University Talent Scholarship Set to Reduce Youth Unemployment

Women football players during the talent scholarship trials at MMUST

University talent scholarships are set to reduce youth unemployment in Kenya. One of the Universities on the frontline in championing the youth agenda is MMUST. The MMUST 2023 talent scholarships trials have kicked off on a high note with a high number of potential beneficiaries flocking into the University for trials. The trials, which will take place up to Friday 19^th May 2023 started early on Tuesday morning with Soccer Women, Handball Women and Rugby Men at the various University sporting grounds. Wednesday was scheduled for Hockey Men and Women, Volleyball Men and Women, Basketball Men and Women and Music trials. Thursday and Friday are scheduled for athletics, soccer and drama trials.

The scholarship program is aimed at helping needy but talented students to pursue further studies as they prosper their talents. It will also help them get engaged and avoid engaging in drug and substance abuse as they work towards showcasing their talent to the world. This is the eighth cohort of students since it was established in 2015. So far the majority of the students who have gone through this program have become successful in both sporting and professional activities. A good example is Samwel Mbeche, who joined the University through the inaugural 2015 cohort, and successfully captained the MMUST rugby team into topflight rugby (Kenya Cup) in the country in 2020. Mr. Mbeche successfully transitioned into the corporate world and also joined the Mwamba Rugby team, which plays in the Kenya Cup.

Ladies football team warm up ahead of talent scholarship trial at MMUST

MMUST teams have been producing top talents in the national teams and topflight teams in the Country. In football, we currently have Daniel Sakari, who plays for the national team- Harambee Stars and the Kenya Premier League defending Champions Tusker Football Club in Nairobi. Mr. Sakari was a MMUST student who turned up for MMUST FC before joining Kakamega Homeboyz football Club and later joined Tusker. In rugby, we currently have two players from the MMUST Rugby team (Mr. Timothy Mmasi and Mr. Reinhard Ngaira) getting call ups to the Kenya Rugby 15s team (Simbas) currently in South Africa for the Mzansi Challenge International Tournament. Notably, the MMUST women soccer team are the East Africa University Football Champions.

Speaking at the trials event, the Dean of Students, Dr. Bernadette Abwao, noted that the idea of introducing talent scholarship was beneficial to the community and the University. “Since its inception in the year 2015, the talent scholarship program has been positively impactful to the University. We managed to bring top talents into our sporting activities and the results were the promotion of the MMUST Rugby team to the topflight league in the Country and the domination of the MMUST women football team in East Africa University games”, said Dr. Abwao. She further said that the community has been supportive of the program through identification of good talents

Prof. Peter Bukhala instructing an athlete on the pitch during talent scholarship trials in MMUST

While gracing the trials, Prof. Peter Bukhala, who is an expert in adapted physical activities lauded the exercise, saying that it has been of great significance to the University. Prof. Bukhala stated that the program has worked as a marketing tool to the University, as many students are identifying the University as a sporting hub that nurtures talents. “We are now being identified as a sporting powerhouse in the East African region. Our students have been able to shine at all level of competition they have participated in, and all this is credited to talent scholarship where we go for the best talent”, said Prof. Bukhala. He further said that as a selection committee of the talent scholarship, they are putting plans in place to ensure there is a suitable tracing plan in place, which will ensure that the University remains in contact with their sportsmen after completion of studies or professional transfer to other clubs. This, according to Prof. Bukhala will help in ensuring that the University grows its sporting alumni base, which can be used to organize high level tournaments that can generate income to the University which will in turn sustain talent scholarships to other upcoming talents.

Sponsoring talented students to pursue further studies as they sharpen their talents has proved to be the best way to achieve multiple and diverse goals like reducing youth unemployment, promotion of employability among youths, fostering creativity, and attracting investments. Clearly, such events promote the enhancement of Kenya’s overall competitiveness if all that has happened since the inception of MMUST talent scholarships is anything to go by. 

Rugby players display tackling skills during talent scholarship trials at MMUST Rugby grounds

By Shiundu Masafu 

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

MMUST is Hosting Carnegie Diaspora Fellows a for Two-Month Academic Engagement

The Carnegie Diaspora Fellows (seated center), together with the MMUST team.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is hosting two Carnegie Diaspora Fellows for two-month academic engagements at the University. The engagement will entail various activities including co-supervision of post-graduate students in specified programs, co-development and review of Msc/Ph.D. programs, Co-design of research/ community engagement activities, and knowledge mobilization. The diaspora fellows are Prof. Grace Keengwe from the University of North Dakota, and Prof. Newton Nyairo from Langston University. They will be attached to the School of Education (SEDU) and the School of Agriculture, Veteran Science and Technology (SAVET) respectively.

The duo paid a courtesy call to the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Planning, Research and Innovation). Speaking during the meeting, the Ag. Registrar, Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Alice Ndiema (representing the DVC, PRI) stated that the exchange program will develop a student-oriented program that will enhance our capacity to produce high-quality research outputs and participate meaningfully in the development of grant-winning proposals.

The Ag. Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Rose Opiyo taking notes during the courtesy call at DVC PRI.

The visiting scholars were received by the Ag. Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages, Dr. Rose Opiyo who is the host fellow together with Dr. Eveline Mmbone. Dr. Opiyo noted that this exchange program will strengthen the capacity of the Schools in mentorship/supervision of postgraduate students through Trainer of Trainers (ToT) workshops and enhance the skills and competencies for undertaking research and acquisition of grants in the University.

Notably, such  innovative fellowship programs are key to the University as it enables knowledge production, foster international collaborative networks, and increase visibility of the African higher education institutions. It also facilitates engagements between scholars born in Africa who are now based in the United States or Canada and scholars in Africa on mutually beneficial academic activities.

By Linet Owuor

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

The School of Engineering and Built Environment Continues to Impart Its Students With Practical Skills Required in the Industry

The first (1^st) and second (2^nd) year students pursuing Electrical and Communications Engineering troubleshooting electronic circuits during the workshop.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) has continued to impart its students with practical skills required in the job market, as it hits week two of the 2022/2023 workshop practice. The rigorous exercise is a core training requirement that instills practical skills of engineering in the students before proceeding to the industrial attachment. This involves students pursuing engineering at the levels of Undergraduate Studies for the first (1^st) and second (2^nd) year; Diploma 2^nd year and as well as Technology Education 2^nd year. The exercise is undertaken at various facilities of the University.

The Dean SEBE, Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, together with the Chairpersons of Departments; Dr. James Owuor (Electrical and Communications Engineering), Dr. Peter Cherop (Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) and Dr. Micah Mukolwe (Civil and Structural Engineering), have commissioned technologists who have vast knowledge and experience in the rigorous training to enhance the practical sessions. The training exercise is being supervised to ensure efficiency and prudent utilization of resources.

The Civil and Structural Engineering workshop coordinator, Mr. Geoffrey Mwasame (far right), and Mr. Solomon Shimala guiding the students through setting out of buildings.

The students from the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering are engaged in various activities including; reconnaissance survey, construction and setting out drawings, setting out of buildings, carpentry, masonry, hydraulics, building construction as well as construction site visits.

The Electrical and Communication engineering students are taken through training exercises in the sections of; Electronic repairs and troubleshooting, Electrical Installations (residential, industrial, and commercial), and Electrical Mechanics (motor controls). Equally, the workshop practice for the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering is tailored towards; machining, welding, and fitting.

Second-year students pursuing Mechanical and Industrial Engineering operating a lathe machine.

The workshop practice will culminate with an industrial visit where the students will visit various industries to experience the actual application of a wide array of practical techniques and skills taught in class. Further, the assessment will be conducted at individual and group levels, as well as workshop practice and industrial visit reports.

Notably, this has been made possible through the various facilities including; the Mechanical workshop laboratory, Electrical and Electronics laboratory, civil engineering laboratories, as well as the TVET and Engineering Complex Construction site.

The SEBE technologists include; Mr. Geoffrey Mwasame, Mr. Gideon Kitiyo, Mr. Evans Nandasaba, Mr. Solomon Shimala, Ms. Valarie Lutta, Mr. Caleb Kibet, Mr. Moses Toili, Mr. Zablon Mbogo, Mr. Meredith Liheeli, Mr. Ibrahim Chimoi, Mr. Vitalis Igundwa, Mr. Agripina Amani and Ms. Faith Gichuhi.

Mechanical and Industrial students engage in welding during the workshop.

Indeed, SEBE is ensuring that its students are well acquainted with the tools and basic skills of engineering. This practical workshop is crucial in equipping students with practical aspects of engineering required in the job market.

By Verna Awuor

Photos by Mary Wangari Wambugu

National Council for People With Disabilities (NCPWDN) Sensitizes MMUST University Management Board on Disability Mainstreaming Issues

Workshop participants.

The National Council for People With Disabilities (NCPWD), on 16th May 2023 sensitized the University Management Board on the need to mainstream disability at the institution to meet the needs of students with disability. The purpose of this workshop was to create awareness of disability and to improve the living, and studying environment for people with disabilities at the University. This workshop organized by the AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming Unit led by Prof. Gladys Mengich, was held at Golf Hotel- Kakamega.

 The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, noted that mainstreaming disability to promote the rights of persons with disabilities is a matter of basic social justice the University is keen to embrace. He further noted that University Management will do its best to ensure that the recommendations illustrated by NCPWD are implemented. The Vice-Chancellor was also accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs),  Prof. Hussein Golicha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation),  Prof. Charles Mutai, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance) Prof.  John Kuria Thuo.  

A section of UMB members at the workshop.

The workshop facilitator, Ms. Jane Wamugu from NCPWD stated that the role of NCPWD is to develop policies, measures and programmes designed to achieve equalization of opportunities for people with disabilities.  It also recommends policies to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities

Ms Wamugu highlighted certain projects or programmes that the (NCPWD) offers; Economic empowerment programmes, scholarship, economic programmes, advocacy and awareness that is; disability calendar days, infrastructure and equipment support to learning institutions. She noted that the total number of employment countrywide for people with disability is 1.3 % employed and 5% reserved employees. 

Ms. Wamugu making a presentation at the workshop.

She further presented a comprehensive audit report on Accessibility and Usability of the University structures to the managers. She assessed various sections of the University including different locations; staircases, ramps, signage, parking areas, accessibility areas, toilets/ sanitary rooms, boardrooms, drop-off areas, reception, ICT room, and employment percentage, tenders awarded to people with disability, equipment control and switches.

She pointed out that the University has conformed to various guidelines set by the Council. “MMUST has met our targets in various ways including; appropriate lighting, standard staircase and ramps, and proper signage provided to different pathways. I am pleased to report to you that the library is the most accessible building to people with disabilities,” she added.

Indeed, this is an important exercise for the University. Different entities need to ensure that their respective spheres of responsibility provide the necessary opportunities and access to persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others.

By Linet Owuor and Millicent Masitsa

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

MMUST Set to Partner With Kenyan Nurse Consultants in Offering IELTS on Paper (IOP) and on Computer (IOC) Exams

MMUST together with KenyanNurse Consultants Ltd teams during the visit.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is set to partner with the KenyanNurse Consultants Ltd in offering International English Language Testing System (IELTS) on Paper (IOP) and Computer (IOC) exams. This was revealed during the visit by a delegation from KenyanNurse Consultants Ltd led by the CEO- Mr. Caleb Wafula who paid a courtesy call to the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai.

The visit which took place today, 12^th May 2023, is geared towards enabling MMUST’s students pursuing nursing to acquire training skills through a webinar platform where their proficiency in various aspects of listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English will be tested. It is a requirement for any nurse aspiring to work abroad, especially in English-speaking countries.

Officers from the KenyanNurse Consultants Ltd.

The consultancy offers information pertaining to nursing jobs in English-speaking countries including; the UK, USA, Canada, and Ireland. The partnership comes with more benefits including; wooing more prospective nursing students across and beyond the nation as well as getting accreditation by British Council as an IELTS exam centre.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Mutai applauded the Dean, the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS) for a tremendous job in training holistic nurses. Equally, the Dean SONMAPS - John Mr. Arudo noted that the School is determined to have IELTS exams to widen the chances of job opportunities for their students.

KenyanNurse Consultants Ltd led by the CEO- Mr. Caleb Wafula (speaking) and Dean SONMAPS - John Mr. Arudo during the meeting.

Mr. Wafula revealed that the institution is having the biggest collaboration with the British Council where they share jobs with clients, and are actively building in recruitment. He added that some of the requirements needed are; 50 tables, a separate room for speaking, and a writing room. The students will be required to pay Ksh. 29, 000 for exams.

In attendance were; the Director ICT- Mr. Geoffrey Kones, Manager (MMUST Enterprises)- CPA Michael Wanjala, and Central Services- Mr. Allan Anguba from MMUST; Mr. Allan Seurey, Ms. Caren Koech, and Ms. Brenda Imali from the KenyanNurse Consultants Limited.

By Ivy Alivitsa

Photos by Linet Owuor

MMUST in Collaboration With St. John Ambulance Conducts Volunteer Capacity Building Training for Effective Management of Emergencies

DVC PRI- Prof. Charles Mutai (center), Chancellor- (St. John Ambulance), Dr. Robert Mutula (his left), the Patron (St. John Ambulance) - MMUST Chapter, Prof. Stanley Omuterema (his right) and volunteers.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in collaboration with a delegation from St. John Ambulance has today 11^th May 2023, conducted a capacity-building training for volunteers from the Western Region. The aim of the training was to equip the volunteers with adequate and relevant skills for effective management of emergencies. This event organized by the Patron (St. John Ambulance) - MMUST Chapter, Prof. Stanley Omuterema, took place at the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH).

The delegation led by the Chancellor- (St. John Ambulance), Dr. Robert Mutula, paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai. Prof. Shibairo noted that St. John Ambulance plays a key role in emergency management adding that such training will enhance emergency management in the institution and in the community at large. He advised the emergency responders to encourage the spirit of volunteerism among the youths in order to save lives.

“It is important to emphasize that service to humanity not only gives life a greater meaning but also unites the diverse people of Kenya. Any support extended in a spirit of service volunteerism is a demonstration of true love for our fellow humankind. Let us embrace it,” urged Prof. Shibairo.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (right) shaking hands with the Chancellor- (St. John Ambulance), Dr. Robert Mutula during the courtesy call.

The event was flagged off by Prof. Mutai who encouraged the trainees to willingly help others without expecting to be rewarded.  He pointed out that most deaths happen where the incidents occurred but how the patient is managed and transferred to the hospital is the key. He assured that MMUST will continue collaborating with St. John Ambulance to offer expertise in emergency management through the Departments of Paramedic Sciences and Disaster Management.

Commenting on the training, Dr. Mutula stated that the government of Kenya is in support of such training at the grassroots level. Dr. Mutula appreciated MMUST for being one of the strong units and expressed gratitude to the University for its aggressiveness and support. He added that through this event, St. John Ambulance is able to expand and reach other neighboring Universities.

Dr. Mutula explains the paramedical response procedures inside the ambulance.

Prof. Omuterema noted that the emergency aid training is targeting the staff from catering, hostels, and estates departments as well as the students. “Safety starts with you. With basic first aid knowledge, you could be the difference in a life-threatening medical emergency situation. First aid skills are simple and easy and could make all the difference when correctly applied,” he stated.

Regional Commissioner Western Region, Mr. Alex Osej pointed out that MMUST is dominant in the activities of the St. John Ambulance- Western Chapter. He appreciated the University management for their support.

St. Johns Ambulance has remained true to the sole purpose of saving lives by giving first aid to casualties and training communities to cope with life-threatening emergencies.

By Linet Owuor, Ivy Alivitsa, and Millicent Masistsa

Photos by Shiundu Masafu

Once Again, MMUST’s Prolific Researcher and Astute Scholar Prof. Maurice Omolo Grabs Global Attention Through Impactful Vector Biology Training Project!!

We are delighted to inform you that Prof. Maurice Omollo’s collaborative NIH training grant, ‘Support for Vector Biology Training for Sustainable Control of Vector Borne Diseases in East Africa’; got awarded approximately USD 1.2M. The lead institution in Kenya for the exciting project is the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (KALRO) while the MMUST team is led by Prof. Maurice Omolo.   He is also  the Centre Leader of MMUST's Centre for African Medicinal and Nutritional Flora and Fauna (CAMNFF). Prof. Omolo hails from the School of Natural Sciences (SONAS) which is led by Dr. Joseph Owino.

 The other members of the MMUST team are: Prof. Elizabeth Omukunda, Prof. Gordon Nguka and Dr. Evans Raballa. The current CoD of Optometry and Vision Sciences-Dr. Christine Wanjala, is the MMUST postdoc student on the project.

The project has drawn membership from a multiplicity of institutions, including, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST),Yale School of Public Health (YSPH)- USA, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Vector and Vector Borne Institute (VVBDI), Gulu University (Uganda), the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) from Tanzania.

The lead researchers from the participating institutions will train postdocs or early-career scientists across East Africa in Vector Biology Research and Control of Vector Borne Diseases.

Congratulations Prof. Omollo and team!!!!!!!