The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (seated) together with the newly elected Deans; Dr. Anthony Sifuna and Dr. Rose Auma.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, has today, Tuesday, 5th March 2024 sworn in the newly elected Deans from the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS) and School of Medicine (SOM). The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Deans; Dr. Rose Auma and Dr. Anthony Sifuna took place at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The oath of office was administered by MMUST’s Senior Legal Officer, Mr. Gregory Ombito, and Senior Legal Assistant, Ms. Linda Omenya in the presence of the University Management Board, Deans, and student leaders; MMUSO President- Mr. Allan Ochieng and Secretary General- Mr. Johnpaul Munene. The Vice-Chancellor was flanked by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)- Prof. Charles Mutai, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)- Prof. Hussein Golicha who was also the Returning Officer during the Dean’s election.
The newly elected Dean- SASS Dr. Rose Auma taking the oath of office.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor congratulated the elected officials on their appointments. He underscored the importance of the exercise saying that the newly elected deans have a crucial role in preparing students for graduation and assisting them to navigate the complexities related to student welfare. He encouraged them to acquaint themselves with all University Acts, policies, procedures, and statutes for the proper execution of their mandates.
“You have demonstrated exceptional qualities both academically and professionally to be entrusted with this role. I am confident that you will be dedicated to elevating your respective Schools to even greater heights. I urge you to provide the necessary leadership and you are expected to be accountable and ensure integrity and zero tribalism in your Schools,” stated Prof. Shibairo.
Concurring with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hussein Golicha recognized that the elections were competitive and congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance. He further thanked the electoral board led by Prof. Edwin Wamukoya for working tirelessly to ensure the success of the process, adding that they were able to valiantly handle all the matters arising during the elections.
The newly elected Dean-SOM Dr. Anthony Sifuna taking the oath of office.
“I urge you to embrace servant-leadership and uphold integrity, competence, and transparency while discharging the mandate that has been bestowed upon you,” said Prof. Golicha.
Giving their acceptance speeches, Dr. Auma and Dr. Sifuna thanked members of staff in their Schools for believing in them and entrusting them with the role of providing good leadership.
“I am cognizant of the fact that Medicine is one of the University’s flagship programs. I commit to uphold the standards of SOM and propel it to higher levels,” stressed Dr. Sifuna.
Equally, Dr. Auma noted that during the three years she has been in charge- Dean, SASS has made great strides and the School has grown in terms of student numbers, programs and research.
“As I resume office as the substantive Dean, we shall mount academic programs that are in tandem with the demands of the current job market and Competency Curriculum (CBC),” stated Dr. Auma.
The Union Officials; Dr. Jairus Odawa (Chairperson UASU MMUST Chapter) and Ms. Agnes Amugamwa (KUSU representative) assured the incoming deans that the unions would support them. They encouraged them to leave indelible footprints in their respective sections by the time their tenure will come to an end.
This is an important exercise that exhibits the new leaders' solemn affirmation to diligently discharge duties that appertain to the deanship position.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
