The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo yesterday 28th February, 2022, participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the East African Centre of Excellence for Health Education and Training (EACEHET) hub, Kisii University, Egerton University, Maseno University and MMUST. The MOU is a precursor to the establishment of EACEHET of the lake region Economic Block Universal Health Coverage Initiatives. This Lake Region stakeholders meeting which took place at Ciala Resort in Kisumu, is part of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Kenya-UK Health Alliance (KUKHA).
Yesterday’s meeting was attended by the leadership led by the Chairman, LREB and Governor of , H.E Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya. Other notable personalities who were present during the signing included the LREB Vice Chairman and Governor of - H.E Hon. James Ongwae, Governor H.E Hon. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Governor H.E Hon. Cornel Rasanga and the Principal Secretary, , Ms. Susan Mochache representing the National Government.
The participants at the MOU signing event.
Other Vice Chancellors from participating Universities, who included Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage of Egerton University, Prof. Julius O. Nyabundi of Maseno University and Prof. John Akama of Kisii University were part of the meeting. The Vice President and Dean, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Prof. Graham Lord addressed the meeting virtually.
The signing of yesterday’s MOU heralds a new beginning, binding the Lake Region Economic Block, Universities and County governments. It is the indicator that the initiative of the Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) has officially began. The implementation of the MOU will be driven by several committees, led by the steering committee where VCs will sit. Others include the technical committee where Deans will sit, the advisory committee and individual institutional committees.
Having signed the MOU, the Lake Region Economic Bloc participants are preparing to meet the UK team in March this year.
By: Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wilberforce Shiundu