From left: MMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Resebella Maranga, Chairman of Council Dr. Albert Kochei, and NaMATA Director General Eng. Francis Gitau display copies of signed MOU between the two institutions on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Prism Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi. 

Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) and Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will enable the two institutions to jointly undertake, among other things, establish a public transport resource centre that will offer research support and educational programming services to the country.

The MOU, which will run for three years, will also enable the two institutions to undertake public transport research for a safe, secure, and accessible transport system, develop a transport curriculum and offer public transport studies, collect relevant data in public transport for planning and infrastructure development, and provide mentorship through attachment and internship.

MMU Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs Research and Innovation Prof. Livingstone Ngoo, Vice Chancellor Prof. Resebella Maranga and NaMATA Director General Eng. Francis Gitau during the signing of MOU between the two institutions on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Prism Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi. 

Speaking during the signing of the MOU, MMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Resebella Maranga said that the MoU underscores the university’s commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and research that will directly impact the future of the country.

“Across the world, strong partnerships between academic institutions and transport authorities have resulted in groundbreaking advancements in transport systems education and innovation,” said Prof. Maranga adding that the establishment of a Public Transport Resource Centre will serve as a knowledge hub for students, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

“The establishment of a Public Transport Resource Centre also aligns with NaMATA’s mandate of ensuring an efficient, and high-quality transport system in the greater Nairobi metropolitan area,” noted the VC.

MMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Resebella Maranga, NaMATA Director General Eng. Francis Gitau and Corporation Secretary & Director Legal Services Ms. Connie Ngachu during the signing of MOU between the two institutions on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Prism Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi. 

NaMATA Director General Eng. Francis Gitau said that the MOU will not only support the growth of the transport system but will also enable NaMATA to be more pragmatic and carry out activities that create real value for the country.

From left: MMU Legal Officer Mr. Wilson Kagwi, Vice Chancellor Prof. Resebella Maranga, Dr. Gladys Nyachieo, NaMATA Director General Eng. Francis Gitau and Corporation Secretary & Director Legal Services Ms. Connie Ngachu display copies of signed MOU between the two institutions on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Prism Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi. 

MMU Chairman of Council Dr. Albert Kochei, who witnessed the signing of the MOU, said that exercise shows the university’s commitment to driving real change in the transport sector through research and capacity building.

“As MMU, we are not only grateful for partnership with NaMATA, but also committed to ensuring that the objective of the MOU is achieved, said Dr. Kochei adding that leadership is about leaving visible, impactful footprints like what the MOU aims to achieve.

Also present was MMU Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs Research and Innovation Prof. Livingstone Ngoo, NaMATA Deputy Director Corporate Policy Research & Strategy Dr. Dominic Omboto, NaMATA Corporation Secretary & Director Legal Services Ms. Connie Ngachu, MMU Senior Lecturer Dr. Gladys Nyachieo, Faculty of Media and Communication Associate Dean Prof. Wilson Ugangu, Ag. Director, National Institute for Optics and Lasers Dr. David Wekesa, MMU Legal Officer Mr. Wilson Kagwi and Ag. Registrar, Research and Innovation Mr. Anderson Maina. 

Renowned and highly esteemed media personality in Kenya with over 20 years of experience as a reporter, anchor, host, editor, and media manager Mr. Joe Ageyo will tomorrow feature as a guest speaker in the university’s ongoing hybrid training on Communicating Mobility and Access Research for Policy and Public Impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr. Ageyo, a well-rounded journalist who has excelled in general news reporting and specialized areas such as science and environmental journalism, will deliver a talk, touching on crafting research messages that resonate with policymakers and the public to over 90 participants drawn from 15 countries across Africa.

Mr Ageyo, who is also the current Editor-in-Chief at Nation Media Group (NMG) – a leading media house in Africa, is expected to share  insights on understanding the information needs of policymakers, the media, and the public; presenting research in ways that inspire action at personal and policy levels and crafting brief pitches that grab the attention of decision-makers.

The training, which began on February 4, 2025, is an eight-week long exercise that seeks to train and equip early career researchers and scholars in their Masters and PhD studies with appropriate skills to translate research findings into clear, impactful messages.

The training will enable participants to craft compelling presentations utilizing visuals and other tools for maximum impact while also adapting communication styles for diverse audiences, including policymakers, to drive positive change, especially in transport and mobility in sub-Saharan Africa.

Courtesy of Volvo Research and Educational Foundation (VREF), the training’s objective is to train young African researchers in effective dissemination of research findings.

Spearheading the exercise is a multidisciplinary team consisting of both local and international experts. The MMU team consists of Dr. Collins Wagumba who is also the Team-Lead Trainer, Prof. Idah Muchunku, Dr. Gladys Nyachieo, Dr. Margaret Mtange, and Dr. Charles Wendo from Uganda.

Multimedia University of Kenya has kicked-off a hybrid training on Communicating Mobility and Access Research for Policy and Public Impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The 8-week long exercise seeks to train and equip early career researchers and scholars in their Masters and PhD studies with appropriate skills to translate research findings into clear, impactful messages.

The training will enable participants to craft compelling presentations utilizing visuals and other tools for maximum impact, while also adapting communication styles for diverse audiences-including policymakers, to drive positive change especially in transport and mobility in sub-Saharan-Africa.

The training is courtesy of Volvo Research and Educational Foundation (VREF) whose objective is to train young African researchers in effective dissemination of research findings.

Spearheading the training exercise is a multidisciplinary team consisting of both local and international experts. The MMU team consist of Dr. Collins Wagumba who is also the Team-Lead Trainer, Prof. Idah Muchunku, Dr. Gladys Nyachieo, Dr. Margaret Mtange, and Dr. Charles Wendo from Uganda.

The training has attracted over 90 participants drawn from 15 countries across Africa

MMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Rosebella Maranga shakes hands with Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos during Ministry of Education signing of 21st Cycle Performance Contract for Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) for 2024/2025 Financial Year and the launch of the ministry’s ISO Certificate at CEMASTEA in Karen on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. 

Multimedia University of Kenya was among the public universities and state corporations present at the Ministry of Education signing of the 21st Cycle Performance Contract for Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) for 2024/2025 Financial Year and the launch of the ministry’s ISO Certificate at CEMASTEA in Karen. 

In an exercise that was presided over by Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education Dr. Belio Kipsang, and Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training Dr. Esther Muoria, the MMU team was presented by Chairman of Council Dr. Albert Kochei, Vice Chancellor Prof. Rosebella Maranga, and Council Member Dr. Hon. Moses Ole Sakuda.

Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos during Ministry of Education signing of 21st Cycle Performance Contract for Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) for 2024/2025 Financial Year and the launch of the ministry’s ISO Certificate at CEMASTEA in Karen on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

The exercise comes just days after the university successfully underwent a 2023/2024 – 20th Cycle Performance Contract Evaluation by the government. The evaluation exercise, which was also presided over by Dr. Kochei, forms a critical part of the government’s Performance Management Framework, which aims to ensure accountability and alignment with Kenya’s national development goals.

The evaluation exercise focuses on commitments, performance indicators, and targets detailed in the ministries’ performance contracts for the financial year.

MMU Chairman of Council (right), with Vice Chancellor Prof. Rosebella Maranga during Ministry of Education signing of 21st Cycle Performance Contract for Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) for 2024/2025 Financial Year and the launch of the ministry’s ISO Certificate at CEMASTEA in Karen on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

“These targets were drawn from key government policy blueprints, including Kenya Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium Term Plan (2023-2027), and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), said Dr. Kochei adding that the university is keen to implement policies that will ensure the continued growth of the institution through effective and efficient service delivery while at the same time supporting the national development goals.

Prof. Maranga said that MMU is committed to quality service delivery anchored on financial stewardship, innovation, and affirmative action in procurement while also fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Dr. Hon Moses Ole Sakuda shakes hands with Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos during Ministry of Education signing of 21st Cycle Performance Contract for Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) for 2024/2025 Financial Year and the launch of the ministry’s ISO Certificate at CEMASTEA in Karen on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. 

A team from the KCB Bank—Ongata Rongai branch today paid a courtesy call to Vice Chancellor Prof. Rosebella Maranga as part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with MMU and explore other strategic areas of collaboration.

Led by the branch manager Mr. Nicklas Katana and KCB Channels Expansion Manager Mr. Evans Luketero, the team was received by Prof. Maranga who lauded the ongoing partnership between MMU and KCB saying the university is open to more collaborations on strategic areas that would enhance financial services for students and staff, while at the same time supporting the university’s development programs.

Mr. Katana emphasized KCB’s commitment to contributing to the growth and development of MMU and its community.

Also in attendance were MMU Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor—Administration Finance and Planning Prof. Geoffrey Rurimo and Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor—Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation Prof. Dr-Eng. Livingstone Ngoo.

The University was evaluated by GOK on implementation and attainment of 2023/2024 Performance Contract as per the signed Performance contract entered between the University Council and the GOK for the Period 2023/2024 FY.

During the exercise the University was represented by the University Council chair Dr. Albert Kochei, Independent University Council Member, Hon. DR.Moses Ole Sakuda with the University Vice chancellor Prof. Rosebella .O. Maranga representing the University Management.

University Performance Contracting Department provided all the required documentary Evidences to support attainment of the various PC targets and activities undertaken for the period 2023/2024 PC cycle.

The University Council Chair thanked the GOK for ensuring continued support towards University vision of ensuring quality public service Delivery. He also thanked the management through the VCs for ensuring successive implementation of all the committed 2023/2024 Performance contracts targets.

South Africa Communication Association President and senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University, Prof. Mehita Iqani (centre), with MMU Faculty of Media and Communication Associate Dean Prof. Wilson Ugangu (second left), Ms Vivian Pambo (left), Dr. Collins Wagumba (right and Dr. Margaret Mtange when she paid a courtesy call to the faculty on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, to discuss areas of collaboration.

South Africa Communication Association President and senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University, Prof. Mehita Iqani, paid a courtesy call to Faculty of Media and Communication on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Prof. Iqani was welcomed by Associate Dean, Prof. Wilson Ugangu alongside faculty members Ms. Vivian Pambo, Dr. Collins Wagumba, and Dr. Margaret Mtange.

The visit focused on exploring areas of collaboration between the two institutions, emphasizing academic exchanges, joint research initiatives, and capacity-building programs aimed at advancing media and communication education.

MMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Rosebella Maranga with IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme during the 31st IEK Convention held in Mombasa.

Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) has committed to strengthen and upscale its partnership with the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) in training engineers with requisite skills that meet industry’s needs.

Speaking at the 31st IEK Convention held in Mombasa, MMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Rosebella Maranga said the university has benefited greatly from its ongoing partnership with IEK and that the institution wants to further deepen its collaboration with the engineering body to produce more skilled engineers for the country.

MMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Rosebella Maranga,  Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation Prof. Livingstone Ngoo and Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof. Abel Mayaka with other delegates during the 31st IEK Convention held in Mombasa.

“As an institution, we have collaborated with the IEK and we have seen a lot of benefits in our collaboration. For this reason, we have come here as an institution to see how to further our collaboration,” said Prof. Maranga.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGABggVAqqo

The VC, who was also a delegate at the event and was accompanied by Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation Prof. Livingstone Ngoo and Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof. Abel Mayaka, lauded the IEK for its continued support in areas of student internships, saying that MMU students have greatly benefited from various students-training opportunities availed by the engineering body.

Prof. Maranga also said that with the introduction of CBC, it is critical for MMU to partner and work with institutions like IEK to better understand how to integrate their requirements into the university’s mandate in order to train and produce industry-ready graduates.

She said that MMU is keen on innovation and would like to strengthen the culture of innovation and patenting within the university through industry linkages across Africa.

“I would like to re-emphasize that our young scientists should be able to know how to protect their innovations for commercial benefits,” said Prof. Maranga.

Themed “Engineers Accelerating Sustainable Economic Recovery” the IEK Convention tarted on 29th October and shall end today 1st November 2024 in Mombasa.

Prof. Rosebella Maranga has been confirmed as the new Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) Vice Chancellor.

Until her confirmation, Prof. Maranga has been holding the position on an Acting capacity since January 17, 2024, following the retirement of Amb. Prof. Festus Kaberia.

“On behalf of the University council, it is my great pleasure to officially announce the appointment of Prof. Rosebella Orangi Maranga as the new Vice Chancellor of Multimedia University of Kenya, effective 16th October 2024,” reads a communication sent to all staff and students by MMU Chairman of Council Dr. Albert Kochei.

Dr. Kochei thanked the entire University community for remaining calm and focused during the transition period. “As a council, we urge the entire University community to extend their full support to the new Vice Chancellor as we continue to strive for excellence together. We look forward to Prof. Maranga’s leadership to advance our vision and mission of academic excellence, innovation and service to the nation and beyond,” said Dr. Kochei.

Prof. Maranga brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as the MMU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance, and Planning from 2014 to January 2024.

As a full Professor of Zoology, specializing in Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Prof. Maranga holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Management and Leadership from the Management University of Africa, a Master of Science in Medical and Veterinary Entomology from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Education (Science) from Kenyatta University.

Her passion for quality education and strategic planning is reflected in the numerous initiatives she has spearheaded in areas of curriculum development, institutional policy, budget management, and program evaluation throughout her career.

Prof. Maranga has held key strategic roles at university level. She was the founding Director of the Gender and Monitoring Centre at JKUAT from 2008 to 2012. She also held the position of Chairperson of the Professors Forum from 2009 to 2012, Chairperson of the Department of Zoology from 2002 to 2006, and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science at JKUAT in 2003.

Through her dedication to service delivery, Prof. Maranga has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career.

In 2009, she was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. In the same year, she was featured in Who’s is Who in the World by the Board of Marquis Who’s Who publications, 26th edition.

In 2005, she was recognized as the International Educator of the Year by the International Biographic Centre of Cambridge, England. Additionally, she was listed as one of the 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century by the International Biographic Centre of Cambridge, England in 2005, and in 2003, she was listed as one of the Great Women of the 21st Century by the American Biographical Institute, Inc.