MMUST’s Researchers Advised to Tailor Proposals for Different Funding Agencies to Increase Chances of Funding

Participants of the SEDU workshop pose for a group photo after the event.

The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s School of Education (SEDU) researchers have been advised to tailor their proposals as per the requirements of the different funding agencies in order to increase the chances of funding. This was evident during a one-day workshop organized by the Office of the Associate Dean – SEDU, themed ‘Upgrading Proposals for External Funding’, which was held at Golf hotel, on 28^th February 2023. The workshop offered an opportunity for the faculty members to review nine (9) proposals in preparation for applications for external funding.

Speaking during the official opening of the workshop, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning, Research, and Innovation (DVC PR&I), Prof. Charles Mutai commended the School of Education for taking up the challenge and investing in research to this extent. He encouraged the researchers in the University to emulate the pace set by SEDU and work together, assuring them of unwavering support from his Division as well as the management.

“Proposals can never be 100% when done individually, however, through such avenues and round table discussions, we increase the quality and rigor of our proposals, hence enhancing their success with external funding agencies,” said Prof. Mutai. 

From right Dean SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi, (Middle), the Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Thomas Sakwa and (left) the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai during the event.

The Registrar Planning, Research, and Innovation (PR&I), Prof. Alice Ndiema, lauded the group for their commitment to research. She also commended them for making Physical Education mandatory for its students and challenged them to take up social life education and nurture the students’ social relational skills.

“This is a huge milestone that you can come together to review proposals prepared in your School for purposes of improving them to attract external funding. It is a commendable strategy that we should invest in as a University,” stated the Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Thomas Sakwa.

In his address, the Director of Research and Post-Graduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala, encouraged the researchers to keep up the good work, saying that the University Research Fund (URF) has the capacity to fund more baseline proposals. He also pointed out the need to upscale research proposals commending the researchers who have been attending the Thursday seminars, which have formed the basis of funding for URF.

Additionally, the Dean of SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi thanked the Division of Planning Research and Innovation for its steadfast support of research done in the School.  Further, he extended his appreciation to the Director of Research for agreeing to their request and allowing his team to engage with external experts, in scrutinizing their proposals with the intention of strengthening their ability to secure external funding. 

 “The Division of Planning, Research, and Innovation has continually supported us. In 2021, you funded eight (8) research proposals from SEDU to the tune of over 3 million Kenyan Shillings,” noted Prof. Poipoi.

The guest speaker of the day, Prof. Francis Wegulo made a detailed presentation on ‘How to utilize seed-funded projects and feedback to prepare a smart grant application for external funding’. “It is important that we know to whom we are sending our proposals and understand what kind of proposals they accept and under what conditions. This will help us to tailor our proposals to fit into the framework that allows our proposals to be accepted for review. Let us also remember that there is stiff competition out here. We should therefore up our game by ensuring that our proposals meet the required standards to compete favorably. These are basic requirements we need to understand as we move forward,” he stated. 

Prof. Francis Wegulo making a presentation during the workshop.

Prof. Wegulo further discussed the relevance of issues, the precision of issues, and a thorough review of pertinent literature with a focus on; theories, empirical studies, and methodological issues to be the critical things that funders look for in a smart grant application. He commended the team from SEDU for a job well done, saying he appreciated reading their proposals.

“Going forward, we need to take the reviewed comments and work on them to refine our proposals for approval for funding. Congratulations for being the pioneers and greatest users of the University Research Funds,” said Prof. Wegulo.

The researchers who made presentations of their proposals included Prof. Kennedy Bota, Prof. Joseph Nasongo, Dr. Catherine Aura, Dr. Teresa Okoth, Dr. Rose Opiyo, Dr. Eunice Majanga, Dr. Nganyi Jason, and Dr. Caroline Sabina Wekullo.

By Caren Nekesa

Photos by Mary Wangari Wambugu

MMUST Humanities and Social Science Scholars Urged to Establish Academic Family Systems So as to Strengthen Research Capacity

BIEA Graduate Forum participants at MMUST.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s humanities and social science scholars have been advised to form academic family systems, for the purpose of strengthening the research capacity. This was during a graduate semi-virtual forum, organized by the British Institute of East Africa (BIEA), in conjunction with the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS), which took place on Wednesday, 1^st March, 2023 at MMUST.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, noted that the postgraduate division is a very important aspect of the University, adding that MMUST has a large number of graduate students. “Although we have many postgraduate students, the low completion rate among them is still a major challenge. Time has come for us to address this issue, therefore, I would like to commend the organizers of this event for creating a forum where our students learn about funding opportunities,” said Prof. Golicha.

DVC (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, gives his remarks during the forum.

“Graduate students must know that academic networking is inevitable. It involves scholars who get together with the intention of establishing academic connections and partnerships,” said MMUST’s Prof. Inyani Simala, who was the keynote speaker at the forum. Prof. Simala advised researchers to not only understand what other scholars in their areas of interest are doing, but to also engage with those from other disciplines, as well as the community.

According to Dr. Fred Nasubo, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at BIEA, the Institute conducts graduate forums twice a month. “These forums bring together students pursuing graduate studies, and early career scholars, to network,” stated Dr. Nasubo. He reiterated that funding is a serious issue among postgraduate students, and added that BIEA provides many grant opportunities which he encouraged MMUST students to explore. Dr. Nasubo was accompanied by Dr. Kennedy Gitu, a Research Fellow at BIEA, and Mr. Charles Mwaniki, an Audio and Visual Technician at the same institution.

BIEA’s Dr. Fred Nasubo makes his presentation during the graduate forum.

“This University, through the Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Support, provides opportunities for graduate students to work with other researchers. In addition, the Directorate creates platforms such as Conferences and Workshops, where students disseminate their research findings, and get a chance to link with experts,” said the Director (DRPS) Prof. Peter Bukhala. Further, Prof. Bukhala emphasized that postgraduate students in MMUST to always liaise with his office, as well as the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, to ensure that their research is published in the right journals.

MMUST’s Director of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Stephen Odebero, assured BIEA that the University is open to collaborate on future projects, and share expertise. In his presentation on the ‘Place of the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies on Research and Scholarship,’ Prof. Odebero strongly encouraged the students to publish in credible journals, as well as to disseminate their research findings.

Prof. Hussein Golicha receives a book donation from Dr. Fred Nasubo.

Notably, MMUST received a donation of books and copies of the prestigious BIEA Journal of Eastern African Studies during the event. The forum attracted SASS faculty members and postgraduate students, and other participants across the globe.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has continued to support its postgraduate students by organizing such forums, where they not only explore funding opportunities, but also form networks. Evidently, the University is committed to enhancing the completion rates among its postgraduate students.

By Mary Wangari Wambugu

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

MMUSO’s Hotly Contested Elections Hits Climax as the 6th Student Executive Council Take Oath of Office

MMUST’s Legal Officer, Ms. Lindah Omenya administering the oath of office to the Special Interest Secretary, Ms. Loice Achieng. Looking on is MEC Chairman (far right) and (left) Mr. Michael Savai from the MMUST Legal Office.

The Masinde Muliro University Students Organization’s (MMUSO) hotly contested elections on Monday 27 February 2023 marked its climax, as the 6 Students Executive Council (SEC) for the academic year 2023/2024 took oath of office. The inaugural ceremony comes days after the completion of polls, which were conducted by the University's electoral commission under the guidance of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), from Thursday, 23 to Friday 24 February 2023. The swearing-in was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, who was accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation (DVC PR&I), Prof. Charles Mutai. Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics and Student Affairs (DVC ASA), Prof. Hussein Golicha, the Director Quality Assurance- Prof. Danstone Lilechi and the Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Thomas Sakwa were also in attendance.  

The University's Legal Officer, Ms. Lindah Omenya administered the oath of office in the presence of the University Management, staff, and students. MMUSO officials who were sworn in comprised of seven (7) members of the Student Executive Council (SEC), eleven (11) Faculty Representatives, two (2) Campus representatives of Bungoma and Webuye campuses and eleven (11) Hall Representatives. Dr. Paul Ogenga and Mr. Oscar Waswa were the masters of ceremony of the event.

Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo commended all those who participated in the elections, from the students vying for the different leadership positions to the electoral commission chaired by Prof. Kennedy Onkware.  Prof. Shibairo expressed his commitment towards working with the new leaders to ensure that the students’ voice and interests are well represented as the University strives to attain its goals.

He called upon the student leadership to diligently serve the student fraternity and embrace dialogue while articulating their issues to other stakeholders of the University including the management. Further, he advised the new leaders to be all round and serve as examples, stating that he expects them to be great performers in academics and co-curricular activities, besides being disciplined in their social lives.

“You have a mandate to serve your fellow students. As you embark on this, it is important for you to understand that you will be serving as the link between the students and the management. I encourage you to embrace dialogue and consult widely to be able to make sound decisions,” said Prof. Shibairo.

VC, Prof. Solomon Shibairo shares a moment with the newly elected MMUSO President Mr. Benjamin Mutisya.

Prof. Charles Mutai could not hide his joy as the University inaugurated the newly elected student leadership. “I am glad to be here to witness the swearing in of our newly elected student leaders. Congratulations on your hard earned victory,” he said. Addressing the new elects, Prof. Mutai pointed out that leadership is not easy and it is an office constituted by God. “Sitting here, I am confident that you have the qualities to make great leaders. You are the future, for it all begins here,” he added.

Standing in the for the DVC ASA, the Director Quality Assurance, Prof. Danstone Lilechi congratulated and thanked the outgoing leadership for a job well done. Recalling his leadership roles back in the day, Prof. Lilechi noted that it is a privilege for any individual to get an opportunity to serve as a student leader in the University. “Thank you for the great and peaceful campaigns. You have made it! Campaigns are officially behind you and you are up to the task ahead,” he noted.  

Prof. Thomas Sakwa, the University’s Academics Registrar and the Chair, Appeals Committee asked the leaders to embrace the spirit of unity as they work together with other key stakeholders of the University. He tasked them to mobilize students to register for courses early to enable them to sit for exams. “I pledge to give you attention. Let us hold each other's hands and work together,” said Prof. Sakwa, adding that the elections were conducted in the right manner and his team is confident that the elections were free, fair and credible.

The MMUSO Electoral Commission Chair, Prof. Kennedy Onkware who was in charge of the entire elections, thanked the top management for facilitating and supporting students’ democracy.  “I congratulate the students for voting peacefully. The elections were free, fair and credible. I am happy that all arising issues were sorted amicably,” he said.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Bernadette Abwao also congratulated the incoming leadership and applauded the outgoing leadership for a job well done. “I congratulate the outgoing student leadership and thank you for your service. I believe you are leaving your positions of leadership and the University better than you found it. It may not be realized immediately but you will go on record as student leaders who maintained peace, consulted and ensured that student activities were well performed without corruption. You are wonderful people and you are going to be wonderful leaders out there,” stated Dr. Abwao.

Further, she advised the incoming leadership to put God first, respect people in authority, embrace dialogue, remain humble, ensure students graduate in time and have a spirit of discernment, urging them to be aware of individuals who would mislead them. She ended her address by quoting the famous Hill Owens, ‘Leadership lies in guiding others to success, in ensuring that anyone is performing at their best, doing the work they had pledged to do and doing it well’ and ‘Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily even if you had no title or position’ by Brian Tracy.

Student leaders go through the swearing-in ritual.

Speaking on the security of the University, the Chief Security Officer, Dr. Julius Mabia thanked the students for prevailing peace all through the electioneering period and encouraged them to uphold the same during their tenure. He further echoed the Dean of Students’ sentiments, asking the newly sworn in leaders to embrace dialogue when advocating for student matters. Dr. Mabia was in company of the University’s external security, led by the In-charge Security Guarding the University, Chief Inspector Alphonse Masila, who congratulated the new leaders for the win.

Representing the students in the MMUSO Electoral Committee, the Chairman, Student Commissioners Mr. Loli Jared Mungóma, who is a 4^th year student pursuing Bachelors in Agricultural Education and Extension, commended the students for turning out in large numbers and participating in the exercise.   

“Congratulations to the parliamentarians elect and the incoming SEC. Elections are over and is the time to diligently serve and deliver on your promises. For those who lost today, this is not the end of the road for you, there will always be a next time. Let us maintain peace, for as one, we shall rise,” said Mr. Loli.

The outgoing Students’ Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Motari also had the opportunity to address the participants including the newly elected leaders. He assured the new team of his support noting that it will not be easy. The newly elected MMUSO Chairperson, Mr. Benjamin Mutisya pledged to maintain peace in the University and assured the management of his team’s commitment to serving the students. 

A section of the outgoing student government at the event.

“In this journey that we have begun today, I want to assure you that this is the right team to serve the students fraternity. I commit to work with the Hansard and proceedings of all the governments that have come before me. My team and I will endeavour to advocate for dialogue and democracy as a means of ensuring that we instil consensus between the students and other key stakeholders of the University,” stated Mr. Mutisya.

At the heart of students’ elections is the concept of inculcating the principles of democracy and free will. It is important for Universities to allow the student body to choose their own government through regular, free, and fair elections. MMUST has done exactly that. As for the newly elected leaders, ‘the ball is squarely in your court’. 

By: Caren Nekesa

Photos by Shiundu Masafu 

IHELP Principal Investigators Increase Awareness of Home Based Early Learning Initiatives in Marginalized Communities to Boost Pre-Primary Learning

A delegation from Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe during a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor-Kyambogo University.

On 20^th to 25^th February 2023, the three Principal Investigators of the Inclusive Home-based Early Learning Project (IHELP), held a five-day conference on ‘Sustaining Home-based Early Learning Initiatives in Marginalized Communities’ with the main goal of increasing access to early childhood education for rural and marginalized children. This is a hybrid project steered by Prof. Godfrey Ejuu- Uganda, Dr. Rose Opiyo- Kenya, and Dr. Samson Mhiza- Zimbabwe.

The Inclusive Home-based Early Learning Project (IHELP) is an action research model that was developed by Kyambogo University in collaboration with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Kenya), the University of Zimbabwe, and Sense International. The IHELP project recommends the adoption of play-based learning which can be achieved through literacy games and activities, social-emotional games, numeracy games, physical development games, health, and hygiene games as well as science games. These various games help in nurturing diverse skills in children including; active listening, communication, teamwork, turn-taking, critical thinking, gross motor, visual perception, and eye-hand coordination.

From left: Dr. Rose Opiyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning, Research and Innovations- Prof. Charles Mutai and Prof. Kennedy Bota during the conference.

The conference was graced by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Research, and Innovations- Prof. Charles Mutai who noted that Early Childhood Education lays a good foundation for children. Further, Prof. Mutai asked the management of Kyambogo University to advance the collaboration between Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and Kyambogo University to cover other areas like research, science, and special needs education

“I applaud you Kyambogo University for organizing a conference of such magnitude. Let us extend this partnership to have more collaborations in proposal writing, staff, and students exchange programs, and joint supervision,” added Prof. Mutai.

His sentiments were reiterated by Prof. Kennedy Bota who represented the Director, Research and Postgraduate support at the conference.       `

Speaking during a courtesy call when the partnering institutions visited his office, the Vice Chancellor- Kyambogo University, Prof. Eli Katunguka applauded the researchers saying that research requires outputs through publication in reputable journals. He assured further collaborations between the institutions. Prof. Katunguka noted that the IHELP project has provided a good foundation for providing quality pre-primary education to all children.

Addressing participants at the conference, Prof. Godfrey Ejuu pointed out that IHELP research is a model that will certainly upscale early childhood learning and responsive caregiving.

“When children are prepared early, for learning, they get exposed to vital skills that are key in their development as they transition to adulthood. In the centers, lessons are shared between teachers and parents. Teachers bring in the school-based learning for cognitive development in literacy and numeracy, while parents focus on socio-emotional learning, health, wellbeing, life skills, and culture,” said Prof. Ejuu.

From left: Prof. Godfrey Ejuu, Dr. Samson Mhiza and Mr. Edwin Jack during visitation in one of the centers.

Similarly, Kenya’s IHELP Principal Investigator, Dr. Rose Opiyo, stated that the project focuses more on building children by using play-oriented approaches to learning. She added that for the sustainability of the project, they are keen to adopt programs instituted by communities to ensure the continuity of the project.

“The aim of this conference is to enable cross-learning between Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, share best practices, address various challenges faced in our centers, validate research findings, bring in stakeholders such as Sense International to create awareness of the project and resource mobilization,” said Dr. Opiyo.

Notably, the Co-Investigator of the project, Dr. Samson Mhiza from Zimbabwe shared that his country is working towards the sustainability of the project by providing seed capital to parents for income-generating activities.

Caregivers making mats for the children.

The conference climax was marked by the visitation of the Ugandan IHELP centers during the last two days to have a practical learning session on the best practices. It also offered an opportunity for the stakeholders invited to the conference to identify areas of need that require their support.

The international conference brought together key stakeholders from Sense International and the University of Oslo-Norway, experts from diverse fields, early childhood teachers, community members, administrators, and caregivers. The IHELP team from Kenya comprised Ms. Joanne Nabwire and Ms. Doreen Kathure who presented on Child Safety & Hygiene as well as Nutrition respectively.

Ms. Joanne Nabwire, and Ms. Doreen Kathure following presentations at the conference.

Indeed, the IHELP project is one to watch out for in bridging the gap between children under four years and pre-primary education. It utilizes the strength of communities to mobilize and provide service on a voluntary basis. Additionally, the centers are established within communities to make early learning accessible to all children including those with special needs. It targets the many children in marginalized areas who go without early learning which compromises their skill development and future prospects.

By Linet Owuor

MMUST School of Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences Receives Donation of Equipment Worth 675 Million Shillings From Malteser International

MMUST and Malteser International team during courtesy visit at the Vice Chancellor’s office.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s School of Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences has received a donation of equipment worth 675 million shillings from Malteser International. The equipment, which was handed over on 23^rd February 2023, will support Intensive Care Unit training, the High Dependency Unit, operating theatre and procedure room. The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation Prof. Charles Mutai who was representing the Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo, received the equipment on behalf of the University.

The donation included; four ventilators; Prisma ventilators and vent logic ventilators which will support the respiratory system of the patients. Other equipment received were pulse ox meters, valve respirators, corona starter kits, and anti- logic equipment in a bid to help run the Intensive Care Unit.

Prof. Charles Mutai receives equipment from Country Director, Malteser International-Martin Schoemburg.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Mutai noted that the vision of the University is to become a premium University in both science and technology. He was accompanied by Prof. Hussein Golicha, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs).

 “MMUST is committed towards producing highly skilled students. This equipment will be beneficial to both our staff and students in teaching and learning of Paramedical Sciences. I believe we shall work together to nurture them as well as improve learning in other areas and build our University,” stated Prof. Mutai.

Dr. Tecla Sum explains a point to the Malteser International team.

Expressing her gratitude, the MMUST paramedic expert, Dr. Tecla Sum acknowledged that MMUST is the only University that offers Paramedical Sciences and the key is to address neglected professions. She showed the Malteser team the High Fidelity Simulated Laboratory in the refurbishing space that the university had offered for the first phase of construction.

“This is the first batch of equipment received. As a University; it is our responsibility to build a digital environment for all our students as this will help in teaching before students get into the skill acquisition unit. The equipment will be used in the High Fidelity Simulated Laboratory to support technology in learning and to include telemedicine where our students are able to receive learning from other faculties not only in Kenya but also around the world,” said Dr. Sum.

MMUST and Malteser International team after the handing over of the equipment.

Further, Dr. Sum pointed out that “We are embracing competency based assessment and learning for our future generation. I must say the future is bright, very bright. I thank the management, the school of nursing and paramedics for their great support and other schools and departments in the University that have really supported us in this endeavour. I would also like to thank the Malteser International Country Director- Martin Schoemburg, and County Health Program Manager-Ms. Joy China very much for giving us their utmost support in this project,” she added.

With such equipment, MMUST can look forward to becoming an incubation centre of ideas and champion the improvement of the healthcare system in our country. Indeed, MMUST embracing technology in healthcare will certainly prosper our dream as a University of Science and Technology.

By Sheila Ivayo 

Photos by Shiundu Masafu 

MMUST Set to Host Staff and Students From Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany team together with the team from MMUST having lessons during the visit.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is set to host staff and students from the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences (THB), Germany for a period of one week. The staff and students will be in MMUST courtesy of the International InterDisciplinary InterActive (Inter³DNA) learning project sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The visitors, who comprise five (5) staff and fourteen (14) students, will stay in MMUST from 27^th February to 4^th March 2023 on an exchange program in the Schools of Agriculture, Engineering, and Public Health. This comes after MMUST’s three (3) staff and six (6) students visited THB in September 2022.

The participating students were drawn from the final and masters classes in the Schools of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Engineering, and Built Environment, as well as Public Health, Biomedical Sciences & Technology. They were trained on various topics touching on ‘Agile Design and Working’, ‘Intercultural Coaching’, and ‘Digital Signal Processing’. The students designed projects which they worked on during the visit and are expected to finalize them during the forthcoming visit by the German counterparts. The MMUST staff, who accompanied the students during the visit included; Dr. Vitalis Ogemah (SAVET), Dr. Jasper Ondulo (SCI), and Dr. Emmanuel Ebinga (SEBE).

MMUST team visited the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

The students will be working towards the completion of the key projects they designed and launched during their visit to THB. These include; Solar Box (for SEBE), Internet of things in Agriculture (for SAVET), and Telemedicine (for SPHBS&T). The solar box project aims at optimizing the utilization of solar energy by designing an efficient and portable solar unit. The IOT in Agriculture focuses on optimizing the operations of the bio-digester for the effective production of biogas and bio-slurry. The telemedicine project aims at providing medical services in remote locations.

Students of Agriculture making a presentation on the ‘Internet of things project.

During their stay at MMUST, the participants are expected to hold a workshop on ‘Modelling and Optimization of complex systems' at the MCU on Tuesday 28^th February 2023. The program will end with a colloquium in which the participating students from both Universities will present the final results of their respective projects.

The collaboration between MMUST and THB started way back in 2017 following the visit to MMUST by Prof. Dietmar Wikarski from THB and Mr. Suleiman Kweyu- the Director of Agro-Kenya, an NGO working with farmers in Kakamega County. The visit led to the signing of a tripartite MOU between the three institutions. This has led to the implementation of several activities such as; visits of scholars from the two institutions to partner Universities, research workshops, and seminars. The partnership has also facilitated the acquisition of equipment to support teaching and learning at MMUST.

By Verna Awuor

MMUST TVET Staff Undergo Intensive Training Ahead of Implementing Competency-Based Education and Training in the University

CBET implementation Workshop participants at Golf Hotel, Kakamega.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s TVET staff have undergone an intensive training workshop in readiness for the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) in the University. The three-day Workshop, which kicked off on 22^nd February, 2023, was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, who was representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

The main facilitator of the activity was TVETA’s Assistant Director of Standards Development, Mr. Paul Muriithi. The MMUST staff, who steered the CBET implementation Workshop were; Prof. Basil Ong’or, Dr. Samuel Waweru, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa, Dr. Issah Kweyu and Mr. Wakungwi Sakwa. Other organizers of the Workshop included; Ms. Mable Wambani, Mr. Fred Koyaya, Ms. Valarie Luta and Ms. Hannah Minayo.

 A section of the participants during the Workshop.

The trainees were taken through the requisites of occupational standards, designing, developing and the validation of assessment tools, as well as the procedures of implementing Competency-Based courses in TVET institutions.

“At MMUST, we are committed to supporting TVET programmes as we are cognizant that the job market calls for graduates who possess practical skills. I am very pleased to see that the TVET Institute is taking the lead in preparing the University to host the first cohort of Competency-Based Curriculum students,” said Prof. Golicha, adding that the University Management has approved the recruitment of nine (9) TVET trainers, to beef up the running of the programmes at the institute.

Prof. Hussein Golicha gives his remarks during the Workshop.

In his remarks, the Ag. Principal, MMUST-TVET Institute, Prof. Basil Ong’or, stated that all TVET programmes at the University have been accredited by TVETA, and that they have been aligned with the CBET guidelines. “From this workshop, we expect that the trainees will impart knowledge to the members of their respective departments. As an Institute, our aim is to produce a pool of competent graduates who will be able to meet the industry’s requirements and expectations,” said Prof. Ong’or.

“MMUST TVET Institute has been in existence for almost five years now and we have witnessed tremendous growth. We appreciate the support that we are receiving from the University Management, especially the Vice Chancellor, and the Division of Academic and Students Affairs, where the Institute is housed,” said the Ag. Deputy Principal MMUST-TVET Institute, Dr. Samuel Waweru.

A section of the Workshop participants follows keenly.

Mr. Wakungwi Sakwa, a Principal medical laboratory technologist at the University, in an interview with MMUST’s Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing, revealed that the TVET Institute is home to a robust faculty. “Most of our technical staff are as a result of CBC training and I am certain that we have what it takes to attract more students to the Institute,” he added, saying that TVET is the next big thing in Kenya.

MMUST’s TVET Institute is at the forefront of ensuring that the University transitions seamlessly to Competency-Based Education and Training. There is no doubt that the University is on the right track regarding hosting the first CBC students, who are expected in 2029.

By Mary Wangari Wambugu

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

MMUST Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme Sensitizes Its Members on the Scheme’s Performance, Achievements and Projects During the 12th Annual General Meeting

A section of MMUST staff following presentations during the Retirement Benefits Scheme Annual General Meeting.

 MMUST’s Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme (SRBS) on 18 February, 2023, sensitized its members on the Scheme’s performance, achievements, and projects during the 12 Annual General Meeting. The AGM was conducted in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Authority’s (RBA) requirement to give members an opportunity to receive updates on the Scheme’s performance. The event which took place at the Main Catering Unit (MCU) -001 was organized by the MMUST’s Board of Trustees in collaboration with the RBA and graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

Prof. Shibairo noted that MMUST’s SRBS is a well-defined contributory scheme that ensures the safe retirement of its staff. He added that the meeting is key in providing psycho-social support, to enable them to have a positive attitude towards their forthcoming retirement. “We have made sure we pay all our dues to the government to ensure your well-being after retirement. The sponsors shall continue making contributions in tandem with the law.  Therefore, this meeting guarantees us the safety of our contributions as well as the sponsors’,” he stated. He further emphasized that the scheme is a safe place to invest.

From right; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, the Chairman of the MMUST SRBS Board of Trustees, Mr. Josephat Shigogodi and the Director of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Prof. Joseph Nasongo at the event.

In his remarks, the RBA representative, Mr. Bosco Gicheo, pointed out that the RBA is committed to safeguarding the members' and sponsors’ retirement benefits. “It is our mandate to protect the interest of members and sponsors of the scheme, to develop the sector, and to alleviate old-age poverty through enhanced saving for retirement. This is your investment, take it seriously, and consider investing for a longer period for more benefits,” he urged.

The Scheme administrator, Octagon Pension Services Limited, tackled accessibility of the benefits, payment process, taxation, and member rights. He advised the scheme members to always attend the scheme AGMs and study the annual statement of records. “I encourage you to make sure that your accumulated benefits can replace at least 75% of the current salary upon retirement, refrain from partial withdrawals, nominate beneficiaries as early as possible, and focus on saving as much as you can,” he urged.

A section of the MMUST’s Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme Professional Advisors (far left) and MMUST staff at the meeting.

According to the Scheme’s Custodian, Kenya Commercial bank (KCB) represented by Mr. Michael Mbuvi, the bank is charged with keeping the financial assets of the Scheme safe and servicing the portfolios related to those assets. “It is our obligation to ensure that reporting on assets held under custody is carried out to Trustees as per the RBA guidelines and that the assets held are detailed in the audited accounts. In addition, we confirm receipt of monthly pension contributions from the sponsor. Therefore, we certify that all the assets for MMUST Retirement Benefits Scheme were maintained in segregated accounts and all the investments were executed as per the fund manager’s instructions,” he said.

The Scheme’s fund professional managers; African Alliance Kenya Investment Company Limited and Old Mutual Investment Group Limited who are tasked to advise Trustees on investment decisions, encouraged the members to consider investing in the scheme for more benefits to them in the future. “Retirement could mean the end of a work shift or a gradual transition with reducing responsibilities and commitments. However, we are here to help you make that transition into a sustainable, long, and happy retirement,” stated the representative.

Moreover, he revealed that a ‘Personal Pension Plan’, helps self-employed people, informal groups, and former employees. It enables the members to determine how much they can save regularly which they can review at will.

The Scheme Auditor, FCPA Dr. Jackson Maingi making a presentation as the Octagon Pension Services Limited representative (seated left) follows keenly.

In his presentation on, ‘The Audited Accounts for the Year Ended, 30^th June, 2022’, the Scheme Auditor, FCPA Dr. Jackson Maingi who was representing Maingi & Jackson Associates, acknowledged that the auditing was conducted in accordance with the International Standards Board for Accountants’ on Auditing (Code of Ethics for Professional Accounts) together with other ethical requirements that are relevant to the audit of Financial Statements in Kenya.  Further, he declared that the firm has fulfilled its ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

Expressing his delight, the Chairman of the MMUST SRBS Board of Trustees, Mr. Josephat Shigogodi pointed out that the AGM is extremely important in the Calendar of the Scheme as it provides an opportunity to members to receive an update on the Scheme’s performance.  Further, it creates an opportunity for members to interact with the Trustees and Service Providers as well as seek clarification on matters pertaining to the progress of the scheme.

“It is a good gesture shown by the employer (MMUST Council) and employees to contribute towards the scheme. Despite the tough economic challenges, our employer has shown a huge commitment to supporting the scheme through regular and timely remittance of contributions. To date, there are no unremitted contributions and the scheme is fully funded. On behalf of the trustees and members, I sincerely thank the sponsor for the support received. This has helped the scheme to grow and comply with regulatory requirements,” said Mr. Shigogodi.

A section of MMUST staff at the event.

The MMUST Staff Retirement benefits Scheme Trustees include; Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Mr. Josephat Shigogodi (Chairman), Prof. Joseph Nassongo, Prof. George Lawi, Prof. Alice Ndiema, Dr. Eglay Tsuma, Dr. Isaac K’Owino, Ms. Dorah Mbakaya and CPA Patrick Kivale. The Secretariat are; Mr. Bernard Wesonga and Ms. Celestine Mmasi.

The scheme is anchored on four main pillars. These include; provision of optimum return on investment, establishment of a good governance framework, utilization of technology to improve service delivery and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Certainly, the AGM enables employees of MMUST to understand the scheme’s performance, achievements, and projects.  It also educates them on cash benefits and pensions due to them upon retirement as well as a relief for the dependents of the deceased employees.

By Verna Awuor

Photos by Linet Owuor