Equator magazine - MASENO UNIVERSITY Fountain of Excellence
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MASENO UNIVERSITY
Fountain of Excellence
20th Graduation, 30th April, 2021
equator
magazine
KEEP SAFE: WEAR YOUR MASK PROPERLY, WASH YOUR HANDS WITH
WATER AND SOAP OR SANITIZE, AND KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCE.
www.maseno.ac.ke
From
Equator Magazine 2021
2020
Congratulations C lass of
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke
MASENO UNIVERSITY
Vision
The University of Excellence in discovery and dissemination of knowledge.
Mission
To discover, harness, apply, disseminate and preserve knowledge for good of
humanity.
Core Values
Relevance
The University is committed to ensuring relevance in its programs and activities
Excellence
Excellence shall be targeted in outputs of the university
Equity
The University shall ensure that there is equity in all the opportunities within its juris-
diction
Quality
All outputs and processes of the University shall ensure that quality is maintained
Integrity
The University shall ensure integrity in all their undertaking
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke
IN THIS ISSUE
MEMBERS OF MASENO UNIVERSITY COUNCIL........................................................................................................1
MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE UNIVERSITY............................................................................................................2
20TH GRADUATION AT A GLANCE................................................................................................................................3
MASENO UNIVERSITY STABILIZES ITS ROLE AS A RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
CENTRE AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC.......................................................................................................................4
EDUCATION CABINET SECRETARY VISITS MASENO UNIVERSITY TO ASSESS
PREPAREDNESS TOWARDS FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC.......................................6
EDUCATION CABINET SECRETARY VISITS MASENO UNIVERSITY.......................................................................8
THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, STATE DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION AND
RESEARCH AMB. SIMON NABUKWESI PAYS COURTESY CALL TO MASENO UNIVERSITY............................9
MASENO UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES A CALL CENTRE AS MEASURES ARE PUT IN PLACE
TOWARDS COVID-19 PANDEMIC...................................................................................................................................10
AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR TO KENYA PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON MASENO
UNIVERSITY’S VICE-CHANCELLOR.............................................................................................................................12
AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS TO KENYA, H.E. MARTEN
BROWNER VISITS MASENO UNIVERSITY....................................................................................................................14
DR. KARANJA KIBICHO VISITS MASENO MASENO...................................................................................................15
MASENO UNIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENTS......................................................................................................................16
MASENO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING............................................................................................................19
THE YEAR 2020, WAS NOT KIND TO US........................................................................................................................20
SAFARICOM PARTNERS WITH MASENO UNIVERSITY TO ENABLE STUDENTS CONTINUE
WITH LEARNING, DURING THIS COVID-19 ERA........................................................................................................21
MASENO UNIVERSITY HOSTS FREE VIRTUAL-2020 TOP FARMER CONFERENCE.............................................22
BIDCO AFRICA SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH MASENO UNIVERSITY’S
SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE.............................................................................................................................................24
MASENO UNIVERSITY SIGNS MOU WITH ICT MINISTRY ON AJIRA......................................................................25
EQUITY BANK DONATES PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPEs) TO MASENO
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, TO ASSIST IN THE FIGHT OF COVID-19...................................................27
CHUKA UNIVERSITY BENCHMARKING VISIT AT MASENO UNIVERSITY............................................................28
EQUITY BANK AND KENYA FOREST SERVICE JOIN WITH MASENO UNIVERSITY
IN TREE-PLANTING ..........................................................................................................................................................29
MASENO UNIVERSITY JOINS REST OF THE WORLD IN COMMEMORATING
THE WORLD’S HIV/AIDs DAY..........................................................................................................................................32
GENDER MAINSTREAMING TAKES SHAPE IN MASENO UNIVERSITY..................................................................33
MASENO UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONS TREE-PLANTING IN WESTERN REGION....................................................35
TOM MBOYA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE............................................................................................................................36
MAY 2021 INTAKE...............................................................................................................................................................37
e-CAMPUS..............................................................................................................................................................................41
NOTABLE PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN MASENO UNIVERSITY AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS
IN-COUTRY AND WORLD WIDE.......................................................................................................................................43
KISUMU HOTEL (MASENO UNIVERSITY)......................................................................................................................45
CONTACT US........................................................................................................................................................................46
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke
MEMBERS OF MASENO UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN OF MASENO UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
Prof. Abdullah Naji Said
Dip. (Egerton), BVet (UoEA), Ph.D(UoN)
MEMBERS
Mr. Edwins Mukabana Ms. Sophia Abdi Hassan Mr. Gerald Kariithi Mira
BA (UoN), MSc (Westminster) BSc (Malardem), MSc (Malardem) BA(Moi), MSc (JKUAT)
Ms. Lucy A. Osmerah Mrs. Caroline Nkirote Nyororo Mr. Andrew Rukaria
Dip. Ed(KU), BA(UoN), MA(UoN) BA (UoN), MBA (UoN) BA(UoN), MBA(Moi)
Rep. Principal Secretary Ministry of Education
Mr. Samuel Kiptorus Prof. Julius O. Nyabundi, OGW
BA(UoN), M.A(DAR) BSc.(UoN), MSc(UoN), Ph.D.(California, Davis)
Rep. Cabinet Secretary National Treasury VICE-CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY TO THE COUNCIL
1 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke
MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE UNIVERSITY
Prof. Julius O. Nyabundi, OGW
BSc.(UoN), MSc(UoN), Ph.D.(California, Davis)
VICE-CHANCELLOR
Prof. Catherine A. Muhoma, Prof. Mary Kipsat, Prof. Joseph Chacha,
BEd.(Moi), M.A, (Moi)Ph.D.(Witwatersrand) BSc(UoN), MSc.(UoN), Ph.D.(Moi) BEd (UoN)., MSc(UoN)., Ph.D(Ottawa)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (A,F&D) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (ASA) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (PRI)
Prof.Charles O. Ochola PhD
Principal/ Secretary to Council
B.A Geography (UoN)
M.A Population Studies (UoN)
Ph.D in Demography (University of Liverpool).
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 2
20th GRADUATION AT A GLANCE
Prof. Mary Kipsat, PhD.
On the 20th Graduation, Prof. Mary Kipsat (above) shall ask the Deans of
Schools to present Graduands for the award and conferement of the following
Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees:
Certificates 81
Diplamas 246
Barchelors 2,883
Postgraduate Diplomas 20
Masters 97
PhDs 31
TOTAL 3,358
3 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke
MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Maseno University Entrenches in
its role as a Research and
Innovation Centre even as
COVID-19 pandemic continues
to ravage the world.
Maseno University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi (right) with
Governor, Kisumu County H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o (centre) and
Maseno University’s Dean, School of Medicine, Prof. Ogendo interracting
during the launch of the Emergency Call Centre at the University’s
Kisumu Campus.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 4
MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
With the novel corona virus (Covid-19) The University also understands the
sweeping across continents and affect- scarce supply of protective gear and
ing millions of people, health authorities, disinfectants, such as surgical masks
policy-makers, scientists and innovators and sanitizers; therefore is engaged in
around the world are racing to invent investing research resources to find
ways to contain spread of the virus. It is possible ways to produce or aquire
our unwavering belief that universities these supplies efficiently and cost-ef-
are – and should always be – contribut- fectively to help alleviate the acute situ-
ing to this collective fight against this ation.
and future severe and potentially
long-lasting public health crises. With such a rapidly developing situa-
tion, sustained efforts to work collective-
Covid-19’s highly infectious nature ly in knowledge-sharing and research
means there is a pressing need to find collaboration through University allianc-
corresponding solutions, from speeding es are vital. Although the University has
up the detection of virus carriers, halting met challenges from the beginning of
the spread of the virus and developing the outbreak, the whole University
a vaccine. Like other dedicated fellows fraternity has joined to address the
around the world, research teams at issues ardently.
Maseno University have been working
tirelessly to contribute to the global task- As our students are now spread across
force for corona virus control. In this the country, Maseno has been offering
regard, Maseno University and the interactive and immersive online edu-
County Government of Kisumu have cation for the benefit of all students
partnered in setting up a Covid-19 since March 2020 and we are prepared
Emergency Response Team that is to share our experience and exchange
active 24hours a day. This has also seen views systematically and in a timely
a creation of Lucii App, an application fashion with partners.
that people can use for self diagnosis
and then rapidly making the right deci-
sion together with health workers
towards isolation and management.
A Maseno University student demonstrates how Emergency Call Centre works during
the launch of an emergency call centre at the University.
5 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke
MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Education Cabinet Secretary
Visits Maseno University to assess
preparedness towards
Face-to-Face Learning after
COVID-19 Hit the country
The Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha (right) shares a moment with
Maseno University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi, at Maseno University.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 6MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
During his tour to inspect the University conducting virtual teaching and learning
level of preparedness and adherence to and online graduations for students who
the stipulated COVID-19 guidelines by the have successfully completed their pro-
Ministry of Health in partnership with the grams and have met graduation require-
Ministry of Education as the University pre- ments set by their respective senates. “We
pared for the resumption of face to face did not put a stop to learning. We only
halted face to face meeting to protect
learning the CS recommended Maseno our learners and lecturers from being
University on its preparedness for post infected by Covid-19,” he said.
Covid reopening
He also stressed that as part of the mini-
The Ministry of Education also encour- mum reopening conditions, the institution
aged Maseno to continue offering virtual would be required to reduce physical
classes terming it as a new norm in a bid contact by having fewer students. “Social
to combat the contagion. Maseno or physical distancing is the most critical
University shifted its learning gears from factor in ensuring the safety and health of
face-to-face teaching following the insti- learners for reopening of learning institu-
tutions closure in March, 2020 to online tions. Handwashing with soap and-or use
classes. This allowed students to continue of sanitizers, wearing of face masks and
monitoring body temperature will be the
studying and taking examinations. minimum requirements for the health and
safety of students,” said the CS.
In his speech while ascertaining the pre-
paredness of the University for reopening Maseno University was hailed by the Cabi-
during his visit on August 1st 2020, the CS net Secretary for its efforts to continue
noted that the lecture rooms and the hos-
tels were in good shape to house the serving students since closure in order to
learners. keep students on course to finish their
courses.
CS, Education
Prof. Magoha
plants a tree
“I’ve gone around the lecture rooms, hos- This has been a great achievement con-
tels, kitchen and dining halls. They are well sidering online learning infrastructure in
set and ready to serve the students and
only requiring more water points to be put most universities is inadequate and most
in place and automatically, sanitizer-dis- lecturers have not been trained to handle
pensing equipment be placed at van- online learning. He noted that this is some-
tage points for easy reach by the users”,
said Prof.Magoha. thing which has been heavily invested in
Maseno University giving the University
high advantage in proceeding with its
Universities, he added, should continue programs.
7 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
EDUCATION CABINET SECRETARY
AT MASENO UNIVERSITY A SECOND TIME
Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha (fourth left) pauses for a group photo
with Maseno University Officials lead by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Julius Nyabundi (third right)
at the Vice-Chancellor’s boardroom in Maseno University.
The University has put up a state-of-the-art
tuition block that houses three amphithe-
On 26th February 2021, Education Cabi- aters, laboratories and lecture halls. In his
net Secretary Prof. George Magoha paid remarks, the CS, also thanked Maseno
a courtesy call on Prof. Julius Nyabundi University Management for supporting the
the Vice-Chancellor Maseno University Vice-Chancellor in ensuring smooth man-
agement of the University.
and exchanged views on development
of facilities that will go a long way to help Prof. Magoha then sat in a meeting with
the University pursue its mandate of University officials who were present
teaching, research and outreach. where they shared a lot on continued
support of his ministry to the University and
Present at the meeting were Prof. Cather- they explored other areas that the Univer-
sity needed support.
ine Muhoma Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(AFD) Prof.Joseph Chacha, Deputy
Vice-Chancellor (PRI), Mr. Omondi (Act-
ing Finance Officer), Ms. Joy Akinyi (Legal
Officer) and the Director Public Relations
Dr. Owen MConyango.
During his visit, Prof. Magoha took a tour
around the University to assess ongoing
projects that are being constructed at the
University. He acknowledged the commit-
ment the Vice-Chancellor has put in
ensuring the University is equipped in infra- The CS, Prof. Magoha, inspecting one of the newly
structure that would support Academic constructed laboratories at Maseno University.
Programs.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 8MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Th Cabinet Secretary was also happy with
the University’s student leadership as
student unrest cases are rarely reported
from Maseno University. He pointed out
that students at Maseno University are so
disciplined, a trait he really appreciated.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor
thanked the CS for his continued strong
relationship with Maseno University and he
affirmed to not relent on his cooperation
with the Ministry of Education in all
aspects so as to benefit from the Cabinet
Secretary’s counsel.
The Principal Secretary, State Department
of University Education and Research,
Amb. Simon Nabukwesi Visits
Maseno University
The Principal Secretary, State Department of University Education and Research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi (centre)
signs a visitor’s book at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office in Maseno University.
The Principal Secretary, State Department
of University Education and Research training fields such as agricultural tech-
Amb. Simon Nabukwesi, has praised noogy and entrepreneurship. The PS com-
Maseno University for its outstanding edu- mended Maseno’s prudent use of funds
cation aptitude. Speaking when he visit- which can be witnessed by the progress
ed, he said his Department is elated to of the construction efforts going on like
have Maseno University as part of the the completion of the Tuition Block and
order of institutions under his docket. the construction of students hostels.
Amb. Nabukwesi said his visit to Maseno Amb. Nabukwesi also stressed the need
was to check on progress of infrastructural for continued inter-University cooperation
developments that are ongoing. He pro- as well as the significance of
posed the strengthening of
9 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
promoting quality education standards University but to other universities as well.
through exchange programmes with Prof. Nyabundi said Maseno University
other universities. recognised the role that the Ministryof
State Department of University Education
In his welcome remarks, Maseno University had played in supporting the Maseno
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Julius Nyabundi, University.
thanked Amb. Nabukwesi for being a
keen counsel provider not only to Maseno Prof. Nyabundi was glad to share with the
PS the fact that out of the signed MoUs,
various exchange programmes have
been conducted involving Maseno
University and universities locally, in the
region and worldwide.
Prof. Nyabundi also said that one of Mase-
no’s strategic objectives is to increase
both national and international coopera-
tion with various universities as well as
increasing foreign students’ enrolment
ratios to at least 10 per cent. He said such
partnerships were important for the
University’s visibility at the international
level.
The PS, planting a tree at the newly constructed tuition
block grounds at the Siriba Campus
Maseno University Launches a Call Centre
as Measures are put in place towards
tackling COVID-19 Pandemic
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Mutahi Kagwe signs a visitor’s book when he visited Maseno University to see for himself
the COVID-19 Call Centre. Prof. Magoha, CS for Education is on his right and Prof. Nyabundi Vice-Chancellor on his left.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 10MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Once again Maseno University has Maseno University is also pitching in by
proved to be resourceful in the region as it lending facilities to increase the number
came up with a fully operational Covid-19 of hospital beds available to house
Call Center at the Kisumu Campus. patients and provide temporary homes
for hospital workers incase there’s a surge
This is considered to be a step ahead as it in spread of the virus. The University is also
will enable both the students and the beginning to make room for new medical
community members at large to be able services, especially COVID-19 testing sites.
to access health officials from whichever
part of Kisumu County health emergency During his visit at the institution on August
would arise. The Covid-19 Call Centre is 9th 2020 to asses the level of prepared-
hosted at Varsity Plaza building of Maseno ness of Maseno University, Health Cabinet
University’s Kisumu Campus, Kisumu City. Secretary Hon. Mutahi Kagwe praised the
institution and affirmed that the efforts put
Being a key source of accurate, in place if well adhered to will help in
science-based information that can curbing the spread of the virus.
inform policymakers and the public about
everything from how to sanitize work
spaces to the history of past pandemics
the center which has been birthed from a
partnership between Kisumu County gov-
ernment and the University is poised to be
one of the greatest achievements by the
University as it not only reaches out to staff
and students but the entire County
community and the region as well.
A Maseno University student demonstrates to visitors how
the Call Centre works.
He said,” I am pleased that Maseno
University’s School of Medicine, Maseno
University staff and students are finding
many other ways to help, from ability to
produce hand sanitizer in chemistry labs
to finding creative ways to produce face
shields and other personal protective
equipment to fight this deadly disease.”
He also congratulated the Vice-Chancel-
lor Prof. Julias Nyabundi and added that
The Cabinet Secretary for Health (white shirt) following through the University medics should develop prin-
demonstrations at Maseno University COVID-19 Call Centre at ciples and approaches to help health
Varsity Plaza. care professionals make best choices as
the number of people needing care
eclipses the health care system’s capaci-
ty to provide it.
11 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
The Vice-Chancellor also ascertained
that scientists and physicians at the
University are using what they’ve learned
from past epidemics to quickly carry out
test, containment protocols and safety
measures for health care workers.
He further said, Maseno University like any
other research institution is similarly using
its expertise to engage faculties, students,
alumni and researchers jolted by the pan-
demic to identify problems that need to
be solved. several projects at the Universi-
ty labs are underway, ranging from a
tracking system for ventilators to record-
ing cases at the University hospital. Many
other students within the University are
innovating at a record pace as well.”
Austrian Ambassador to Kenya
pays a courtesy call on Maseno
University’s Vice-Chancellor
Austrian Ambassador to Kenya,
H.E. Dr. Christian Fellner (left) with
Maseno University Vice-Chancellor
Prof. Julius Nyabundi when the
Ambasador visited the University.
Austrian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Dr. 26th January 2021, Dr. Fellner said Austria
Christian Fellner, has praised Maseno was elated to collaborate with Maseno in
University for its outstanding performance various fields of study as well as students
in the higher education and has called for and lecturers for exchange programmes.
strengthened collaboration between
Maseno University and Austrian universi- H.E Christian said his visit to Maseno
ties. The Ambassador said he was proud University was to strengthen the existing
the fact that Dr. Mary Aswan of Sociology cooperation with the universities in
Department studied for her PhD in Austria. Austria as well as to pursue new collabo-
rations in the training fields such as agri-
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on cultural technology, entrepreneurship
Maseno University Vice-Chancellor on and social studies.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 12MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Prof.Nyabundi further revealed that the
The Ambassador commended Maseno’s relationship with Austrian Universities was
long-standing relationship with universities
in Austria and pledged to support any the most active in terms of exchange pro-
new collaborations Maseno University grammes noting that out of the signed
might initiate with universities in his coun- MoUs, various exchange programmes
try.
have been conducted involving students,
Ambassador Fellner also stressed the and lecturers.
need for continued cooperation as well
as the significance of supporting each
other in promoting quality education Prof. Nyabundi said one of Maseno
standards through exchange pro- University’s strategic objectives was to
grammes. He also called for the establish- increase international cooperation with
ment of an alumni get-together in
Maseno for staff and students who had various universities as well as foreign
studied Austria. student’s enrolment ratios to a higher per-
centage. He said such partnerships were
In his welcome remarks, Maseno Universi- important for the University’s visibility at
ty’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Julius Nyabundi,
thanked Austrian Government for the the international level.
Embassy relationship with Maseno Univer-
sity. Prof. Nyabundi said Maseno University Prof Nyabundi further commended the
recognised the role that Austrian Govern-
ment had played in supporting the Austrian Government through its Kenyan
Kenyan education system through embassy for its strength in education
exchange programmes both at student background as well as research and he
and staff levels. Maseno for staff and
students who had studied Austria. has appealed for the continued collabo-
ration between the university and
Austrian Universities.
The Austrian Ambassador (fourth from left), Dr. Aswan (second from left) and his delegation interacting with
Maseno University Officials at the University’s Administration Block.
13 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands to Kenya, H.E. Maarten Bronwer
Visits Maseno University.
H. E. Maarten Bronwer, Netherlands
Ambassador to Kenya, visited
Maseno University on 27th January
2021 accompanied by his spouse,
Madam Anke Roburtus and an offi-
cer from the Embassy, Mr. Korir. The
Ambassador was full of praise of the
collaboration between the Universi-
ty and his country.
Maseno University Vice-Chancellor,
Prof. Julius Nyabundi, welcomed the
Ambassador to the University and
expressed his gratitude for the sup-
port the Dutch Government has
H. E. Maarten Bronwer, Netherlands Ambassador to Kenya (left) his wife, offered to the University over the
Madam Anke Roburtus (center) and Maseno University Vice-Chancellor
Prof. Julius Nyabundi at the University.
years. Maseno University’s Deputy
Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Chacha and Prof.
Catherine Muhoma and the School of
Planning and Architecture lecturers, Prof.
George Mark Onyango, Dr. George
Waga alongside other University officials
were present.
The Ambassador had come to appreci-
ate the progress of Spatial Planning, Agri-
business and Policy Development (SPADE)
Project in Greater Western Kenya, which is
being undertaken by Maseno University
with funding from the Dutch Government.
H. E. Maarten Browner expressed his
willingness to continue not only supporting
the on-going project but to initiate others
as well.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 14MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Dr. Karanja Kibicho Pays Courtesy Call on
the Vice-Chancellor, Maseno
Maseno University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Julius Nyabundi (right) welcomes the Principal Secretary,
State Department for Interior, Dr. Karanja Kibicho to the University, Main Campus.
The Principal Secretary, State Department With respect to the request on infrastruc-
for Interior, Dr. Karanja Kibicho paid a tural support to enhance projects under-
courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. way, Dr. Kibicho recommended that the
Julius Nyabundi on August 21st 2020 to University liaise with his Ministry and send a
discuss opportunities to build networks list of priority projects. He solicited ideas
and collaboration among universities in from other members of senior University
Kenya and government departments as officials so as to strengthen the existing
they also exchanged views on education- relationship between his Ministry and the
al cooperation between his Ministry and University.
Maseno University.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor men-
tioned that the vision towards a
research-intensive university status has
propelled Maseno University to push for
more partnerships and funding avenues
to support graduate training and Universi-
ty development. He added that Maseno
University through strategic partnerships
has managed to galvanize support from
foundations to support postgraduate
trainings and research which have gener-
ated renewed interest and confidence
among staff and postgraduate students
in the University to undertake research
and other academic
endeavors.
Dr. Kibicho (left) chatting with the Maseno University
The Vice-Chancellor used the opportunity Vice-Chancellor (centre) and the Director of Public Relations
to appeal to the Government to help
expand the existing infrastructure at the and Marketing, Dr. Owen McOcnyango at the
Main Campus as well as build residential Vice-Chancellor’s office.
facilities to accommodate more students.
15 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
The PS commended the leadership of
Maseno University for their role in propel-
ling the University towards achieving the
country’s vision 2030 in the development
scene at the right time, when industrializa-
tion is taking new shape and when
Science, Technology and Innovation
have been placed at the centre of
national goals.
He also challenged the institution to focus
on innovations in the development of new
products and markets which will help
stimulate wealth creation and social
change.
Dr. Kibicho also took a tour of the newly constructed
Tuition Block at the Siriba Campus.
Maseno University Achievements
Best School of Medicine
Maseno University’s School of Medicine was voted the best School of Medicine among all the Schools of Medicine in public
universities in Kenya after Third Joint East Africa Inspection of New and Existing Medical and Dental School conducted by
Medical and Dental Practitioners Councils of East Africa, March 2020.
Administration block, Main Campus..
Maseno University has developed since its graduates in their future in the socio-eco-
foundation in 1991. The institution is nomic areno. The linkages have assured
impressive with new found partnerships that expriences on quality in academics
that has improved the learning environ- are shared widely. The now fully function-
ment. The innovations that have been ing, modern Administration Block has
initiated by staff and students and new given Maseno University a new face. In
linkages have led to the betterment of the addition, the on-going construction of
institution and give hope to Maseno
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 16MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
the new ultra-modern hostels is at 90% HIGHLIGHTS
completion and a guarantee to accom-
modate up to 1500 students. The hostels
include multiple rooms that house a maxi-
mum of two students each with working
space and closet.
The modernized library has been an
added advantage to Maseno University The on-going construction of state of the art hostels
since the intake of new students has
tripled compared to the past three aca-
demic years. With the construction of the
new library, it has made Maseno University
a good environment for both the
students and the teaching staff to carry
out their studies and research thus
enhancing academic excellence.
Furthermore, Maseno University is set to
introduce Pharmacy and Law.
Despite the unprecedented covid-19 out-
break that paralyzed in-person learning in
Kenya and around the globe and the The New Tuition Block
unforeseen sanctioned holiday, Maseno
University continued with learning by fully
incorporating their Information and Com-
munications Technology (ICT) expertise.
Students were able to attend their lec-
tures via online learning, and examina-
tion. Maseno University established
e-learning help desks for the assistance
and guidance of students on e-learning
during online examinations.
The University has not been left behind in
supporting the Government’s policies
towards preventing further spread of Microbiology & Pathology Laboratory
Corona Virus, Covid-19 prevention mea-
sures are seen all round the University
Maseno University has been recognized
including the entrance gates of both Col-
through their very own student, Benson Kariba
lege, Siriba and Kisumu Campuses with
Kinyanjui (holding microphone) for his out-
water dispensers and thermo guns. The
standing participation in a charity sweepstake
University continues to play a fundamen-
humanitarian project that aided in the distri-
tal role in creating awareness of how to
bution of sanitary towels to girls in Nyandarua
stop further spread of covid-19 to
region. His aim was to ensure he had distribut-
students, staff and the neighboring
ed 5 million worth of sanitary towels to unfortu-
community.
nate girls in his home town.
17 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Recently Maseno University celebrated an alumnus, Dr. Jacinta
Victoria Muinde (kneeling) who won the 2020 Audrey Richards prize for
the best PhD thesis presented by African Studies Association of the
United Kingdom. Dr. Muinde was in the pioneer anthropology under-
graduate class from 2005-2009.
Department of French clinched the fisrt position in Inter-University
French debate competion organized by the Association of
Francophone Universities on 7th March, 2020.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 18MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Maseno University SCHOOL OF NURSING
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Take your nursing career to the next level The School of Nursing was established in
with a Nursing Degree from Maseno July 2017 to address the ever-rising need
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clinical setting. and the soon to be established School of
Pharmacy.
Faculty Lecturers are accomplished schol-
ars, practitioners, and active leaders in At Maseno University a graduate of nurs-
their fields. Maseno University has been ing shall have earned a Bachelors of
recognized as one of the top universities in Science in Nursing with IT. No field of study
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University offers that added capacity by
As a student, you will gain access to having 33% of the content of the course
expert faculty who will help you meet your comprising of IT course units to equip the
goals. Earn your Nursing Degree from this graduates for the modern world of work.
top-ranked program, and create a bright-
er, healthier tomorrow with Maseno
University.
19 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
The Year 2020 WhatsApp group. Nothing. I refreshed
and refreshed. I decided to send an email
Last Year Was to see where the lecturer stood about
holding class. With a quick reply, the class
Never Kind To Us was cancelled. Relief washed over me.
Truthfully, I would have gone to class
regardless of my fear. After that day, the
University transitioned entirely online.
Zoom University 2020, am I right? My crea-
ture-of-habit ways dolefully
complied. Although I do prefer to stay at
home, I lost my routine and I lost
normalcy.
I worked ahead in all my classes and fortu-
nately finished one class a month early. I
finally felt like I was standing on solid
ground and peaking work
productivity again until the rug pulled out
from under me. The discussion of the
University cancelling September com-
My fellow 2021 graduands, forget all the mencement heighten.
other years–THIS is YOUR year. I mean it. So
much is going to happen this year and, Before I even knew it, the University offi-
good or bad, you’re going to get through cially announced September com-
it. It will teach you about yourself, it will mencement cancelled, which didn’t
guide you and you will look back to see matter too much to me at that point. The
how much you’ve grown again. That’s virus sparked health concerns and fear,
what life is like. Now I’m not saying I fore- rightfully so, in many of us: this affected
shadowed this, but it seems that way. church, funerals, birthdays, celebrations,
December 2019, I prepared for a family everyday life. I was part of the graduating
vacation to celebrate my cousin’s new class of 2020. My final year of school went
career journey. Little did I know the disas- down in the history books. We faced irrep-
ter rousing in the background. A virus arable losses and I’m not just talking
lurked in the shadows. about the graduating class. Worldwide,
the virus caused over 200,000 deaths.
The news of coronavirus ran rampant in Over 1,000 people died in Kenya. We lost
that first week of January 2020. Admitted- people, jobs and security.
ly, I was happy to stay home for a couple I’m going to get through it. I’m going to
more weeks–an introvert’s most beloved attend my graduation whether the
space. I didn’t realize yet how wide- University holds the ceremony in April or a
spread and fast this virus could spread. As year from now. I’m going to get a job
the possibility of going back to one of my eventually. I’m going to get to a point
classes loomed, I heard news about coro- where I can recall fond memories of my
navirus infiltrating Kisumu County. Sudden- education journey. I’m trying to keep my
ly, the virus was so close to home. I feared head up because otherwise, I’ll drown.
going to the campus, so I woke up at 6 With that, I’d like to say hats off to the
Class of 2020. We made it through
a.m. (even though I had a 4 p.m. class) to
University, and we’ll make it through
see if my professor sent out a class cancel-
this…together.
lation notice on the class.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 20MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Safaricom Partners with Maseno University
to enable students continue with learning,
during this COVID-19 era.
Safaricom Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Ndegwa (left) signs a visitors’ book when he visited
Maseno University. With him is Maseno University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration,
Finance and Development, Prof. Catherine Muhoma.
Kenya’s telco giant Safaricom is partner- ‘’During this period, the University is dedi-
ing with universities to offer subsidized cated to maintaining the quality of edu-
e-learning tariffs to students and faculty in cation by ensuring that teaching and
order to facilitate online classes. This learning continues until the end of the
follows government’s directive to close all semester,’’ Said the Deputy Vice-Chan-
learning institutions on March 15 after the cellor, Prof. Catherine Muhoma, during
country announced its first case of Coro- the visit by the Safaricom CEO at the
navirus. Maseno University Kisumu Campus on
25th September, 2020.
One of the beneficiaries of this program is
Maseno University where the service pro- It indicated that the studies are facilitat-
vider is offering mobile data bundles ed through the use of online learning
dubbed ‘Remote learning mobile data platforms, Blackboard, as default mode
subsidy’ to support the University’s e-learn- of instruction, zoom as video conferenc-
ing platform.Through the partnership, ing tool and e-book, an e-journals in the
students and faculty get 10GB data bun- library.
dles at a discounted price of Sh500 for a
period of 30 days, the same data bundle To enjoy the data subsidy, users were
costs Sh1800 in the market. required to enter their Safaricom num-
21 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
an admission number or staff number for
the faculty. Maseno University
Commenting on the partnership opportu- Hosts Free Virtual-2020
nity in speech read on his behalf by Prof.
Muhoma, Maseno University’s Vice Chan-
Top Farmer Conference
cellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi mentioned,
Kenyan Top Farmer Conference, a man-
“The coronavirus reality has necessitated
agement program for farmers that fea-
innovation and flexibility not only for
tures some of the nation’s top experts on
mobile data providers like Safaricom, but
marketing, risk management and crop
also our students, teaching and adminis-
production, took place on Nov. 24th 2020,
trative staff. We are grateful that Safar-
live via the Zoom meeting platform
icom has come onboard to facilitate
hosted by Maseno University’s School of
university students’ learning at this time,
Agriculture at Maseno University’s Kisumu
minimizing negative impact to students’
Hotel (Maseno University).
education and their future. The comple-
tion of the on-going semesters and com-
In his speech during the event, Prof. Julius
mencement of new ones seamlessly
Nyabundi, Maseno University Vice-Chan-
through the utilization of our e-learning
cellor said, “This year has brought an
platform and online class sessions is guar-
abundance of challenges and uncertain
anteed with this deal.”
economic conditions for the agriculture
industry. Although the pandemic pre-
The Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Mr.
vents us from gathering in person for the
Peter Ndegwa who graced the event also
conference as we have traditionally done
indicated that the firm had been
for decades, it is perhaps more important
approached by a section of learning and
than ever that we continue to bring farm-
corporate institutions to lower their inter-
ers information on how to translate this
net costs, to ensure both learning and
year’s challenge into next year’s success.
working continues and Safaricom would
Meeting virtually will allow farmers to hear
be pleased to partner with Maseno
from researchers and experts, as well as
University to ensure the same.
network with peers during this interactive
online session.”
Prof. Catherine Muhoma, handing over a gift on behalf of the
University to Safaricom CEO at the end of the meeting
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 22MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Conference topics included agricultural
economy outlook from both a macro and
micro perspective and agricultural trade
prospects and implications for farmland
values. During discussion breakouts, par-
ticipants interacted with each other and
considered strategic responses to chal-
lenging economic environment.
Maseno University’s Dean in the School of
Agriculture Prof. Odhiambo, discussed
Participants following-in during a live zoom Agricultural prospects for world economic recovery in
Conference at Maseno University’s Kisumu Hotel
2021 and implications for Kenyan agricul-
The conference, designed specifically for ture. He also examined what changing
farmers and agribusiness professionals, consumer behaviour would mean for
focused on addressing the economic Kenyan agriculture.
environment and future implications and
strategies to improve growers’ chances of The Conference took place between 10
success. The conference featured coun- a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. Registration for five-hour
try’s top experts on agricultural economy virtual event was free, with space being
and included thoughtful, innovative limited to 300 participants. The confer-
breakout discussions that followed the ence which was not recorded required
presentations. participants to register and attend the
event live.
Maseno University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Julius Nyabundi follows discussions during live Zoom School of
Agriculture Conference at Kisumu Hotel (Maseno University).
23 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
BIDCO Africa Seeks Collaboration with
Maseno University’s School of Agriculture
Participants attending a session at the Maseno University boardroom where the seminar was held
Academic linkage has over the years
been recognized as the key enabler in come up with novel innovations to some
promoting innovation ecosystem as they of the challenges facing the company,”
deliver far reaching and enduring Said Mr. Mugo.
socio-economic impact. It is for this
reason that Bidco Africa, led by Bidco The collaboration will see Bidco Africa
Africa Group Director, visited Maseno and Maseno University interrogate the
University on November, 11th 2020, to whole agricultural value chain and see
explore collaboration initiatives in the where both organizations will leverage for
area of agribusiness. mutual benefit. “We are big on value
addition across the agricultural value
Speaking during the event the represen- chain and we come to Maseno University
tative from Bidco, Mr. Njuguga Mugo said in request of joint research ventures in
that Bidco continuously renews their pro- agribusiness to improve the livelihood of
cesses, structures, products, systems and Kenyans,” opined Mr. Mugo.
partnerships to grow the organization’s
publicity and was certain, Maseno was On her part, Maseno University’s Director
the right partner as Bidco strives to be a of Partnerships, Linkages and Outreach
leader in manufacturing and agribusiness Prof. Rose Ongati, assured Bidco OLakes
team that they had come to the right
in the country. “As Bidco Africa plays her
place as Maseno University is ardent in
part in the attainment of the President’s
enhancing productive collaborations
Big Four agenda, we need researchers to
between academia and industry,
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 24MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
a critical requirement in improving the expected to introduce students to entre-
economy of any country. preneurship with soft skills training as
“As a University, we are strong in the field graduates continue to face higher odds
of agriculture and we have been at the in landing job opportunities in a high skills
forefront in fostering a culture of interdisci- dependent market.
plinary research and innovation among
faculty and students,” Prof. Ongati stated.
Prof. Ongati also noted that as much as
the University is producing cutting edge
innovations and research outputs, com-
mercialization of the outputs presents a
challenge. She was confident that the
collaboration with Bidco Africa will be
vital in the commercialization of some of
Maseno’s research outputs.
The collaboration will also respond to calls
on institutions of higher learning to em-
brace industry yardsticks as the two orga-
nizations partner in curriculum develop-
ment to keep up with an ever dynamic Maseno University Staff attending a training session organized
industry environment. The partnership is by BIDCO Company at the university grounds in Maseno.
Maseno University Signs MOU with ICT
Ministry on Ajira
The Ministry of ICT on 3rd Dec,
2020 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with
Maseno University that will see the
integration of Ajira digital Curricu-
lum into the University’s Calendar
under general studies where each
student shall undertake the
course among other things.
Under the MoU, the Ministry and
the University will partner in areas
such as academic training,
research, innovation and
community outreach.
Maseno University Staff pose with Ajira Kenya Officials when they visited the university.
25 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Research and innovation partnership will Maseno University’s Ajira Digital Club was
focus on research on the Ajira Digital to established in December last year. The
enhance the curriculum to provide youths University has trained 350 students in two
with technology competent skills for em- cohorts held between January and
ployment and research in areas of digital December last year.
and digitally enabled job creation, skills
and training. Through the agreement, During the session, a student from Maseno
Maseno University promised to scale up University who has been trained on the
Ajira activities to the community and the programme and a member of the Ajira
region. Digital Club wowed the audience when
he revealed that he made approximately
“In the MoU, we pledge to identify, Kshs 400,000 within 3 months of joining.
explore and collaborate in activities that
we think will benefit the development and The visitors also encouraged students
support of the government’s big 4 reminding them that online work is like any
agenda,” said Dr. Sylvester McOyowo the other work and that those who engage in
Dean School of Computing & Informatics it must do so ethically noting that over
who is also the patron of Maseno Universi- 638,000 adult Kenyans have had a digital
ty Ajira Digital club during the signing cer- enabled job in the past 12 months
emony. According to the National Household
Survey released in February this year
Ajira Digital Clubs fall under the infrastruc- adding that the figures are rising.
ture pillar of the Ajira Digital programme
and targets Kenyan Youth in all institutions The team also revealed that the National
in Kenya. It creates awareness on the Integrated Identity Management System
future of work and business opportunities (NIIMS) will be the central consolidated
and impart students to enable them use database and the sole source of informa-
technology to access digital work and tion on a person’s identity to help govern-
business opportunities that can generate ment in it’s planning and service delivery
sustainable income. to the citizens.
Speaking during the event, Maseno
University’s Director of Public Relations Dr.
Owen MCOnyango said that Maseno
University does not only embrace the digi-
tal platform in the world of work, but has
also embraced teaching using digital
platforms,he also thanked the govern-
ment for committing itself to facilitating
the construction of Constituency
Innovation Hubs.
The Ajira Banner
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 26MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Equity Bank donates pandemic preparedness plan. As an
essential service provider, we wanted to
Personal Protective take every necessary precaution to pro-
tect our employees, customers, and com-
Equipment (PPEs) to munities. We’re grateful for our team’s
planning and that as a result, we can
Maseno University donate these critical supplies to the
School of Medicine,
University.”
to assist in the fight He added, “The bank realizes that the
pandemic has put a huge strain on
of COVID-19 students world wide. The pandemic has
among other things, brought about short-
ages of essential PPEs to Medical Schools
and even the University Hospital.” It is
therefore with this background that Equity
Bank was compelled to make the dona-
tion to assist the students as they continue
with their studies and duties in various hos-
pitals in the region.Representing the
Medical School students, Ezra Masinde a
third-year student of medicine at Maseno
University represented Medical Students
at the function.
Equity Bank’s Mr. George Onyino (2nd left) delivers donations
from the Bank to Maseno University In his acceptance speech, Dr Naphtali
Equity Bank donated face masks and Aroko, who received the donations on
other essential Personal Protective Equip- behalf of Maseno University’s Medical
ment (PPE) to Maseno University to assist team, thanked Equity Bank for the dona-
specifically staff and students from the tion. “This is a timely gift” he said, adding
School of Medicine in the fight against that, “Maseno University will ensure that
COVID-19. The donated items also the donated items will be shared equita-
include face shields, hand sanitizers. bly among the students and staff at the
Speaking at the function that took place School of Medicine”.
on 10th Dec 2020 , Equity Bank’s General
He added that the COVID-19 pandemic
Manager-Operations, Nyanza Region Mr. has revealed several weaknesses in our
George Onyino, commended Maseno healthcare systems. Dr. Aroko stated that
University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius the pandemic had made the Medical
Nyabundi for continued engagements Staff discover new and innovative ways of
with the Bank in the initiative of providing coping with emerging health challenges.
better preventive and curative interven- He encouraged the University to continue
tionssince medicalstudents are at the investing in innovation and in exploring
forefront in the fight against the COVID-19 new locally made technology which will
pandemic. assist in serving students. Finally, he also
requested other institutions of higher
He added that “Our supply of PPEs came learning to emulate Maseno University.
from an early 2020 re-evaluation of our
27 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keMASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
In recent years Maseno University has per-
Chuka University formed extremely well in many of these
benchmarking activities, ranking highly in
Benchmarking Visit quality of programmes, research quality
and student satisfaction when ranked
at Maseno University against other institutions.
At Maseno University benchmarking our
performance is a key step to ensuring
quality teaching, research and services.
Constant review of our practices guaran-
tees our world class institution continues to
evolve and provide first-rate services to
our students, community and industry
partners.
Maseno University
Hosts Embu University
Chuka University’s Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration,
Finance, Planning and Development) Prof. Zachary N. Waita,
(left) receives a gift from Maseno University’s Director,
Officials for a
Public Relations Dr. Owen McOnyango when Chuka University
Officials benchmarked at Maseno University.. Bench-Marking Exercise
Maseno University was the chosen institu- One of the best ways to keep improving
tion by Chuka university, for a benchmark- your organisation is to benchmark. Bench-
ing visit on Corporate Social Responsibility marking is a systematic way to identify
Policy. superior products, services, processes,
and practices that can be adopted by or
On the 4th of March 2021 the institution adapted to your organisation to reduce
was graced by a 6-member team from costs, decrease cycle times, increase
Chuka University led by Prof. Zachary reliability, cut inventories, and provide
Waita who is Chuka University’s Ag. greater satisfaction to your customers.
Deputy Vice Chancellor.
On 18th March 2021 Maseno University
By hosting other peer institutions, Maseno hosted a team from Embu University visit-
University is able to share on academic ed Maseno University to benchmark on
experiences and in this case, the Policy on Maseno University’s AIDS Control Unit on
Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), 18th March 2021. The delegation was
which is an integral part of an institution’s received by Prof. Mary Kipsat, Deputy
manifest of governance policies. Vice-Chancellor-Academic & Student
Affairs and Prof. Joseph Chacha, Deputy
The Director of Public Relations of Maseno Vice-Chancellor - Partnerships Research
University, Dr. Owen MCOnyango, shared and Innovation among other senior staff.
some of the institution’s best practices
with regards to CSR policy. He shared on Prof. Kipsat welcomed the guests and
Administration and Management of CSR, urged them to feel at home and make
Function/Roles of CSR Committees, Deliv- enquiries freely so as to gain as much as
ery of CSR projects, among others. possible from Maseno’s experiences.
Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.ke 28MASENO UNIVERSITY EQUATOR MAGAZINE 2021
The enquiries freely so as to gain as much tutions not just to learn and exchange in
as possible from Maseno’s experiences. partnership programs but also because
The DVC-ASA encouraged the Maseno excellence brings customer satisfaction,
Control Unit (ACU) team to also learn as recognition, higher rewards and respect.”
much as they can from Embu team. The DVC-ASA also stressed on the close
partnership between Embu University and
In her remarks, Prof. Kipsat said, “Maseno Maseno University.
University has its doors open for other insti
The team later toured
the University before
they embarked on
their mission at the
AIDS control Unit.They
expressed their excite-
ment as they were
taken through the
process of comparing
practices and proce-
dures at the AIDS Con-
trol Unit so that they’d
identify ways in which
they could make
improvements back
Maseno University officials with guests from Embu University at their University.
who visited the University for a Benchmarking exercise.
Equity Bank and Kenya Forest Service Join Maseno
University in Tree-Planting
Equity Bank's Mr. Peter Lubale
(black t-shirt) handing over tree
seedlings to Maseno University's
Chairman of Environment and
Sustainability Committee,
Prof. Raphael Kapiyo
(Red Checked shirt) during a
tree planting exercise at the
Maseno University's Forest
29 Fountain of Excellence www.maseno.ac.keYou can also read
