MMUST hosted the fifth General Committee Meeting of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Western Kenya Branch, on Wednesday, 18th July 2018. The members deliberated on matters of industrial relations, infrastructure, security, state of the economy and political developments among other issues.
MMUST and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) are working on a collaborative study to address the growing problem of drug and substance abuse in Western Kenya. The study was initiated in a meeting held on 17th July 2018, between the Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno, with the MMUST researchers Dr. Donald Kokonya and Dr. Dennis Ochieno; and the KEMRI Project Principal and Co-Principal Investigators, Dr. Jane Mbui, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Public Health, and the Medical Sociologist Dr. Prisca Otambo, respectively.
MMUST has enhanced its efforts in imparting good attitude in science subjects among secondary school students. Various MMUST science experts have been on outreach missions in schools across the Western and Nyanza regions. In the field of biology, a young Biotechnology Scholar, Mr. Dennis Omayio, has been on a mission to promote emerging concepts in the biology field to help boost student interest in the subject. Mr. Omayio, an alumnus of the famous Alliance Boys High School, was on a mission in various schools in Siaya County, with a major stop over at St. Francis Rang’ala Girls Secondary School on 9th July 2018.
MMUST and the Kenya Council of Emergency Medical Trainers (KCEMT) agreed to work together towards promoting Paramedic Science program offered at the University. This was during a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony, held at the MMUST Nairobi Campus in Harambee House on 10th July 2018. Through the MoU, KCEMT is now a stakeholder in the MMUST programs including Bachelor of Paramedic Science as well as short courses offered by the University through the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS).
The university was represented by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno, together with the Dean SONMAPS, Prof. Lt. Col. (Rtd) John Okoth, Lecturer and Researcher in Reproductive and Child Health, Dr. Tecla Sum, and the Nairobi Campus staff Mr. Norbert Borruett and Ms. Emily Kadikinyi. KCEMT was represented by the Secretary General Mr. Benjamin Mwangi and the Director General Ms. Eunice Kamau. Also present, was the Coordinator National Disaster Management Unit, Mr. Pius Masai. MMUST Nairobi Campus Coordinator, Mr. Peter Wawire, raised optimism in the MoU, saying “This collaboration with KCEMT presents the University with an exciting opportunity to diversify its products making it a unique brand in Kenya and beyond”.
MMUSO Leadership Inducted on University and Global Challenges
The 2nd MMUSO Student Executive Council and the Parliament underwent a Leadership Induction from 11th - 14th July, 2018, at the Green Park Villa in Kakamega. The induction was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eng. Fred Otieno.
While addressing the student leaders, Prof. Otieno emphasized the need for honesty among them. “As you undergo this induction, one thing I want you to bear in mind is that popularity can never be a quality of good leadership. A good leader is one who can see beyond the rest, and be an honest team player,” he said.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Josephine Ngaira, advised the student leaders to maintain high level of etiquette in their work, and be role models to the rest. She further urged them to observe protocol while addressing matters concerning student welfare. She introduced the new leadership motto ‘Leaving No One Behind’ to mobilize teamwork that is necessary for their achievement as leaders.
The main topics covered during the induction included Diplomacy and Protocol, Stress Management, Youth Mentorship, Radicalization and Religious Extremism, Counseling Skills, Financial Management and Entrepreneurship. Such topics were aligned to global developments that leaders around the world need to be aware of, which the University Management gives high priority. The process was facilitated by the Dean of Students Dr. Bernadette Abwao, University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Willis Otuya, Chair of MMUST Electoral Commission Dr. Judah Ndiku, Head of Student Counseling Pauline Adhiambo, Assistant Student Counselor Milka Aswa, and the Finance Officer Stella Kabuga.
MMUST and Ball State University (BSU) rolled out plans to establish a Sickle Cell Anaemia Center in Western Kenya, on 9th July, 2018. This is part of strategies to help mitigate the devastating effects of this inherent blood disorder, which affects many people in Western Kenya, yet remains poorly understood in the entire African continent.
MMUST has taken a major role in addressing the persistent problem of food insecurity, by promoting the cultivation of drought tolerant root tuber crops in Western Kenya. This is part of the extension functions of the University, majorly entrenched through various MMUST satellite campuses, study centres and field stations. In Vihiga County, MMUST has established a farmer-participatory sweet potato germplasm multiplication centre at the Ebunangwe Field Station.