MMUST strengthens its commitment to inclusion
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is advancing its mission to create a fully inclusive campus environment. On 20th and 21st November 2025, the University’s Disability Mainstreaming Committee, operating under the Directorate of Student Support Services, convened a critical training and knowledge-sharing event. The goal was to deepen expertise in accessibility, disability rights, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that inclusion is embedded in policy, practice, and daily campus life.
What the gathering achieved
The two-day session brought together university leaders, faculty representatives, students, disability advocates, and external partners. Participants reviewed current accessibility policies, identified gaps in infrastructure and services, and mapped out concrete steps to remove barriers for students, staff, and visitors. The collaboration emphasized practical outcomes—improved classroom accessibility, inclusive digital platforms, and better support services for students with disabilities.
Policy alignment and governance
A central aim was to align MMUST policies with national and international disability rights standards. Attendees discussed measurable targets for universal design in new buildings, reliable captioning and sign language interpretation in lectures, and clear grievance mechanisms. The committee underscored the importance of transparent reporting and regular progress audits to keep inclusion on the university’s strategic agenda.
Strengthening stakeholder access
Participants highlighted ways to enhance access for key stakeholders, including prospective students, current learners, staff with diverse needs, and external partners. Initiatives discussed included proactive communication channels, campus navigation assistance, and strengthened partnerships with student unions and disability-focused organizations. The aim is a campus where every person can participate, contribute, and thrive without impediments.
Training themes and capacity building
The event featured workshops on universal design principles, accessible ICT tools, and inclusive pedagogy. Technical sessions covered adaptive technologies, captioning and transcription services, and inclusive procurement practices to ensure that assistive devices and accessible software are available campus-wide. By investing in capacity building, MMUST seeks to empower staff and students to lead inclusion efforts within their departments and faculties.
What this means for students and staff
For students, the enhanced disability mainstreaming program translates into more accessible classrooms, better academic support, and clearer pathways to essential services. For staff and faculty, the training fosters a culture of inclusive teaching and administration, enabling more effective communication and removing barriers that hinder learning and service delivery.
Looking ahead
MMUST plans to implement a rolling series of inclusion-focused initiatives following the November event. Short-term milestones include auditing physical spaces for accessibility, upgrading digital platforms to support assistive technologies, and expanding sign language and captioning services across lecture halls and online learning environments. Long-term goals aim to embed universal design in new campus projects and maintain ongoing dialogue with disability communities to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Why this matters
Inclusive universities not only fulfill legal and ethical duties but also enrich academic life by drawing on diverse perspectives. MMUST’s Disability Mainstreaming Committee’s expanded expertise signals a proactive posture toward access, equity, and excellence in higher education. Stakeholders at every level can anticipate a campus where inclusion is a lived experience and a measurable outcome.
