Building a More Inclusive Campus at MMUST
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is stepping up its commitment to an all-embracing campus community. On 20 and 21 November 2025, MMUST’s Disability Mainstreaming Committee, operating under the Directorate of Student Affairs and in partnership with university leadership, advanced its capability to ensure that disability inclusion is a lived reality for students, staff, and external stakeholders. The training sessions and collaborative exercises highlighted MMUST’s ongoing journey toward accessibility, equity, and meaningful participation for all.
Why Disability Mainstreaming Matters
Disability mainstreaming is more than compliance; it is a strategic approach to ensure that policies, programs, and campus services are designed with accessibility at their core. MMUST’s initiative recognizes that inclusive practices benefit the entire university ecosystem—from academic access and exam accommodations to career development and extracurricular opportunities. The committee’s work aligns with national and international frameworks that advocate for inclusive education and inclusive workplaces, underscoring MMUST’s role as a model for other institutions in the region.
Empowering Stakeholders Across the University
The two-day event brought together faculty, administrators, students with disabilities, parents, and community partners. Activities emphasized practical solutions such as improving physical access, enhancing digital accessibility, and refining communication channels to ensure information reaches all audiences. By strengthening collaboration with student union leaders, disability advocates, and local stakeholders, MMUST aims to reduce barriers and create predictable, supportive pathways to success for everyone on campus.
Practical Outcomes: Access, Inclusion, and Accountability
Key outcomes from the sessions included a revamped accommodation policy, clearer guidelines for accessible classroom environments, and a more transparent process for reporting and addressing accessibility concerns. The committee also explored assistive technologies, inclusive pedagogy, and the physical layout of teaching spaces to ensure mobility, vision, and hearing needs are accommodated. The emphasis on accountability means MMUST will monitor progress, publish annual inclusion reports, and solicit continuous feedback from the university community to refine practices over time.
Training that Builds Long-Term Capacity
Participants engaged in scenario-based learning that simulated real-life campus situations, such as navigating lecture halls with mobility devices, accessing online learning platforms with screen readers, and coordinating with service providers for sign language interpretation. The goal was not only to train but to embed a culture of empathy, proactive problem-solving, and shared responsibility. Dr. [Name], a leader within the Disability Mainstreaming Committee, noted that sustained capacity-building is essential to turning good intentions into measurable improvements in lived experience for students and staff alike.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Path Forward
MMUST is committed to maintaining the momentum generated by these sessions. Plans include expanding the disability mainstreaming agenda to incorporate mental health considerations, engaging more students in accessibility audits, and forging stronger linkages with employers who value inclusive recruitment. The university also aims to foster partnerships with local disability organizations and government entities to align campus accessibility with broader societal goals.
Why this Matters for the MMUST Community
Inclusive campuses contribute to academic excellence, retention, and success for a diverse student body. When stakeholders—students, faculty, staff, and partners—have equitable access to learning, services, and opportunities, the university benefits from richer perspectives, innovation, and stronger community ties. MMUST’s ongoing work in disability mainstreaming signals a forward-looking, student-centered approach that other institutions in Kenya and beyond may find instructive as they pursue similar commitments.
