Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has launched a Lactation and Childcare Centre aimed at addressing the childcare challenges facing student mothers and university staff with young children.
The facility, launched on November 3, 2026, is designed to promote an inclusive and family-friendly university environment by providing structured childcare support and lactation services. MMUST described it as the first of its kind among universities in Kenya.
The project was established through a partnership involving Kidogo for Early Years, the County Government of Kakamega, the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC-EUMC).
The initiative seeks to address barriers that often force student mothers and female employees to juggle academic and professional responsibilities with childcare, which can affect their participation, retention and performance.
The ceremony was presided over by Kakamega County First Lady Prof Janet Kassilly Barasa, who has championed the establishment of the facility as part of efforts to advance women's empowerment and social welfare. She was joined by MMUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Solomon Shibairo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Planning, Research and Innovation Prof Christopher Ngacho, representatives of partner organisations and other university stakeholders.
The centre falls under the university's Directorate of AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming and is being coordinated by a committee comprising Director Prof Benedict Alala, Prof Charles Tibbs, Prof Robert Egessa, Dr Rose Opiyo, Dr Bill Ouda and Dr Rutto. The committee is mandated to provide oversight, coordinate implementation and develop strategies to ensure the facility's sustainability.
The launch coincided with the unveiling of the Kakamega County Care Policy, which will provide the operational framework for delivering quality, accessible and responsive childcare services. Under the policy, caregivers will undergo continuous professional development in child development, responsible caregiving, child safeguarding, first aid, nutrition, disability inclusion and psychosocial support. The framework seeks to establish safe and child-friendly care environments while ensuring that children's physical, emotional and developmental needs are adequately addressed.
The development places childcare at the centre of discussions on access to higher education, gender equality and institutional inclusivity. For student mothers, the facility is expected to ease the burden of balancing lectures, examinations and other academic commitments with parenting responsibilities. It also offers an institutional support mechanism for staff with young children, reinforcing the need for workplaces and learning institutions to adopt policies that accommodate family responsibilities.
The partnership between MMUST, the county government and development organisations is expected to strengthen the implementation of the initiative and provide a framework that could inform similar interventions in other institutions.
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