MMUST acquired the first ever Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) machine in Eastern and Central Africa. NMR is a modern spectroscopic analytical instrument used by researchers to determine the structure of organic substances present in living things and the environment. The Head of Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry Dr. Francis Orata said that “With this latest model of NMR machine, we have the capacity to tell the exact kind of substances that are present in medicinal plants, nutritive traditional vegetables, and other organic materials from living things. It is even possible for us to determine the exact poisonous substances such as aflatoxins in contaminated maize. And we as well can elucidate the compounds contained in genetically modified organisms (GMOs)”. 

“African governments need to transform their political systems to embrace Development Politics”. This is the rallying call by the MMUST Scholar, Professor Frank K. Matanga, a Political Scientist in the School of Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance (SDMHA). 

Prof. Matanga explained that Development Politics entails an appreciation of political values such as peace and security to enhance genuine sustainable development. In this case, peace is not just the absence of direct and physical violence; but more importantly, the absence of structural violence entailing social cohesion and justice. “Security is not just the absence of military threats to the state’s core national interests. It entails the absence of socio-economic and political threats to individuals and societies well-being and interests. For example, poverty and unemployment are aspects of insecurity” said Prof. Matanga. 

The political scientist advised that universities need to develop academic programs that champion Development Politics. MMUST runs academic programmes that strengthen socio-political responsibility such as Diplomacy & International Relations, Peace & Conflict Studies, Sustainable Development, Social Work & Community Development, and Disaster Management. He said that the government needs to work in collaboration with universities in policy development and implementation.

“The Jubilee Big Four Agenda on manufacturing, universal healthcare, affordable housing, and food security, if properly implemented, can go a long way in supporting tenets of Development Politics in Kenya”said Prof. Matanga. He noted that there is urgent need to develop networks of research institutes that focus on promoting Development Politics. MMUST is keen on establishing such an institute.

Two School of Computing and Informatics staff (Dr. Kelvin Omieno and Mr. Jasper Ondulo) attended recently concluded Ministry of Health and Counties Research Consultative workshop that brought together the University researchers from HealthIT team (UoN), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, University of Kabianga, Rongo University and Maseno University, and County Health management teams from Kisumu county, Migori County, Kakamega county and Kericho County that took place on 12th-13th March 2018 in Homabay County.

Some of the presenters included: Dr. Maurine Adoyo (Moi University), Prof. Peter Waiganjo (UoN), Mr. John K. Kenduiwo (MD University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Ltd), Dr. Charles Nzioka of Ministry of Health and Prof. Charles Mbakaya (Rongo University).
The School of Computing and Informatics of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology recently signed an MOU with School of Computing and Informatics of University of Nairobi. This is aimed at fostering partnership and research collaborations through HealthIT project funded by USAID. The collaboration was spearheaded by Dr. Kelvin Omieno, who is also the Acting Dean of the School, MMUST and Prof. Robert Oboko and Dr. Dan Orwa of University of Nairobi.

There has been a series of other activities that have been conducted since the collaboration was initiated. Today other Universities have since come on board including Rongo University, Maseno University and University of Kabianga. The Research agenda is being fostered in close partnership with local County Health Management Teams (CHMTs) of Kakamega, Kericho, Migori and Kisumu in order to solve local problems in the area of Health Information Systems in the respective counties.

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