Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, and Lubao FM are set to sign a Collaborative Agreement in an effort to formalize their longstanding working relationship. On Thursday, 23rd January, 2025, delegates from the radio station, led by the Chief Executive Officer and Founder-Mr. Fredrick Witaba, paid a courtesy call to the Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL) to discuss the areas of collaboration. Mr. Witaba was accompanied by the Director of Programmes and Operations-Mr. Charles Oduor and the Director of Finance and Human Resource-Mr. Stephen Shisia.
“As a University, we are happy to partner with organizations in our areas of focus such as career development, consultancy, research and community outreach. We have been working with Lubao FM for quite some time and are looking forward to formalizing this relationship,” stated the Director-DIAL, Dr. Umulkher Ali.
The Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages hosts Lubao FM delegates to discuss areas of collaboration.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Witaba pointed out that Lubao FM is a reputable well established media organization that can benefit the University through its various programmes. “Lubao FM was launched in 2018 but before that, it was an online radio station which was established in 2016. We have performed very well and have scooped ten awards at the national level,” he added.
Commenting on the suitability of Lubao FM as a media partner, the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM)-Dr. Lydia Anyonje stated that the University is ready and willing to partner with the station in a number of activities and projects that have mutual benefits for both entities. “We are ready to avail our research experts and professors in diverse disciplines to feature in your programmes. We are eager to partner with you in many other areas including resource sharing, publicity and advertisement as well as CSR activities. Let us hit the ground running and never look back,” remarked Dr. Anyonje.
CEO and Founder of Lubao FM-Mr. Fredrick Witaba (left) with the Director of Programmes and Operations-Mr. Charles Oduor during the meeting.
“MMUST students have been undertaking their industrial attachment at Lubao FM. So far, over 47 students from this University have been provided with different levels of training and we are open to receiving more of them,” said Mr. Oduor. Similarly, Mr. Shisia stated that some of the students have already secured employment at Lubao FM, adding that 103.9 MMUST FM can benefit through exchange programs.
In his remarks, the Marketing Officer, Mr. James Muriithi, reiterated that Lubao FM is a reputable radio station that broadcasts in real-time. “The programmes that you host are very beneficial to the community and I urge both parties to make the Agreement active once formalized,” he said.
Mr. James Muriithi and Mr. Charles Oduor share a light moment at DIAL.
Other MMUST staff present during the discussions were; Ms. Marvin Wangatiah, Mr. Dorine Ambetsa and Ms. Whitney Kahiga.
Indeed, the partnership between MMUST and Lubao FM has been long overdue. It is a collaboration that has potential to not only upscale the visibility of the University but also transform the programming activities and fortunes of Lubao FM
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
