Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is marking a new era of growth under Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Solomon Igosangwa Shibairo, with major strides in research, innovation, infrastructure and community engagement since he assumed office in September 2021.
Prof. Shibairo, a plant scientist and former Deputy Vice Chancellor at Kibabii University, has positioned MMUST as a leader in Science, Technology and Research while aligning the institution with national priorities.
CBC Alignment and Academic Expansion
The Vice Chancellor has overseen the realignment of all MMUST academic programs to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with continuous staff training to ensure readiness. He says the move is part of efforts to deliver a holistic educational experience and prepare graduates for a changing job market.
_“Prof. Shibairo’s focus on CBC realignment has made our teaching more practical. Students are now engaging with real-world problems, not just theory,”_ said Prof. Peter Bukhala, Ag. DVC Planning, Research and Innovation.
KSh 800 Million Infrastructure Boost.
Under Prof. Shibairo’s leadership, MMUST initiated a KSh 800 million Engineering and TVET complex. The project received an initial KSh 100 million government grant, aimed at expanding access to engineering, technical and vocational training.
_“The new engineering complex is a game-changer. As engineering students, we now see a future where we can do hands-on projects right here on campus without waiting for external labs,”_ said Brian Ouma, 3rd Year Mechanical Engineering student.
Climate Research and Innovation.
A plant scientist by training, Prof. Shibairo has championed climate change education. He established a dedicated school for climate-related matters at MMUST and has supervised PhDs in the field. The university has also become a center for research on crop production, horticulture and climate adaptation.
In April 2026, he officially opened MMUST 2026 Innovation Emporium Week, which featured a 72-Hour Hackathon focused on AI, Climate Resilience, Health and Entrepreneurship. Addressing students, he urged them to “come up with products and solutions that are unique to us and ones that will place us on the global map”.
_“The Innovation Emporium gave us space to test ideas. Prof. Shibairo actually walked through our booths and challenged us to think bigger. It made us feel seen as student innovators,”_ said Mercy Akinyi, Computer Science student and Hackathon participant.
_“His background in research has pushed the Directorate to support more PhDs and grants. Under his tenure, climate-related research output has grown significantly,”_ noted Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa, Dean, School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance.
Strategic Partnerships for National Development.
Prof. Shibairo has strengthened MMUST’s collaboration with key institutions. In March 2024, he held talks with Kenya Army Commander Lt. Gen. David Tarus to align academic programs with national security priorities and disaster management. The university is also working with West Kenya Sugar Company on a feasibility study for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, in support of Kenya’s climate goals.
_“This partnership represents a significant opportunity to align our academic programs with national security priorities and provide our students with real-world experiences,”_ Prof. Shibairo said during the Kenya Army engagement.
Open Engagement and Devolution
In March 2025, the VC hosted the Vice Chancellor’s Media Breakfast, a forum to share the university’s achievements and future plans with journalists. “We aim to communicate directly with the media, a vital partner in telling our story and helping us meet our goals,” he said.
_“The Media Breakfast was refreshing. It showed Prof. Shibairo believes in transparency. We now understand where the university is headed,”_ said Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing.
Prof. Shibairo also represented MMUST at the Devolution Conference 2025 in Homa Bay. where he noted that universities have a role to play in devolution, equity and social justice.
_“As one of the leading Universities in this region, MMUST is excited to be part of this Conference. Such gatherings offer an excellent platform for stakeholders to exchange best practices and contribute to positive outcomes for the Country’s devolution agenda,”_ he stated.
Before joining MMUST, Prof. Shibairo served as DVC in charge of Academics and Students Affairs at Kibabii University. His appointment at MMUST was welcomed by peers who urged him to “propel the University towards medical and engineering courses” and “embrace IT for prosperity”.
_“From the day he arrived, he emphasized discipline, research and student-centered leadership. He leads by example,”_ said Prof. Hussein Golicha, DVC Academic and Student Affairs.
With ongoing projects in infrastructure, climate research and student innovation, Prof. Shibairo’s leadership is steering MMUST toward its vision of becoming a premier science and technology university with impact beyond the campus gates.
