MMUST Deepens Commitment to Inclusive Education
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is accelerating its drive toward a fully inclusive campus. Over the course of 20th and 21st November, 2025, MMUST’s Disability Mainstreaming Committee, operating under the Directorate of Students, embarked on a series of capacity-building activities designed to strengthen its ability to mainstream disability inclusion across the university. The initiative reflects MMUST’s broader strategic aim to remove barriers to access for students, staff, and external stakeholders while aligning with national and international best practices in inclusive higher education.
Capacity Building: Equipping the Committee for Greater Impact
The workshop series brought together committee members, university administrators, and representatives from partner organizations to explore practical strategies for improving accessibility, from physical infrastructure to digital platforms. Participants engaged in sessions on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessible information and communications technologies (ICTs), reasonable accommodations, and inclusive policy development. The program emphasized the importance of data-informed decision-making, with attendees learning how to collect, analyze, and apply accessibility metrics to drive continuous improvement.
Key Skills and Tools
Attendees gained hands-on experience with:
- Developing and reviewing universal design principles for classrooms, libraries, and common areas.
- Creating accessible digital content, from websites to learning management systems.
- Designing transparent accommodation processes that respect dignity and confidentiality.
- Engaging with stakeholders, including students with disabilities, faculty, and external partners, to co-create solutions.
Stakeholder Access: A Whole-University Responsibility
Experts stressed that inclusion is not the sole responsibility of one office but a shared obligation across all departments. The Disability Mainstreaming Committee is positioning itself as a central hub for coordination while also fostering ownership among faculties, student bodies, and service units. Through regular consultations, MMUST aims to reduce barriers in admission, progression, and graduation for students with disabilities, as well as to ensure staff have equal opportunities for development and advancement.
Engaging External Partners
Partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and disability advocacy groups were highlighted as critical to sustaining momentum. The committee plans to establish formal channels for feedback, provide ongoing disability-awareness training for new staff, and co-design services that meet diverse needs. By involving alumni and industry partners, MMUST hopes to broaden employment pathways for graduates with disabilities and enhance the university’s reputation as an inclusive institution.
Looking Ahead: Measurable Outcomes and Continuous Improvement
The capacity-building activities are framed around clear, measurable outcomes. MMUST intends to publish annual accessibility reports, track the rate of reasonable accommodations processed, monitor the accessibility of digital learning environments, and collect student satisfaction data specifically related to disability services. These metrics will guide policy revisions and budget allocations, ensuring that inclusion remains a dynamic, evidence-based priority rather than a one-off initiative.
Student and Staff Voices at the Center
Central to MMUST’s approach is ensuring that voices from the campus community inform action. Students with disabilities participated in focus groups to articulate needs, challenges, and opportunities. Staff members contributed perspectives on professional development, resource allocation, and the practicalities of implementing inclusive practices across teaching and research activities. The dialogue between learners, educators, and administrators is shaping a more responsive campus culture that mirrors the diverse reality of modern Kenya.
Conclusion: A Milestone in MMUST’s Inclusion Journey
The Disability Mainstreaming Committee’s enhanced expertise marks a pivotal step in MMUST’s ongoing journey toward an accessible, equitable university. By embedding inclusive practices into governance, program design, and daily operations, MMUST is building a campus where all members can participate fully in academic life and community engagement. The university’s commitment sends a strong signal to students, staff, and partners that inclusion is essential to excellence in education.
