Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has taken the lead in training future science leaders, while supporting early and mid-career researchers to increase the impact of their work. From 5th to 7th February, 2025, a selected group of the University’s researchers underwent the MMUST Science Leadership Program (M-SLP) Workshop, which was aimed at empowering them to navigate the complexities of the current research landscape. The three-day Workshop, graced by the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo, was facilitated by MMUST’s Dr. Annette Okoth, University of Nairobi’s Dr. Nkatha Kabira, University of Eldoret’s Dr. Becky Aloo and Dr. Puleng Makhoalibe (South Africa). The mentors were; Dr. Shehu Shagari (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology), Dr. Lucy Mandillah (MMUST) and Dr. Sabellah Kiprono (MMUST).
Prof. Solomon Shibairo gives his remarks at the M-SLP Workshop.
While addressing participants at the event, Prof. Shibairo pointed out that the exercise was a testament to the University’s commitment towards nurturing leadership, innovation as well as research excellence among early and mid-career researchers. “Research and Innovation remain the bedrock of societal development. Impactful research requires not only technical expertise, but also calls for strong leadership, collaboration and the ability to communicate findings effectively. I am glad to note that this program has been designed to develop a critical mass of well-equipped science leaders, who will be able to tackle real-world challenges,” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
Dr. Annette Okoth makes a presentation at the Workshop.
“MMUST is the first University in Kenya to conduct this kind of a project, which operates under the umbrella of the Africa Science Leadership Program (ASLP), domiciled at the University of Pretoria-South Africa. This program is targeting not just early career researchers, but people in management and administrative positions to help us turn our ideas into transformative research,” stated Dr. Okoth. She emphasized that early career researchers are the next big thing, adding that this initiative will without doubt change the narrative in terms of developing solutions for Africa by Africans. “I am very grateful to the University Management for supporting this project. MMUST has now positioned itself as a leader in science leadership training in Kenya,” said the lecturer of Statistics.
A section of the participants engages in a brainstorming session.
Notably, the Chief Executive Officer- National Research Fund (NRF), Prof. Dickson Andala, addressed the Workshop participants virtually, urging the researchers to build partnerships, embrace community engagement, build capacity for students, develop a culture of communication and create multidisciplinary research teams.
The researchers were taken through creative problem solving, collective leadership, effective communication as well as personal branding. This was also an opportunity for them to build networks that will last beyond the Workshop.
University of Nairobi’s Dr. Nkatha Kabira facilitates a session at the M-SLP Workshop.
The M-SLP Workshop is evidence of the University’s dedication to providing transformative education and research that contributes to societal development. Indeed, such initiatives are crucial to shaping Africa’s next generation of science leaders and MMUST is at the forefront.
Photos by Caren Nekesa
