MMUST team at Kisumu hotel during the Strategic Plan Review Workshop.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has carried out Strategic Plan Review for 2022/2023 to 2026/2027, geared towards charting out the roadmap on which the institution will be anchored for the next five years. The well attended workshop, which was organized by the Division of Planning, Research and Innovation, through the office of Registrar, Planning, Research and Innovation, involved close to 80 participants from diverse departments in the University. The two- day workshop that was conducted from Thursday 19th to Friday, 20th January, 2023, was officially opened by MMUST’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

The participants of this important workshop, who were drawn from various departments, directorates and sections, were taken through the Strategic Plan’s historical background, the key fundamental issues, situational analysis as well as the key result areas and implementation framework. The facilitators included Prof. Alice Ndiema, Prof. Judah Ndiku, Prof. Robert Egessa, and Dr. Dishon Wanjere.

Speaking at the workshop, Prof. Solomon Shibairo stressed on the need to leverage on ICT by infusing it in all our programs and processes in the University. He pointed out that during this period, MMUST, must align its plans with the 5 pillars underpinning the operations of the current government, which are: Agriculture, Healthcare, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy, Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy , Housing and Settlement.

Prof. Solomon Shibairo following proceedings during the Strategic Plan Review workshop in Kisumu Hotel.

“Let us invest in unique programmes such as Biomechanics, Mechatronics and Gold Mining. We must take advantage of our networks and linkages to steer the development of our University development projects such as the Student Centre, Senior Common Room, and the 10,000 units promised by Kenya’s President, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto. However, we should not over- rely on the government for funding. Instead, every University must look for alternative sources of income. That is why MMUST established the Chancellor’s Endowment Fund,” stated the Vice Chancellor.

The Registrar, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof Alice Ndiema presenting during the Strategic Plan Review Workshop in Kisumu.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai, whose Division is steering the review process, revealed that the drafting of this Strategic Plan started in July 2022 by a team of experts from the University and that this Workshop was organized to allow interrogation of the document by stakeholders and heads of various sections for purposes of ownership and quality.

Reiterating the importance of specifying what is to be delivered by the Strategic Plan, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance- Prof. Kuria Thuo as well as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs- Prof. Hussein Golicha encouraged participants to ensure that their areas are clearly stipulated in the document so that implementation is straight forward and guaranteed.

“The key success factors for all Strategic Plans is implementation. Culture eats Strategy for breakfast. This means that the manner in which the implementation is done informs whether or not the objectives of the Strategic Plan will be achieved,” advised Prof. Thuo.

The 2022/2023 - 2026/2027 Strategic Plan Review Workshop was spearheaded by Prof. Charles Mutai. Other members of the Stategic Plan Committee were: Prof. Alice Ndiema, Prof. Judah Ndiku, Prof. Robert Egessa, Dr. Dishon Wanjere, Mr. Antony Sang, Dr. Eglay Tsuma, Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Dr. Catherine Aurah, Dr. Immaculate Ayodo, CPA Elkanah Kinyor, Ms. Irene Aluku, Mr. Jeffry Miima, Mr. Canon Odhiambo and Mr. Shiundu W. Masafu. Other critical members involved in the organization of the Strategic Plan Review Workshop included Ms. Florence Ogwang, and Mr. Eick Wendo.

Chairman UASU, Dr. Jairus Odawa discusses a point during the workshop
The Strategic Plan will support the positive transformation of the University’s operations and procedures in addition to providing strategic direction for this period. As the workshop came to a close today, it was clear that the gist of the Strategic Plan is to re-engineer the University’s programs and processes in tandem with the evolving dynamics in the global higher education sector. This robust Strategic Plan has the potential to catapult MMUST into the realm of higher education giants.

By Lydia Anyonje and Shiundu Masafu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu 

MMUST-University of Nottingham teams pose for a group photo at the DIAL office.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has hosted a delegation from the University of Nottingham, UK, to explore possible areas of collaboration in healthcare education. The team, which comprised of Prof. Yash Mahida, a professor of Medicine, and the Senior Global Engagement Manager at the University of Nottingham, Mr. Joshua Hawkins, visited MMUST on Thursday, 19^th January, 2023, courtesy of the Kenya-UK Health Alliance.

The visitors were received by Dr. Rose Opiyo, who was standing in for the Director, International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Catherine Aura. “This collaboration will have a huge impact on not only the School of Medicine, but also other faculties within the University, as well as the community and the Lake Region Economic Block,” stated Dr. Opiyo.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Yash noted that his University was interested in understanding MMUST’s School of Medicine, by familiarizing with its programmes, activities, inspirations and plans on its areas of interest to enable development of a mutually beneficial collaboration between the two institutions.

Prof. Yash Mahida gives a presentation during the MMUST-University of Nottingham meeting.

“At Nottingham, there is significant interest in Basic Science, particularly infectious diseases, expertise in molecular microbiology, parasitology including malaria, antimicrobial stewardship, Hepatitis C&B, clinical aspects of pneumonia and COVID-19,” stated the Professor of Medicine. Additionally, he briefed the meeting of the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre which receives a stream of funding for Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, where the areas of strength are: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Gastrointestinal & Liver, Hearing, Mental Health & Technology; Musculoskeletal, Surgery, Inflammation & Recovery; Respiratory Medicine, Informatics and COVID-19.

The University of Nottingham team also revealed that the advancement of technology in the medical sector has resulted in great improvement of health for patients with common diseases. This paved way to a discussion on the challenges faced in the Kenyan healthcare system, which despite having adequate infrastructure and human resource, does not provide excellent services. Prof. Yash noted that the UK faces challenges as well, and added that it is important for Kenya to understand its problems in order to identify gaps for intervention.

MMUST-University of Nottingham teams discuss at the DIAL office.

MMUST’s School of Medicine team also had the opportunity to share some of its ongoing research, citing their achievements, challenges and areas of interest.

In harmony, the two (2) institutions proposed for inclusion of exchange programmes between staff and students, clinical elective exchange programs for students, online seminars for both students and staff, introduction of virtual collaborative courses in the form of short courses that will target the identified gaps with regards to skills and expertise, after which the learners will be issued with transcripts and certificates that will allow them to practice internationally.   

Notably, the group also held discussions and proposed to undertake collaborative research, joint review of publications with a view of how to expand the scope of citation matrix that will enable them secure funding when opportunities arise.

University of Nottingham’s Mr. Joshua Hawkins gives a presentation during the meeting.

Interestingly, the team from MMUST sought the opinion of Prof. Yash regarding the use of traditional herbal medicine. This triggered conversation among the participants who confirmed that herbal medicine has been commonly used over the years for treatment, prevention of diseases and health promotion as well as for enhancing quality of life. They however agreed that despite this adoption, there is need to keenly look into issues of lack of research data, education and training, information, safety monitoring upon use, and methods to evaluate their safety and efficacy.

The Kenya-UK Health Alliance is a collaboration between the Governments of Kenya and the UK, which aims to uplift the standard of healthcare in Kenya, through research, workforce training and education of healthcare professionals, initially focusing on improving cancer outcomes through early detection, rapid diagnosis and the delivery of high-quality care. Certainly, this alliance will power up MMUST’s national and international networks, thereby improving the quality of training in this sector.

Other participants from MMUST included; Ag. Dean School of Medicine, Dr. Iddah Ali, Professor of Medicine, Prof. James Aggrey Oloo, adjunct lecturers Department of Medical Physiology, Dr. Henry Nyongesa and Dr. Sarah Okiya, who is also an anaesthesiologist at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital, and the Ag. Director Corporate Communications and Marketing, Prof. Stanley Omuterema.

By Caren Nekesa

Photos by Wangari Wambugu

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology today, 19^th January 2023, begun a two-day Strategic Plan Review Workshop geared towards charting out the roadmap on which the institution will be anchored for the next five years, from 2022/2023 to 2026/2027. The Strategic Plan will support the positive transformation of the University’s operations and procedures in addition to providing strategic direction for this period.

The well attended workshop was organized by the Division of Planning, Research and Innovation through the office of Registrar, Planning Research and Innovation, led by Prof. Charles Mutai and Prof. Alice Ndiema. It will go on up to Friday, 20^th January, 2023.

Attached, please find photos of the event.

Dr. Anthony Sifuna making a presentation at the seminar.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the University of Pretoria, on 18^th January 2023, conducted a seminar on ‘Application of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Tools in Detection, Monitoring, and Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens’. This collaborative effort steered by a lecturer from the Department of Medical Biochemistry- Dr. Anthony Sifuna, is aimed at investigating the surgical site infection at the Kakamega County General Hospital.

The seminar encompassed keynote addresses from Prof. Martin Welch from the University of Cambridge and Prof. Reva Oleg - from the University of Pretoria. The other presentations included ‘Genomic Analysis of S. aureus reveals hospital transmission of ST 152 at a referral hospital in Western Kenya’ – Mr. Nick Mogoi, ‘Potent antimicrobial plant compounds against MRSA bacteria’- Dr. Nicholus Kogo and ‘Surgical site P. aeruginosa infection at a referral hospital in Western Kenya’ by Ms. Sara Kindiki.

Prof. Martin Welch - the University of Cambridge giving a keynote address during the seminar.

Giving a presentation on ‘The need for better diagnostics for environmental pathogen detection’, Dr. Sifuna pointed out that the environment plays a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases adding that there is a need to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of infectious disease agents in the environment.

This collaboration also involves a student exchange program that has seen Mr. Mogoi visit the University of Pretoria to upgrade his skills in Bioinformatics. Similarly, Ms. Kindiki is set to travel to the University of Cambridge to sharpen her skills in Laboratory Analysis.

A section of the seminar participants keenly following the presentations of the seminar.

The other key personalities present at the seminar included, the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala, the Dean School of Natural Sciences- Dr. Joseph Owino, and Prof. Stanley Omuterema. Building international partnerships is a contemporary approach that fortifies the education industry and helps in shaping the future of students.

The DVC, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai (center seated) together with the MMUST team and the Paramedical Sciences students from the University of Oulu.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is hosting Paramedical Sciences students from the University of Oulu- Finland, courtesy of the Erasmus Plus Exchange Programme. This five-year exchange program which kicked off on 18^th January 2023, will expose staff and students of Paramedical Sciences and Nursing to diverse teaching and learning environment. It will also enhance their skills to maximize and improve patient outcomes. The team led by the Chairperson of the Department of Paramedical Science, Dr. Tecla Sum, and Dr. Markus Kartttunen, paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai.

Speaking during the courtesy call, Prof. Mutai expressed his delight towards the program stating that international exchange does not only increase the students' chances of employability but also helps them gain skills required in the job market.

“Not only do students get to experience travel to other countries through such programs. Those who participate in student exchange programs exhibit higher degrees of awareness, acceptance for cultural diversity, and an increase in their cultural capital,” stated Prof. Mutai.

The MMUST team and a team from the University of Oulu during a courtesy call to the DVC, Planning Research and Innovation office.

Dr. Sum noted that this is the first batch of students for this program and they will be at MMUST for three (3) months. Further, she added that MMUST students are set to travel to Finland for the exchange program in August 2023. Dr. Sum is also a post-doctoral student in Trauma and Emergency Medicine at the University of Oulu.

The other members of the Erasmus Plus Exchange Programme at MMUST include Prof. Lt. Col (Rtd) John Okoth, Prof. Gladys Mengich, Prof. Mary Kipmerewo, Dr. Millicent Ambetsa, Dr. Damaris Ochanda, Mr. John Arudo, Ms. Dinah Okwiri, and Mr. Simon Ogana.

Certainly, such programs allow staff and students to respond to the changing demands of the global labor market and society at large, which requires both educators and students to acquire updated skills and knowledge.

 By Linet Owuor

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai addressing participants during the meeting.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is set to partner with the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) to restore the degraded sections of the Kakamega Forest. This was revealed today, 17^th January 2023, during a bilateral meeting steered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai with a team from NETFUND. The project will be launched in February, 2023.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Mutai acknowledged that MMUST is ready to partner with NETFUND in the noble exercise of rehabilitating the Kakamega Forest.

“This partnership will contribute to stimulating investment and policy initiatives that promote the Green Economy in Kenya.  Greening initiative is our area of interest. MMUST has diverse expertise that will aid the conservation of the forest. It is our mandate as a University to improve the livelihoods of the community,” stated Prof. Mutai.

Concurring with Prof. Mutai, the Associate Professor of Applied Environmental Science (Industrial Pollution Management), Prof. Stanley Omuterema noted that the collaboration will enable the conservation of endangered medicinal species which will be done through the establishment of tree nurseries. Prof. Omuterema was representing the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing.

Prof. Stanley Omuterema (speaking) and the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala during the meeting.

Additionally, the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala reiterated that there is a need to conserve the forest to curb the threat of losing the indigenous forest resources and leaving the land susceptible to erosion. He added that MMUST is ready to partner with NETFUND in matters of research.

Presenting a brief of the partnership dubbed ‘Kakamega Forest Conservation and Fencing Project’, Ms. Gloria Makau from NETFUND stated that this is a systematic way to restore degraded areas and urged partners to come on board for this initiative.

“National Environment Trust Fund intends to mobilize resources to fence the remaining 102 km by engaging stakeholders to seek their support. NETFUND will be organizing tree-planting activities together with the Community Forest Association within the forest. The seedlings will be procured from the communities around to support their economic livelihoods. This will create a system that is not dependable to the forest,” she highlighted.

NETFUND- Ms. Gloria Makau explains a point during the meeting.

Notably, the other members of NETFUND present included; Mr. Benson Kirorei and Mr. Daniel Odongo. Ms. Makau.

The Kakamega Forest is under threat due to pressure on forest resources from adjacent communities to supplement their livelihoods. This project seeks to enhance the conservation and management of the Kakamega. It will also spur ecotourism development that supports the social economic growth of the region.

By Linet Owuor

The team from the University of Hamburg together with the MMUST team after the discussions.

A team of researchers from the Centre for Earth System Research and Sustainability, University of Hamburg- Germany, has today, 10 January, 2023, visited MMUST in a bid to conduct a collaborative research on the biosphere of Mt. Elgon. They included; Project Coordinator, Department of Geography, Mr. Simon Strobelt, Ms. Michele Von Kocemba and a student, Mr. William Vargas.

The study will involve a baseline survey on human conflicts as well as how nature is conserved on Mt. Elgon and the data will be taken to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for analysis. The event which was presided over by the DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai, was organized by the School of Education (SEDU) led by the Dean, Prof. Moses Poipoi.

The DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai addressing participants at the event.

Expressing his delight, Prof. Mutai pointed out that MMUST is keen on conducting research that is geared towards changing the lives of the community. Adding that research is part of the University’s mandate, he revealed that MMUST is committed to supporting research and that there are a good number of ongoing projects. Of these, about ten (10) have won lucrative grants internationally.

“Geography is a unique area where we need to train many people. We have the same interest in this area of research and selecting Mt. Elgon as an area of study will definitely cause diversity in research. This will improve the social health system of the community through indigenous medicine which is boosting the medical healthcare sector in addressing various health complications,” stated Prof. Mutai.

The Dean, School of Education, Prof. Moses Poipoi making a point during the visit.

Prof. Poipoi acknowledged that the study will document the contribution of relevant bodies, challenges faced and solutions needed to support nature conservancy. He noted that the research will impact the community through outreach activities in training them on environmental conservation.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the University of Hamburg in terms of research and exchange programmes as we look forward to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),” said Prof. Poipoi.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Strobelt acknowledged that the University has been supportive and open-minded in professional experience. “We have a common interest in nature conservation and this will enable long term cooperation as we interact in the field of research. We have a lot to learn. Let us come together and construct knowledge,” he urged.

The project coordinator, Department of Geography, University of Hamburg, Mr. Simon Strobelt explaining a point during the visit.

Present at the event were; the Registrar, PRI- Prof. Alice Ndiema, Associate Dean, SEDU- Prof. Kennedy Bota, CoD Geography- Dr. Nalyanya Wasike, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Planning and Management, Dr. Paul Ogenga, and a student of Geography, Mr. James Kimutai who will be conducting research with the team which will be around for three (3) weeks.

Indeed, this will impact conservation of land and water on which all life depends. The research will create a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

By Verna Awuor
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu

MMUST Chaplaincy during the event.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has today, 22^nd December 2022 marked the annual Staff End of Year Prayer Day to give thanks to God for his blessings and grace throughout the year. The event, which took place at the graduation square, involved all MMUST staff, including the top Management.

Speaking during the prayer day, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo stated that although the University has experienced a few challenges, MMUST staff has remained resilient. “We thank God because he has enabled us to run the University this far despite the challenges. I assure you that the Management is committed to addressing all problems facing the University, especially those relating to staff welfare,” said Prof. Shibairo.

A section of the Management during the prayer day.

“The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us,” quoted the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo while giving his remarks during the event. He advised the staff to be thankful to God at all times and asked them to pray for people in leadership positions. “Since the beginning of the year, we have improved as a University and we pray that we continue growing,” he added.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, reiterated that each individual at MMUST has a lot to thank God for. On the other hand, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, appreciated the good work that all MMUST staff has put in, to enable the University achieve its vision. “We value your efforts and commitment to serving this institution. I urge you to continue with the same so that we can attain our goal,” said. Prof. Mutai.

A section of MMUST staff sings a hymn during the sermon.

Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya, while speaking to the congregation, pointed out that some of the things that the staff should be grateful for include; life, peaceful elections and transition of power, as well as surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga, who gave the sermon, emphasized the need to be grateful to God, saying that He has been present throughout the year.

The University Unions, UASU, KUSU and KUDHEIHA requested for better work conditions for the staff in their respective categories. Dr. Bernard Omogo, Mr. Gregory Lidzanga and Mr. Victor Amasese represented the three Unions respectively. The Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Ombui Motari, also represented the MMUSO Student Executive Council.