On Friday 4th December 2020, Prof. James Aggrey Oloo and Dr. Donald A. Kokonya, two aspiring Deans in the School of Medicine (SoM), engaged in a debate where each presented their manifestos to the electorates. Members of the Electoral Board, led by the Chairman, Prof. John Shiundu, together with members of the School of Medicine, witnessed the nominated candidates share their vision and mission for the School. The members of the electoral board who participated in the big debate were Prof. John O Shiundu, Dr. Pamela Buhere, Dr. Bonface Ndinya, and Rev. Dr. Willis Otuya
‘Bringing SoM back on track’ was the theme of Dr. Kokonya’s manifesto, who was the first to make his presentation. Being the oldest member of the academic staff in the School, Dr. Kokonya said that he values it and would like to see it grow. “I have taught in MMUST for nine (9) years and therefore I am familiar with academic programmes, policies and regulations,” he stated, adding that he developed a master plan for the School. On his part, the current Ag. Dean, Prof. Aggrey Oloo said he would focus on standards and quality in line with the School’s vision of building professionals responsive to the health needs of the country. The veteran medical doctor, who has coordinated several anti- malarial vaccines across several countries believes in the mantra ‘Producing 5-star doctors who can work anywhere in the region, anywhere in the world’
Dr. Kokonya, the founding Ag. Dean SoM, said that he was able to access useful information from attending Municipal Council meetings that helped the University acquire over thirty (30) acres of land at Approved school in 2012 for SoM. “I would like to inform you today, with gratitude, that as of yesterday, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, DVC PRI, Prof. JSK. Achoka and Mr. Oscar, the Admin, have finally processed this land and SoM is now free to move there. If elected, Dr. Kokonya said that he would instill fair democracy in the School. “I want to see the School remain intact and conform to its purpose,” he stated.
Prof. James Oloo, in his presentation said that his contributions to the establishment of the School of Medicine include the construction of the laboratories and participation in the intensive procurement of lab equipment. Additionally, in 2018, he worked with a MMUST selected committee for the establishment of SoM. The Professor of Medicine said that he has an excess of hundreds of medical publications. He pointed out that he has been a Director for a medical research institution based in Kisumu and has worked with other international organizations as well.
Further, he mentioned that his vision for SoM is to create world class professionals for the 21st century. “I will champion for capacity building and scientific inquiry as well as support supervision and better teaching methods to make sure that each student catches up on competencies and comes out with good professional standards,” he said, adding that he will work to ensure that the requisite resources in terms of staff, learning materials and equipment are in place. He also said that he will enhance existing operational partnerships and collaborations.
In his final remarks, Prof. John Shiundu said that SoM is the greatest achievement that MMUST made to the community around and the country at large. He also urged the candidates to formulate competitive strategies in their service in order to make SoM more visible. Campaigns will continue up to Tuesday, 8th December, 2020 and elections will be held on Wednesday, 9th December, 2020. ‘We will deliver a successful, free and credible election,” the Chairman of the Deans election board stated.
By Wangari Wambugu [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.] and Lydia Anyonje [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
