MMUST Establishes a Lactation and Childcare Centre to Support Student Mothers and Promote Inclusive Learning

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has established a Lactation and Childcare Center, a strategic project aimed at creating a more inclusive, supportive and family-friendly learning environment for student mothers and staff with young children. The Centre was officially opened on 3^rd November, 2026 by the First Lady of the County Government of Kakamega, Prof. Janet Kassilly Barasa, alongside the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. The opening ceremony, which also saw the launch of the Kakamega County Care Policy, brought together project partners including Kidogo for Early Years, the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) and World University Service of Canada (WUSC-EUMC). The Centre is domiciled in MMUST’s Directorate of AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming and is steered by a committee comprising the Director, Prof. Benedict Alala, Prof. Charles Tibbs, Prof. Robert Egessa, Dr. Rose Opiyo, Dr. Bill Ouda and Dr. Reuben Rutto. The committee provides oversight and coordination towards the successful implementation and sustainability of the initiative.

Participants display the newly-launched Kakamega County Care Policy.

In her remarks, Prof. Kassilly, who is the visionary behind the lactation and childcare centre project, appreciated the partners for their invaluable support towards the establishment of the facility. Noting that such collaborations play a critical role in promoting the health and wellbeing of mothers and children, she stated that as the First Lady, one of her key responsibilities is to champion and advocate for maternal and child health, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments for mothers.

Prof. Shibairo and Prof. Kassilly with a section of student mothers at the launch.

“Having worked as a Professor at MMUST, I have firsthand experience of the challenges student mothers face in balancing their academic responsibilities with childcare. I understand the realities they go through, and that is why this initiative is particularly important. I commend the University Management for embracing this initiative, which is a significant step towards addressing the needs of breastfeeding mothers within the University community. I encourage young mothers to prioritize their education and personal growth even as they embrace motherhood. As I always say, ‘Mmoja ametosha. Yule mwingine apatikane baada ya shahada.’ Let us complete our studies and achieve our academic goals before thinking of expanding our families,” said Prof. Kassilly.

The unveiling of the Kakamega County Care Policy at MMUST.

According to the first lady, the Kakamega County Care Policy provides a key framework that will guide the operation of the Centre and strengthen the provision of quality, accessible and responsive childcare services. The policy provides a structured approach to nurturing safe, inclusive and child-friendly care environments while promoting continuous professional development for caregivers. Through the policy, caregivers will benefit from ongoing training in critical areas, including child development, responsible caregiving, child safeguarding, first aid, nutrition, disability inclusion and psychosocial support. This will enhance the quality of care provided while ensuring that children’s developmental, emotional and physical needs are adequately addressed.

Prof. Shibairo addresses participants at the event.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, expressed delight at the establishment of the Lactation and Childcare Center, describing it as a landmark milestone in MMUST’s commitment to supporting student mothers, empowering women and promoting child well-being. Recognizing that higher education studies often coincide with reproductive years, he emphasized that this centre bridges a critical gap to ensure inclusive learning. “MMUST is dedicated to community engagement and women’s empowerment across academic, leadership and professional spaces. Motherhood should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s career, education or life goals,” said Prof. Shibairo.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho, commended the collaboration behind the initiative, noting, “As we celebrate this milestone, we must remember that the success of a facility is not determined by its unveiling, but by the services it provides over time and the difference it makes in people’s lives.” To ensure lasting impact, Prof. Ngacho stressed that the Centre must remain functional, adequately supported and responsive to the needs of its users.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho, at the event.

Commenting on the launch, Prof. Benedict Alala noted that the initiative is set to transform the lives of young mothers by providing a supportive environment that enables them to balance their academic and professional responsibilities with childcare. He emphasized that the lactation room will empower mothers to continue pursuing their goals while ensuring their children’s wellbeing and care.

Prof. Benedict Alala gives his remarks at the ceremony.

Presenting the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Management Framework for the Centre, Dr. Rose Opiyo emphasized the importance of establishing clear operational guidelines to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable and high-quality childcare services. She noted that the SOPs would provide a structured approach to the day-to-day management of the facility, promote accountability among caregivers and ensure adherence to established child protection, health, safety and quality standards. She further underscored the need for continuous monitoring, evaluation and professional development of caregivers to maintain high standards of service delivery and ensure that children receive quality, nurturing and developmentally appropriate care. “Beyond supporting student mothers, the facility is expected to contribute to improved staff welfare, promote gender equality and strengthen the University’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where parenthood does not become a barrier to education, professional development or career advancement,” stated Dr. Opiyo.

Dr. Rose Opiyo presents at the event.

The initiative is particularly significant for student mothers, who often face the difficult task of balancing academic responsibilities with childcare and breastfeeding. By providing a safe and supportive space for breastfeeding, lactation and early childhood care, the Centre will enable student mothers to attend lectures, participate in academic activities, undertake research and pursue their studies with greater confidence and peace of mind. Far from promoting early parenthood, the Centre is designed to provide critical support to existing student mothers, enabling them to overcome challenges and successfully navigate their education and career pathways.

By Linet Owuor and Wangari Wambugu

Photos by Shiundu Masafu and Herald Fedha