- Prof Solomon Igosangwa Shibairo has secured another five years at the helm of Masinde Muliro University.
- Victor Ngecho looks at the university’s growth in research, academic programmes and infrastructure during his first term.
- His second term brings fresh expectations as MMUST seeks to consolidate gains made over the past five years.
For Prof Solomon Igosangwa Shibairo, the journey at the helm of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is far from over.
The university has given its Vice Chancellor another five years to continue steering the institution, following his reappointment for a second term. MMUST announced the reappointment on September 28, 2026.
His renewed mandate comes as MMUST continues to grow in student numbers, academic programmes, research, innovation and infrastructure — areas that have increasingly defined the university during his first tenure.
When Prof Shibairo took charge, he inherited an institution with big ambitions and the responsibility of strengthening its position as a university with a focus on science, technology and innovation.
Five years later, the university has continued to expand its footprint, with increased attention to research, new academic opportunities and infrastructure development.
But beyond buildings, numbers and programmes, Prof Shibairo’s leadership has also been about giving MMUST a stronger sense of direction.
The university has continued to invest in research and innovation, with its scholars and students involved in work addressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, technology and the environment.
Infrastructure has also remained part of the story. Projects such as the university’s Level III health facility are intended to improve services for both the university community and residents of the surrounding region.
MMUST reported recently that construction of the Level III health facility was 96 per cent complete, with plans for a 20-bed women’s ward, an eight-bed men’s ward and a maternity wing.
Student numbers have equally grown, bringing with them the challenge of providing adequate facilities, learning resources and support systems for an expanding university population.
For Prof Shibairo, therefore, the second term will not simply be a continuation of the first. It will come with fresh expectations from students, staff, alumni and the wider Western Kenya community.
From Kibabii to MMUST
A scientist and academic administrator, Prof Shibairo brings to the position years of experience in teaching, research and university management.
Before joining MMUST as Vice Chancellor, he served as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at Kibabii University.
He was appointed Acting Vice Chancellor of MMUST in March 2020 before being substantively appointed Vice Chancellor in September 2021, becoming the university’s third Vice Chancellor.
His reappointment now places him at the centre of the next chapter of MMUST’s development.
For a university that has grown from its modest beginnings into a major institution serving thousands of students, the next five years could be another defining period.
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And once again, Prof Shibairo will be the man expected to provide the leadership and direction needed to guide MMUST through that journey.
By Victor Ngecho
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