The School of Education Conducts a School Practice Advisory Workshop in a Bid to Enhance Quality Teaching

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing participants during the workshop.

The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s School of Education (SEDU) on 4^th May, 2023 conducted a school practice advisory workshop in a bid to enhance quality teaching. The workshop themed, ‘Teacher Education for Quality Teaching’, was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. School practice is an integral component of teacher training, which exposes the teacher trainees to the actual teaching and learning experience, and the teaching profession.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Shibairo encouraged the participants to effectively conduct school practice to make the University reputable. He urged the lecturers to do a thorough work while assessing students on school practice to help them build their careers. “We have competitive lecturers to provide quality training to the students. It is our commitment to keep the University at the top to attract more students. Let us empower our students for a better nation,” he urged.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha speaking at the workshop.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha pointed out that it is important for students to go to for attachments in areas that are easily accessible during assessment. Prof. Golicha challenged the lecturers to ensure the proper delivery of the students during the practice. He emphasized the preparedness of the students before going to school practice.

Speaking during the workshop, the Dean SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi acknowledged that school practice is a critical apprenticeship activity in teachers’ education that empowers pre-service teachers to acquire practical skills in pedagogy and other school operations. He added that assessors are expected to uphold the values of customer focus, accountability, collegiality, equity, excellence, innovativeness, and professionalism during the practice.

The Dean SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi making a presentation at the workshop.

The Coordinator (Webuye Campus), Prof. Peter Odera, advised that there is a need for proper guidance and counseling in schools. He said that the way the students present themselves is key and the student-teachers should champion guidance and counseling during their practice. “The assessors should ensure the student teacher is mentally prepared before the lesson. The student teachers should use good study skills, be energetic, and interactive, give assignments to students, and avoid spoon-feeding the students,” he said.

In his presentation, ‘The Concept and Practice of Teacher Advising’, the Chairman of the Department (Curriculum Instruction Technology), Prof. Mukasa Simiyu advised the assessors to go out as advisers and supervisors. For this reason, they will look at what the student has done and identify the problem as well as find a possible solution to the problem.

The Coordinator, School Practice- Dr. Eric Wangila giving his remarks during the School Practice workshop.

The Coordinator, School Practice- Dr. Eric Wangila tackled the Structure and Procedure of School Practice and urged the assessors to interact with the head of the schools for effective feedback from the student-teachers. In addition, he encouraged them to have a session with the student-teachers and look at the previous lesson plan. This will make the student more comfortable.

The participants were advised to ensure that the students have a complete scheme of work, lesson objectives, and lesson plan. Further, they were advised to consider the following teaching strategies; sequence, question and reinforcement, mastery of content, resources, and materials as well as the grading system.

Indeed, such workshops provide opportunities and model engaging learner-centered educational practices, while participants leave with effective new strategies which they can implement in engaging the students during school practice. These strategies empower students to become active, responsible learners, improving student academic success and retention.

By Verna Awuor, Melody Mutua and Sylvia Shibutuli

Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu

The School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Committed to Equipping Its Students With Hands-on Skills

The School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (SDMHA) is committed to equipping its students with practical skills in disaster management to suit the dynamic job industry. This was evident during a five-day Field Skills Practicum which was conducted from 29^th April to 3^rd May, 2023 in Budalangi. This is an experiential learning that is undertaken during the second semester of year two (2) of every academic year as a precursor to field attachment. Industry experts are incorporated to facilitate hands-on demonstrations and training in different areas of disaster management for students. The course is mandatory since it equips them with first–hand experience in life skills; survival and adaptability; search and rescue as well as leadership skills.

The practicum involved third-year students pursuing Bachelor’s Degrees in Geospatial Information Science, Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Mitigation and Sustainable Development, Disaster Preparedness and Engineering Management, and Emergency Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

A section of the students during First-Aid Practice and Trauma Management group discussion.

Commenting on the field skills practicum, the Dean SDMHA, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa who is also the course lecturer pointed out that the purpose of this course is to provide practical emergency management experience in a supervised professional setting that is geared towards the integration of theory and practice.

“The practicum is the best opportunity for students to begin to interact with the professional practitioner as well as the community. It gives them a safe learning environment to build experiences relevant to the work of an emergency management professional. At the end of this exercise, the students will be required to submit a report and an evaluation will be conducted on the application of concepts, principles, and skills acquired,” stated Dr. Nabiswa.

Mr. Stephen Wasike demonstrating Hazard mapping.

One of the facilitators, Mr. Stephen Wasike- a Geographic Information System (GIS) Expert, took the students through Hazard Mapping and Application of GIS in Data Collection and Analysis, Managing Water Shade Areas, and Mapping out Hotspot Disaster Areas. He noted that GIS in disaster management acts as a tool for supporting decisions.

“The application of GIS in disaster management helps in understanding the nature of the disaster and solving complex management problems. In addition, decisions can only be made by analyzing the different GIS layers. Management and planning of disasters, as well as handling disastrous conditions are currently useful, with the help of geospatial and socio-economic data,” said Mr. Wasike.

A demonstration of Trauma Management by one of the students.

Further, the practicum encompassed various activities including; Rescue Operations, Mass Evacuation, Search Techniques in Different Disasters, Teambuilding, Crime Scene Management, First-Aid Practice, and Trauma Management, as well as a Visit to Rescue Centres. The students also visited various parts of Budalangi to learn about the effects of floods along River Nzoia.

The students were accompanied by the Chairperson of the Department of Emergency Management Studies, Dr. Nicholas Ombachi, and other members of staff including Mr. Leonard Nyongesa, Ms. Betty Opilo, Ms. Janerose Kimuma, and Mr. Peter Otsianda.

Students after the water rescue session in Budalangi.

Certainly, Disaster Management is a field that requires hands-on learning to truly master. Although classroom learning provides a vital foundation, it's the practical application of skills and knowledge that distinguishes successful managers. By providing students with real-world opportunities to observe, analyze, and solve societal problems, these experiences are invaluable for preparing them to thrive in their careers.

By Linet Owuor

MMUST-Diamond Trust Bank Officially Launch MOU Set to Enhance Students and Staff Welfare

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has formally launched its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in a bid to enhance the welfare of staff and students. Yesterday, 3^rd May, 2023, a delegation of the bank’s branch Managers, drawn from the Kakamega and Kisumu regional offices, paid a visit to MMUST for the launching ceremony. The event was officiated by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai, who was standing in for the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

Prof. Mutai in his remarks expressed gratitude to DTB for partnering with the University, saying that this collaboration will go a long way towards improving the well-being of the entire MMUST community. “This University is committed to supporting the growth of its students as well as its employees. We are ready to work with the bank and we look forward to the success of this collaboration,” said Prof. Mutai.

Prof. Mutai gives his remarks during the MMUST-DTB MoU launching ceremony.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, shared the same views during a courtesy call made to his office by the DTB team. “It is great that we have an MoU with Diamond Trust Bank. Let us aim at implementing it for the benefit of both institutions,” stated Prof. Golicha.

“Diamond Trust Bank has presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi,” revealed the DTB Regional Branch Manager (Kisumu), Ms. Beatrice Oluoch. Ms. Oluoch discussed the key areas of collaboration highlighted in the MoU including; job shadowing programmes for MMUST students, internship opportunities, graduate management trainee programmes, and mentorship programmes. “For staff, we will partner in the areas of personal unsecured check off loan, car loan and mortgage scheme, salary accounts and advance, as well as credit cards,” she added.

DTB’s Ms. Beatrice Oluoch gives her remarks during the launching ceremony.

The Ag. Registrar (Academic Affairs), Prof Thomas Sakwa, reiterated that this MoU is a great move for the University. He pointed out that there is a need for MMUST to acquire more Till numbers in order to ease the process of collecting fees, adding that this will also enhance efficiency in the admission process. The Director Privately Sponsored Students Program (PSSP), Prof. Benedict Alala, appreciated the bank for creating slots specifically for MMUST students in its upcoming internship and attachment intakes.

Other people present during the MMUST-DTB MoU launching ceremony were; MMUST- Ag. Registrar (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Alice Ndiema, Dean School of Business and Economics (SOBE), Prof. Robert Egessa and Marketing Officer, Mr. James Muriithi. DTB- Mr. Benard Olage, Mr. Joel Wasonga, Mr. Bivon Magoma and Ms. Grace Odhiambo.

Prof. Mutai receives a copy of the signed MoU from Ms. Oluoch.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has continued to demonstrate its dedication to improving the welfare of its staff and students. The Memorandum of Understanding between the University and Diamond Trust Bank has gotten off to a good start, as was evident during the launch, and there is no doubt that both institutions will reap great benefits from this collaboration.

By Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu

MMUST’s Dr. David Barasa Project Wins £30,000 Grant From the British Academy!!

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Dr. David Barasa is among the three (3) scholars whose project has won a £30,000 grant from the British Academy. The other team members are Prof. Lutz Marten (SOAS University of London) and Dr. Hannah Gibson (University of Essex).

 The title of the project is ‘De-Centering Knowledge and Training Opportunities Supporting the Development of the Next Generation of Researchers in African Linguistics’. It builds on the successful previous Writing Workshop project entitled ‘Eroding dichotomies: description, analysis and publishing in African linguistics’ which was held in Stellenbosch, South Africa in 2022. It provides an opportunity for early career researchers from across Eastern and Southern Africa to work with experienced editors on the preparation of high-quality outputs, improve their writing skills and strengthen scholarly networks.

MMUST Researcher- Dr. David Barasa (second right) together with other participants during the Initial British Writing Workshop at Stellenbosch, South Africa, September 2022.

Dr. Barasa is a Senior Lecturer, and Coordinator of Research and Publications at MMUST’s Department of Language and Literature Education (LLE). Notably, he is among the leading researchers in the School of Arts and Social Sciences who are well published in the area of Linguistics and Communication Studies. We congratulate him for once again placing MMUST on the global map!

For more information about the project, please click on this link: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/projects/de-centering-knowledge-and-training-opportunities-supporting-the-development-of-the-next-generation-of-researchers-in-african-linguistics/

MMUST Champions Implementation of Geographic Information System in Disaster Management for National Development

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha (seated far right), beside him, the Ambassador- (ESRI) Eastern Africa, Dr. Nashon Adero, and staff from MMUST.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has championed the implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) in disaster management for national development. This was evident on 26^th April,2023, when the Ambassador, of Environmental Systems Research Institute Eastern Africa (ESRI) Eastern Africa, Dr. Nashon Adero, paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha. The visit was aimed at creating an instrument for initiating various collaborative activities for the mutual benefit of the two institutions in training, research, and innovation. The collaboration is steered by the Dean, of the School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (SDMHA), Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Golicha who was representing the Vice-Chancellor pointed out that GIS is an important technology that will impact many projects in the University. He assured that the University Management is keen to support the GIS initiative. “GIS nurtures spatial thinking skills and is a key technology to help students develop analytical and problem-solving skills. It provides students with tools to develop a better understanding of the world” he said.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha and Ambassador- (ESRI) Eastern Africa, Dr. Nashon Adero shaking hands.

Reiterating Prof. Golicha’s sentiments, the Director, Postgraduate Studies- Prof. Stephen Odebero, (Representing the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Research, and Innovation) acknowledged that with such collaborations, we look forward to becoming experts in geospatial technology. He urged disaster management experts to tap into this technology to leverage traditional-based technologies.

According to Dr. Adero, this collaboration will strengthen the efforts of MMUST and ESRI to stimulate collaborative consultancies, strengthen training, and support development initiatives. He added that this will instigate projects in the application of GIS to relevant research topics.

“GIS knowledge should be promoted through academic education in developing countries. This helps in sharing, networking, and promoting GIS uptake in predicting and averting disasters. We shall allow the University to use the ESRI ArcGIS software, remote sensing software, and mapping GP units for comprehensive and effective instructional and research purposes,” stated Dr. Adero. He emphasized the requirement to carry out a needs assessment and submit a report.

The Dean, School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (SDMHA), Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa (speaking), beside him- Prof. Silvery Oteng’i, and DVC/ASA- Prof. Hussein Golicha.

Expressing his delight, Dr. Nabiswa noted that this is the first step to the implementation of the MOU and hinted that MMUST is committed to becoming the best in GIS technology. He appreciated the University Management for approving their request to equip the GIS lab adding that this will upgrade the technological prowess of students.

“We are conducting a needs assessment to identify the gaps for equipping the MMUST GIS lab. ESRI will provide the University with free software for three (3) years. I urge the University Management to implement the comprehensive report that the Ambassador is set to deliver after the needs assessment,” said Dr. Nabiswa.

A section of the participants during the courtesy call.

Notably, other staff from SDHMA who were present included; Prof. Silvery Oteng’i, Dr. Veronica Kiluva, Dr. Edward Mugalavai, Dr. Saidi Fwamba, and Ms. Betty Opillo. The Coordinator, Webometrics and Short Courses- Dr. Dennis Ochieno was also in attendance.

Certainly, the entrenchment of GIS and remote sensing in the curriculum will equip our students with skills to generate development models for more accurate monitoring and decision-making. It is an important technology detecting environmental and structural changes in various sites, to create safe and sustainable projections.

By Linet Owuor and Verna Awuor 

Photos by Mary Wangari Wambugu

Researchers Step Up Efforts to Enlighten Ikolomani Community on Safe Gold Mining Activities

MMUST team with the Ikolomani Sub-county security team, including Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs after a meeting at the DCC’s office

Researchers from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology led by Prof. Peter Bukhala and Prof. Elizabeth Omukunda held a consultative meeting with stakeholders from Ikolomani Constituency to help the community in curbing the effects of artisanal gold mining on education, environment and human health in Ikolomani Sub-county. The meeting was held at the office of the Ikolomani Deputy County Commissioner’s office and attended by Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from the region.

Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Mr. Geoffrey Mayama welcomed the University research team and applauded them for the initiative, terming it as a timely intervention that will help the Ikolomani community to professionally get involved in gold mining activities. Prof. Bukhala, who also hails from the region, urged the administrators and their families to take advantage of the availability of the University and pursue further studies, saying that education is the only way to change the lives of members of the community.  He further said that MMUST has a number of scholarships that can help needy students within the region to further their studies. One of the scholarships is the talent scholarship, meant to help needy but talented students study as they represent the University in sporting activities.

 Prof. Peter Bukhala gifts the Ikolomani Deputy County Commissioner a MMUST shirt. Looking on are Dr. Joseph Owino and Dr. Christine Wanjala.

The research Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Elizabeth Omukunda stressed on the need for key stakeholders in the community like Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, Members of County Assembly (MCA)and Members of Parliament from the region to work with the University researchers.  This will enable them to share their views on how the gold miners’ lives can be safeguarded. She alluded to the fact that many people have lost their lives in the gold mines due to insecure approach to mining activities and the use of wrong tools. Prof. Omukunda is also an Associate Dean at the School of Natural Sciences in MMUST.

Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from Ikolomani Sub-County giving views on gold mining to MMUST researchers.

Other members of the MMUST team present during the meeting were: The Dean School of Natural Sciences, Dr. Joseph Owino, the Chairperson Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Dr. Christine Wanjala, the Chairperson Department of Economics from the School of Business Dr. Umulkher Ali, Chairperson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Dr. Peter Cherop, the Chairperson, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Dr. Iddah Maulid, the Chairperson, Department of Education Planning and Management, from the School of Education, Dr. Pamela Buhere, and Peter Nyongesa from the Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine.

MMUST team, led by Prof. Bukhala present a University branded umbrellathe to the Ikolomani DCC with  during a visit to his office.

By: Wilberforce Shiundu

MMUST School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedical Sciences and University of Southern Denmark Deliberate on Possible Areas of Collaboration in Global Health

Participants of the joint meeting.

In a bid to promote the health promotion agenda, fruitful deliberations between the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS), and the University of Southern Denmark have highlighted global health as an area for collaboration between the two institutions. This was evident during the extensive discussions which took place on Wednesday 19^th April 2023. The deliberation was steered by led by the Chairperson, Department of Nursing Research and Education- Dr. Damaris Ochanda (MMUST), and Prof. Leena E. Karlsson (University of Southern Denmark).

Prof. Leena E. Karlsson, who is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark said that the institution uses an interdisciplinary approach, on the premise that health promotion has a structural dimension. She acknowledged the dire need for more of their programs to be administered in English, highlighting this as an opportunity for collaboration between the two institutions. Prof. Karlsson added that the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has a thriving academic environment for student and faculty exchange programs. According to the senior researcher, there is a need in the future to maintain and strengthen international collaboration in order to ensure health promotion globally. 

A section of the participants following the meeting proceedings.

Prof. Lt. Col. (Rtd) J. Okoth said that MMUST School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS), through the Department of Community Health and Extension, houses the Global Health and Travel Medicine program, which presents a focal possible area of collaboration, especially in matters research.

“In the spirit of internationalization, we appreciate opportunities like this, to interact with the outside world and learn new trends in healthcare, education, and more. We are looking forward to collaborative research, twin programs, staff, and student exchange programs,” said Prof.Okoth.

Speaking during the deliberations, the Dean School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedical Sciences, Mr. John Arudo, said that the school is looking forward to a Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities. Dr. Damaris Ochanda emphasized that both faculty and students in the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedical Sciences are involved in extensive research.

Members of SONMAPS and the University of Southern Denmark following the presentations.

“There is a lot that we can learn from each other through faculty and student exchange programs,” said Dr. Ochanda.

The School is in the process of mounting a master's program Global which will give students an opportunity to progress in their careers. MMUST is the only University in Kenya currently offering a Bachelor of Science in Global Health and Travel Medicine.

The Chairperson, of the Department of Community Health and Extension, Dr. Gregory Sakwa, said that Global Health and Travel Medicine is a fairly new program in Kenya that is geared towards improving health care.

Other notable participants present during the deliberations included Dr. Everlyne Morema, Mr. Peter Okoyo, Mr. Roaler Karlsson, Mrs. Milka Ogayo, Mr. Victor Mukaka, and Ms. Sandra Awuor.

Evidently, with more Universities embracing multidisciplinary research and international collaborations such as this, the global scope for sustainable development in research and education has expanded and MMUST is right at the center of it.

By Awuor Sandra Dorcas

MMUST Stamps Its Authority in the Eldoret Kusa Games, Effectively Dominating the Sports Sector in the Country

A section of the trophies received by MMUST from the just concluded KUSA games.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has stamped its authority by effectively dominating the sports sector in the Country. In the recent games hosted by the University of Eldoret on 1^st April, 2023, MMUST achieved position two (2) overall during the final match of the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) Games. The most spectacular performances were by Handball Women against JKUAT (24-20), and Soccer Women against Kisii University (5-4), which recorded position one in the respective categories.

Hockey Men and Women's teams garnered position two against Strathmore University, both scoring 1-0, while Handball Men emerged in position three (3) after the University of Eldoret (UOE) 19-15. MMUST crushed Strathmore University 22-19 in the playoff to gain position three. The University received a total of five (5) trophies from the just concluded games. The notable awards received include; two (2) gold for position 1, two (2) silver for position 2, and one (1) bronze for position 3.

MMUST Volleyball Women team competing in the KUSA Western Conference Games.

Prior to this, MMUST competed against nine Universities in the KUSA Western Conference Games and attained position one in all games. The Universities included; Kibabii, Kaimosi Friends University, Maseno University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK), Kisii University, Rongo University, Tom Mboya University, and Kabianga University.

The ten teams that MMUST presented for the KUSA Western Conference Games were; Soccer Women, Hockey Men, Hockey Women, Handball Men, Handball Women, Volleyball Men, Volleyball Women, Basketball Women, Netball Women, and Netball Men. The KUSA Western Conference Games brings together the best two (2) teams in every sports conference.

In addition, MMUST participated in the East Africa Inter-University Women Games at United States International University Africa (USIU) during the Easter weekend. The MMUST teams competed in Chess and Scrabble games, attaining position one in both games.

MMUST Coach, Shisoka Akaka (center) together with Chess and Scrabble teams.

The players of the Chess team were; Prudence Mwangi, Brenda Gwadoya, Everlyne Wambui, and Dorica Nyanchama. The Scrabble team included; Natalie Atieno (The 6^th MMUSO Secretary General), Nichole Achan (Top in East Africa- University Level), Grace Muthoni, and Mercy Akinyi.

This exemplary performance by the MMUST teams is as a result of the expertise and commitment of the MMUST sports coaches; Ms. Selphine Muyonga, Mr. Shisoka Akaka, and Mr. Geoffrey Barasa from the office of the Dean of Students which is headed by Dr. Bernadette Abwao.

Clearly, the sports sector is committed to flying the flag of the University higher as it increases its chances of attracting talented students to study at the University. Moreover, such performance encourages students to participate in co-curricular activities which help them achieve their academic goals as well.

By Verna Awuor