), Dr. Joseph Owino. The Chairman- Department of Physics, Dr. Maxwell Mageto and Senior Lecturer of Physics, Dr. Francis Gaitho were also present during the handover of the equipment. The donation will boost Science learning in the University.

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management Equips MMUST Procurement Team With Essential Skills

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) equips the MMUST Procurement team with essential skills related to the field. This was evident on Monday, 3^rd October, 2022, when the KISM team led by the Chairman, Mr. John Karani paid a courtesy call to the Department with the purpose of addressing the University procurement team on ‘Procurement Professionalism, Challenges Faced by the Team and Collaboration amongst the Practitioners.’ The event was held at ABA 208 in tandem with section 4 of the Supplies Practitioners’ Management Act no. 17 of 2007 (revised 2012) of the laws of Kenya. This was presided over by Procurement Officer II, Mr. Peter Maina who was representing the Procurement Officer, Ms. Scarlet Kavaya.

MMUST Shines in Co-curricular Activities as It Emerges the Best Overall at the 94th Kenya National Music Festival and Bags Other 13 Trophies in Sports

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), has shined in co-curricular activities as it emerged as the best overall at the 94^th Kenya National Music Festival, 2022. This remarkable performance was awarded by the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua. Similarly, MMUST sportsmen and women scooped a total of thirteen (13) trophies during the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) National Ball games held in Taita Taveta University and Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) Western Conference Games played at Kisii University.

Dr. Rose Opiyo Tackles Child Protection, Safety and Disability Inclusion as She Conducts Another Training Phase to Caregivers

The IHELP Principal Investigator, Dr. Rose Opiyo tackled key aspects of Child Protection and Safety as well as Disability Inclusion as she conducted a two-day extensive training for caregivers. This training was held on 28^th and 29^th September 2022 at Cardinal Center which is one of the four IHELP centers that have been established in Ikolomani Sub-County. The training facilitators were Nutrition Expert, Ms. Martina Adega and the project’s Consultant in matters of Inclusive Education, Dr. Elizabeth Mabele.

MMUST Showcases Spectacular Innovations During the 2022 Nairobi Agricultural Show

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology showcased spectacular innovations in this year’s Nairobi Agricultural show, hosted at Jamhuri grounds in Nairobi County from 26^th September, 2022 to 2^nd October, 2022. The MMUST team was led by Dr. Mary Kariaga, the Chairperson, Department of Agri-Business Management and Dr. Rose Onamu, Chair of Department of Agriculture Land Use Management (ALUM), from the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Technology.

MMUST’s Mathematics and Statistics Students Association Should Take Lead in Demystifying and Popularizing Mathematics, Says Prof. George Lawi

The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Mathematics and Statistics Students Association (MSSA) has been urged to lead by example with regard to demystifying mathematics as well as popularizing the subject. This was during the Association’s leadership handover ceremony which took place yesterday, 29^th September, 2022. The ceremony was officiated by the group’s patron, Dr. Annette W. Okoth.

Speaking during the event, Prof. George O. Lawi, who was representing the Dean School of Natural Sciences (SONAS), Dr. Joseph Owino, stated that MSSA members should take lead in demystifying mathematics and popularizing the subject. “Math is applied in nearly all disciplines and therefore mathematicians should be at the forefront of driving change in society,” said Prof. Lawi. Subsequently, he emphasized on the aspect of networking, saying that students should use the Association to find opportunities.

Prof. George Lawi gives his remarks during the ceremony.

Dr. Okoth urged the new leadership to serve with integrity and to work together for the growth of the Association. “Plans are underway to formally launch MSSA. We are also in the process of preparing the constitution, followed by the strategic plan,” she stated. Further, the lecturer of statistics (Department of Mathematics) reiterated that students should use the group as a platform for networking and assured the Association of the Department’s support.

“Statistics and mathematics are very critical in our daily lives. As a Department, we are here to guide and mentor you so that you become change makers,” said senior lecturer of mathematics, Dr. Michael Ojiema, who was also representing the Chairperson of the Mathematics Department, Dr. Achilles Simiyu.

A section of the students follows keenly during the handover ceremony.

Mr. Robert Keli, an assistant lecturer, said that he was grateful that the Department houses such a significant group. Mr. Keli advised the students to go out of their way to expand knowledge. “I always insist that students should take advantage of the free internet and materials that have been provided by the University to access knowledge,” he stated, adding that there is a need for MSSA members to be aggressive in marketing the Association.

Other members of MMUST staff present during the handover ceremony were; Dr. Mbete A. Drinold, Dr. Frankline Tireito, Dr. Wanambisi Aldrin, Ms. Mary Okombo and Mr. Charles Wachira.

By Mary Wangari Wambugu and Verna Kungu 

Photos by Mary Wangari Wambugu

MMUST’s Department Of Language And Literature Education Staff And Students Participate In Leverhulme Trust-Funded Research Project

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s staff and students from the Department of Language and Literature Education (LLE) have taken part in a Leverhulme Trust-funded research project which seeks to explore grammatical variation in the Swahili language. On Wednesday, 28^th September, 2022, the LLE Department hosted the project’s research assistants for a seminar at the University, where they interviewed a selected number of MMUST students. The assistants were Mr. Tom Jelpke of the University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies-SOAS), and Ms. Merceline Ochieng and Ms. Annah Kariuki of Kenyatta University.

Deutsche Welle Project Manager, Dr. Almuth Schellpeper’s Visit to MMMUST FM Set to Strengthen MMUST FM - DW Collaboration

Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie Project Manager, Dr. Almuth Schellpeper’s visit to 103.9 MMUST FM is set to strengthen collaboration between MMUST FM and DW Akademie. This was revealed during her visit on Tuesday, 27th September, 2022.  The joint meeting organized by the MMUST FM studio supervisor, Ms. Lilian Mukoche, took place at the DVC Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai’s office followed by an interactive session with the station presenters at ECA 101. The two media stations have had a productive collaboration and linkages in offering support to staff and students as well as donation of crucial equipment.