The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology African Women in Science and Engineering (AWSE) Chapter has partnered with the University Extension Services and Outreach Coordinating Unit to boost STEM capacity at the Salvation Army Kuywa Girls’ High School in Bungoma County. The capacity building exercise, which took place on Thursday, 18th June, 2026, was spearheaded by the Secretary of the AWSE-MMUST Chapter, Dr. Annette Okoth, as well as the Coordinator of Extension Services and Outreach, Dr. Philip Amuyunzu. The event targeted Grade 10, Form 3 and Form 4 students, and involved members of MMUST staff and junior STEM ambassadors, who engaged the learners in one-on-one mentorship sessions. Beyond this, the girls received practical entrepreneurial training in soap-making, equipping them with both scientific knowledge and valuable business skills for the future.
The Secretary of the AWSE-MMUST Chapter, Dr. Annette Okoth, speaks at the event.
“The AWSE-MMUST Chapter is a branch of the AWSE National Chapter, which is hosted by Kenyatta University, under the leadership of Prof. Caroline Thoruwa and Ms. Mary Mwangi. Dr. Celine Ooko and I lead the MMUST Chapter and our mandate is to develop the next generation of thought leaders in STEM. We focus heavily on empowering young girls, demonstrating through mentorship and visibility that women can excel and thrive in scientific disciplines,” revealed Dr. Okoth, during an interview with KBC at the event. Further, she noted that the MMUST Chapter has successfully mentored numerous young men and women across the Western region, adding that plans are underway to scale the initiative to the next level. “This year, we have three schools lined up, starting with Kuywa Girls. Immediately after the half-term break, we will head to Lirhanda Girls in Kakamega, followed by a visit to Cardinal Otunga Girls in Bungoma County,” stated Dr. Okoth.
MMUST’s Coordinator of Extension Services and Outreach, Dr. Philip Amuyunzu, delivers a keynote address at Kuywa Girls’ High School in Bungoma County.
In his remarks, Dr. Amuyunzu highlighted that such initiatives are vital to fulfilling the University’s community outreach mandate. “As an institution, we take great pride in bonding with the community. Through these connections, we are able to integrate with residents and truly understand the challenges that they face. We have actively engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility activities, with Departments like Optometry and Vision Sciences providing free eye screenings and spectacles to the community. Additionally, we have championed anti-jigger campaigns, and are currently planning to construct a septic toilet within Kakamega County, where the University is spending to a tune of about Kshs. one million to ensure that children have access to proper sanitation,” he pointed out.
A section of Kuywa Girls’ High School students follows keenly as Dr. Philip Amuyunzu delivers the keynote address.
Dr. Amuyunzu continued, “what we have achieved today contributes directly to bridging the gender gap in the dissemination of scientific knowledge. We have also gone a step further to incorporate the STEAM approach, ensuring that even students on the Arts pathway can benefit from our initiatives.” Delivering an inspiring keynote address, he emphasized that academic excellence serves as a powerful equalizer against socioeconomic disparities. “It does not matter where you came from. Do not let the past define your future. Whatever challenges you have faced, turn them into lessons and motivation to become a better person. The potential for the girl child is immense, and there are so many opportunities awaiting you. If you do well, we will always celebrate you and stand ready to welcome you to MMUST,” he said, urging the students to make informed choices, maintain self-discipline and remain determined.
MMUST’s Mr. Manoah Opanga takes the students through the soap-making process.
The Senior Principal of Kuywa Girls’ High School, Mrs. Isabelah Wanyonyi, conveyed her gratitude to MMUST for visiting and mentoring the students. “This has been a wonderful experience for us. The MMUST team bonded beautifully with our girls, encouraging them that they, too, can excel in STEM. One of our core values as a school is value addition, and MMUST has truly added value to our community today. I sincerely appreciate the donation of sanitary pads and the practical training on soap making. Following this visit, I am certain our girls will change their attitude towards STEM subjects for the better.”
The Senior Principal of Kuywa Girls’ High School, Mrs. Isabelah Wanyonyi, speaks after the soap-making exercise.
Indeed, the collaborative effort between the AWSE-MMUST Chapter, and the Extension Services and Outreach Coordinating Unit marks a significant milestone in the drive to elevate STEM education for young women. Such strategic partnerships are crucial for building a sustainable ecosystem, where young women are empowered to innovate, lead and excel in science and technology.
By Wangari Wambugu
