MMUST Strategic Plan Begins Review to Chart Out Roadmap for the Next Five Years!

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology today, 19^th January 2023, begun a two-day Strategic Plan Review Workshop geared towards charting out the roadmap on which the institution will be anchored for the next five years, from 2022/2023 to 2026/2027. The Strategic Plan will support the positive transformation of the University’s operations and procedures in addition to providing strategic direction for this period.

The well attended workshop was organized by the Division of Planning, Research and Innovation through the office of Registrar, Planning Research and Innovation, led by Prof. Charles Mutai and Prof. Alice Ndiema. It will go on up to Friday, 20^th January, 2023.

Attached, please find photos of the event.

MMUST Conducts a Seminar on Application of Molecular Biology to Investigate Bacterial Pathogens

Dr. Anthony Sifuna making a presentation at the seminar.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the University of Pretoria, on 18^th January 2023, conducted a seminar on ‘Application of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Tools in Detection, Monitoring, and Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens’. This collaborative effort steered by a lecturer from the Department of Medical Biochemistry- Dr. Anthony Sifuna, is aimed at investigating the surgical site infection at the Kakamega County General Hospital.

The seminar encompassed keynote addresses from Prof. Martin Welch from the University of Cambridge and Prof. Reva Oleg - from the University of Pretoria. The other presentations included ‘Genomic Analysis of S. aureus reveals hospital transmission of ST 152 at a referral hospital in Western Kenya’ – Mr. Nick Mogoi, ‘Potent antimicrobial plant compounds against MRSA bacteria’- Dr. Nicholus Kogo and ‘Surgical site P. aeruginosa infection at a referral hospital in Western Kenya’ by Ms. Sara Kindiki.

Prof. Martin Welch - the University of Cambridge giving a keynote address during the seminar.

Giving a presentation on ‘The need for better diagnostics for environmental pathogen detection’, Dr. Sifuna pointed out that the environment plays a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases adding that there is a need to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of infectious disease agents in the environment.

This collaboration also involves a student exchange program that has seen Mr. Mogoi visit the University of Pretoria to upgrade his skills in Bioinformatics. Similarly, Ms. Kindiki is set to travel to the University of Cambridge to sharpen her skills in Laboratory Analysis.

A section of the seminar participants keenly following the presentations of the seminar.

The other key personalities present at the seminar included, the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala, the Dean School of Natural Sciences- Dr. Joseph Owino, and Prof. Stanley Omuterema. Building international partnerships is a contemporary approach that fortifies the education industry and helps in shaping the future of students.

MMUST Hosts Paramedical Sciences Students From the University of Oulu- Finland Courtesy of the Erasmus Plus Exchange Programme

The DVC, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai (center seated) together with the MMUST team and the Paramedical Sciences students from the University of Oulu.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is hosting Paramedical Sciences students from the University of Oulu- Finland, courtesy of the Erasmus Plus Exchange Programme. This five-year exchange program which kicked off on 18^th January 2023, will expose staff and students of Paramedical Sciences and Nursing to diverse teaching and learning environment. It will also enhance their skills to maximize and improve patient outcomes. The team led by the Chairperson of the Department of Paramedical Science, Dr. Tecla Sum, and Dr. Markus Kartttunen, paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai.

Speaking during the courtesy call, Prof. Mutai expressed his delight towards the program stating that international exchange does not only increase the students' chances of employability but also helps them gain skills required in the job market.

“Not only do students get to experience travel to other countries through such programs. Those who participate in student exchange programs exhibit higher degrees of awareness, acceptance for cultural diversity, and an increase in their cultural capital,” stated Prof. Mutai.

The MMUST team and a team from the University of Oulu during a courtesy call to the DVC, Planning Research and Innovation office.

Dr. Sum noted that this is the first batch of students for this program and they will be at MMUST for three (3) months. Further, she added that MMUST students are set to travel to Finland for the exchange program in August 2023. Dr. Sum is also a post-doctoral student in Trauma and Emergency Medicine at the University of Oulu.

The other members of the Erasmus Plus Exchange Programme at MMUST include Prof. Lt. Col (Rtd) John Okoth, Prof. Gladys Mengich, Prof. Mary Kipmerewo, Dr. Millicent Ambetsa, Dr. Damaris Ochanda, Mr. John Arudo, Ms. Dinah Okwiri, and Mr. Simon Ogana.

Certainly, such programs allow staff and students to respond to the changing demands of the global labor market and society at large, which requires both educators and students to acquire updated skills and knowledge.

 By Linet Owuor

MMUST is Set to Partner With the National Environment Trust Fund to Restore the Degraded Sections of the Kakamega Forest

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai addressing participants during the meeting.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is set to partner with the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) to restore the degraded sections of the Kakamega Forest. This was revealed today, 17^th January 2023, during a bilateral meeting steered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai with a team from NETFUND. The project will be launched in February, 2023.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Mutai acknowledged that MMUST is ready to partner with NETFUND in the noble exercise of rehabilitating the Kakamega Forest.

“This partnership will contribute to stimulating investment and policy initiatives that promote the Green Economy in Kenya.  Greening initiative is our area of interest. MMUST has diverse expertise that will aid the conservation of the forest. It is our mandate as a University to improve the livelihoods of the community,” stated Prof. Mutai.

Concurring with Prof. Mutai, the Associate Professor of Applied Environmental Science (Industrial Pollution Management), Prof. Stanley Omuterema noted that the collaboration will enable the conservation of endangered medicinal species which will be done through the establishment of tree nurseries. Prof. Omuterema was representing the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing.

Prof. Stanley Omuterema (speaking) and the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala during the meeting.

Additionally, the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala reiterated that there is a need to conserve the forest to curb the threat of losing the indigenous forest resources and leaving the land susceptible to erosion. He added that MMUST is ready to partner with NETFUND in matters of research.

Presenting a brief of the partnership dubbed ‘Kakamega Forest Conservation and Fencing Project’, Ms. Gloria Makau from NETFUND stated that this is a systematic way to restore degraded areas and urged partners to come on board for this initiative.

“National Environment Trust Fund intends to mobilize resources to fence the remaining 102 km by engaging stakeholders to seek their support. NETFUND will be organizing tree-planting activities together with the Community Forest Association within the forest. The seedlings will be procured from the communities around to support their economic livelihoods. This will create a system that is not dependable to the forest,” she highlighted.

Notably, the other members of NETFUND present included; Mr. Benson Kirorei and Mr. Daniel Odongo. Ms. Makau.

The Kakamega Forest is under threat due to pressure on forest resources from adjacent communities to supplement their livelihoods. This project seeks to enhance the conservation and management of the Kakamega. It will also spur ecotourism development that supports the social economic growth of the region.

By Linet Owuor

Researchers From the University of Hamburg- Germany Visit MMUST in a Bid to Conduct a Collaborative Research on Biosphere of Mt. Elgon

The team from the University of Hamburg together with the MMUST team after the discussions.

A team of researchers from the Centre for Earth System Research and Sustainability, University of Hamburg- Germany, has today, 10 January, 2023, visited MMUST in a bid to conduct a collaborative research on the biosphere of Mt. Elgon. They included; Project Coordinator, Department of Geography, Mr. Simon Strobelt, Ms. Michele Von Kocemba and a student, Mr. William Vargas.

The study will involve a baseline survey on human conflicts as well as how nature is conserved on Mt. Elgon and the data will be taken to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for analysis. The event which was presided over by the DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai, was organized by the School of Education (SEDU) led by the Dean, Prof. Moses Poipoi.

The DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai addressing participants at the event.

Expressing his delight, Prof. Mutai pointed out that MMUST is keen on conducting research that is geared towards changing the lives of the community. Adding that research is part of the University’s mandate, he revealed that MMUST is committed to supporting research and that there are a good number of ongoing projects. Of these, about ten (10) have won lucrative grants internationally.

“Geography is a unique area where we need to train many people. We have the same interest in this area of research and selecting Mt. Elgon as an area of study will definitely cause diversity in research. This will improve the social health system of the community through indigenous medicine which is boosting the medical healthcare sector in addressing various health complications,” stated Prof. Mutai.

The Dean, School of Education, Prof. Moses Poipoi making a point during the visit.

Prof. Poipoi acknowledged that the study will document the contribution of relevant bodies, challenges faced and solutions needed to support nature conservancy. He noted that the research will impact the community through outreach activities in training them on environmental conservation.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the University of Hamburg in terms of research and exchange programmes as we look forward to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),” said Prof. Poipoi.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Strobelt acknowledged that the University has been supportive and open-minded in professional experience. “We have a common interest in nature conservation and this will enable long term cooperation as we interact in the field of research. We have a lot to learn. Let us come together and construct knowledge,” he urged.

The project coordinator, Department of Geography, University of Hamburg, Mr. Simon Strobelt explaining a point during the visit.

Present at the event were; the Registrar, PRI- Prof. Alice Ndiema, Associate Dean, SEDU- Prof. Kennedy Bota, CoD Geography- Dr. Nalyanya Wasike, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Planning and Management, Dr. Paul Ogenga, and a student of Geography, Mr. James Kimutai who will be conducting research with the team which will be around for three (3) weeks.

Indeed, this will impact conservation of land and water on which all life depends. The research will create a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

By Verna Awuor
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu

MMUST Marks Staff End of Year Prayer Day at the Graduation Square!

MMUST Chaplaincy during the event.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has today, 22^nd December 2022 marked the annual Staff End of Year Prayer Day to give thanks to God for his blessings and grace throughout the year. The event, which took place at the graduation square, involved all MMUST staff, including the top Management.

Speaking during the prayer day, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo stated that although the University has experienced a few challenges, MMUST staff has remained resilient. “We thank God because he has enabled us to run the University this far despite the challenges. I assure you that the Management is committed to addressing all problems facing the University, especially those relating to staff welfare,” said Prof. Shibairo.

A section of the Management during the prayer day.

“The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us,” quoted the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo while giving his remarks during the event. He advised the staff to be thankful to God at all times and asked them to pray for people in leadership positions. “Since the beginning of the year, we have improved as a University and we pray that we continue growing,” he added.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, reiterated that each individual at MMUST has a lot to thank God for. On the other hand, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, appreciated the good work that all MMUST staff has put in, to enable the University achieve its vision. “We value your efforts and commitment to serving this institution. I urge you to continue with the same so that we can attain our goal,” said. Prof. Mutai.

A section of MMUST staff sings a hymn during the sermon.

Rev. Prof. Willis Otuya, while speaking to the congregation, pointed out that some of the things that the staff should be grateful for include; life, peaceful elections and transition of power, as well as surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga, who gave the sermon, emphasized the need to be grateful to God, saying that He has been present throughout the year.

The University Unions, UASU, KUSU and KUDHEIHA requested for better work conditions for the staff in their respective categories. Dr. Bernard Omogo, Mr. Gregory Lidzanga and Mr. Victor Amasese represented the three Unions respectively. The Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Ombui Motari, also represented the MMUSO Student Executive Council.

MMUST Hosts UON Vice Chancellor to Renew Collaboration Agreement on USAID-funded HealthIT Project Set to Revolutionize the Healthcare Sector

MMUST-UON teams pose for a group photo after the meeting.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology on Tuesday, 20^th December, 2022, hosted the University of Nairobi’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, to renew the collaboration agreement on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded HealthIT project. Prof. Kiama, who was accompanied by the UoN-HealthIT team, was received by the MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

Speaking during the MMUST-UoN meeting, Prof. Shibairo pointed out that MMUST has made significant strides and that such partnerships are crucial to growing the University further. “MMUST is very strong both in academia and research. If we cultivate this project and maintain the great partnership, our institutions will without doubt reach greater heights,” he said.

Prof. Kiama commended the MMUST-UoN teams for carrying out the activities of the HealthIT project effectively, and urged them to continue in the same spirit. “I am pleased to see that both institutions have demonstrated a productive relationship. We look forward to working with MMUST on more future projects,” added the UoN Vice Chancellor.

MMUST-UON Vice Chancellors exchange signed collaboration agreements.

“At MMUST, we have developed a good culture of research. We are committed to conducting cutting-edge research and this project definitely contributes to this agenda,” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. J. Kuria Thuo, affirmed MMUST’s support to the HealthIT project, adding that he anticipated greater results from the project. Further, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, acknowledged that a collaboration between Kenyan-based institutions is as powerful as partnering with international organizations.

The Managing Director of the University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Limited (UNES), where HealthIT is housed, Mr. Seith Abeka, revealed that the project has created internship and attachment opportunities for students, as well as a chance to conduct capacity-building Seminars.

Prof. Peter Waiganjo (left) and Chief of Party at USAID HealthIT, Mr. Raphael Pundo discuss a point.

“The main aim of this project is to generate high quality data that can be used to improve services in the health sector. We are cognizant of the fact that the world is headed towards data-based decision making as it has potential to steer development,” stated the Chief of Party at USAID HealthIT, Mr. Raphael Pundo. Similarly, Prof. Peter Waiganjo, a member of UoN-HealthIT, noted that health digitalization is the way to go.

The Dean, School of Computing and Informatics, Dr. Daniel Otanga, reiterated that MMUST’s students have immensely benefited from the HealthIT project. “This project kicked off in the year 2017. Courtesy of HealthIT, MMUST has worked with Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot as well as Uasin Gishu Counties. As a School, we are honoured to be involved in this project because it resonates with our efforts of providing data that can be utilized by the public,” he said.

MMUST-UON teams during the discussions.

While presenting the MMUST HealthIT activities and achievements, the University project coordinator, Dr. Jasper M. Ondulo, echoed that MMUST will be available to work with not only USAID HealthIT, but also with other key partners in order to bridge the gaps in the health sector.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s involvement in this project is proof that it is dedicated to transforming the healthcare sector through research. The renewal of the collaboration agreement between MMUST and the University of Nairobi is significant as the two (2) institutions will continue with the life-changing project.

By Mary Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu

International Certification for Digital Literacy Kicks Off Pre-Implementation Strategy Meeting With MMUST, a Sign of Good Things to Come

ICDL and MMUST team during the meeting.  

The International Certification for Digital Literacy (ICDL) pre-implementation strategy meeting with MMUST, that took place on Monday 19^th December, 2022, is a sign of good things to come. This comes a few months after the two went into an agreement that saw MMUST being appointed as an Accredited Test Centre (ATC).

ICDL Foundation is a Global Social Enterprise dedicated to raising digital competence standards in the workforce, education and society. The enterprise’s certification is currently available in over 100 countries across its network of more than 20,000 Test Centres, delivering over 70 Million ICDL Certification Tests to more than 16 million people worldwide. Nationally, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) accredited ICDL Africa as a ‘Foreign Examination Body’ and approved the ICDL programme as a certificate level qualification in the TVETA system in Kenya.

Upon successful completion of these strategy meetings, MMUST will roll out the highly competitive programme that will see its students enhance their digital literacy skills to international levels. Additionally, the University will also be in a position to offer consultancy services as Trainer of Trainers (ToT) to train other institutions in the region, hence an avenue of generating income and boosting our webometrics ranking.

Webometrics and Short Courses Unit Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Ochieno speaks during the meeting with ICDL.

ICDL was represented by Ms. Solange Umulisa, Mr. Peter Maina and Mr. Stevens Kareri Mungai. The team from MMUST comprised of the Director, Privately Sponsored Students Programmes (PSSP), Prof. Benedict Alala, Dean, School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa, Representative of the Director International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Rose Opiyo, Webometrics and Short Courses Unit Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Ochieno, Faculty Member from the Civil and Structural Engineering Department, Dr. Edwin Kanda, Senior Lecturer in Department of Educational Psychology, Dr. James Bill Ouda, Faculty Member from the Pure and Applied Chemistry Department, Dr. Gershom Mutua, Dr. Emily Wamalwa from the Department of Biological Sciences, and the In-charge of admissions, Ms. Pamela Inzai.

We live in an era where technology is indispensable. Delving into such collaborations only reaffirms that we are heading in the right direction. 

By: Caren Nekesa

Photos by: Wilberforce Shiundu