Emergence of new job markets have also led to rise of new courses in the institutions of high learning in Kenya to cater for  the upcoming jobs that require the workforce. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is one of the public universities in Kenya that have introduced news courses. These courses includes; Bachelor of Science in Optometry and Vision sciences and Bachelor of Science in midwifery (upgrading).

1. Bachelor of Science in Optometry and Vision science

Kenya is the fifth country in Africa to introduce this course after South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Sudan. This course is recognized as Doctor of Optometry in Ghana and Nigeria and it is abbreviated as O.D. Kenya has been offering a Diploma  course in Optometry at Kenya medical training college before this new course cropped to the country. The Masinde Muliro University started offering the above course in 2010 after it was approved by Ministry of Higher learning by that time. This course runs for a period of four years including attending clinical areas after a graduate will be expected to manage  patients with eye conditions and be able to perform minor surgeries of the eye. Unlike their colleagues  pursuing Diploma who will be required to correct lenses only and minor eye conditions. This course is going to increase research in the conditions of the eye and increase the quality of care to patients in hospitals in Kenya. The first batch of students in Masinde Muliro University are expected to graduate next year and currently are using Kakamega Provincial General Hospital and Sabatia Eye Hospital as their areas of clinical practice. The total fees paid for this course is Kshs.148,000 for the self sponsored students and Kshs.24,000 for the Government sponsored students. The requirements of this course include: Minimum grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE with C+ in the following subjects; Biology, Physics, Mathematics and English, 2 principal passes in Biology and Physics a credit either in Chemistry or Mathematics at EACE and Diploma in Optometry or its equivalent from a recognized institution.

2.Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (upgrading)

Bachelor of science in Midwifery is a new course not only in Kenya but also in Africa. It is only offered to students who have Diplomas in Nursing, Midwifery, and community. It takes a duration of two and half years and costs Kshs.230,000 per year including tuition fees. The course was introduced by Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology this year (2013) after approval by both Ministry of Education and Nursing Council of Kenya. This course is offered at the main campus (Kakamega). For one to pursue this course, he/she must fulfill the following requirements; Minimum grade of C (plain) at KCSE or Division III at EAE/KCE, Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery, and Community or KRCHN from a recognized institution or equivalent, Must be registered by the Nursing Council of Kenya and holds a current practicing license, Should have a minimum experience of two years.

The introduction of a degree in midwifery will produce qualified health professionals  (midwifes) who will cater for the increase of women seeking maternal services which has been rendered free by the Government of Kenya.

Application; In order to apply for the above mentioned courses, you can obtain the application forms from the university website- www.mmust.ac.ke or visit the main campus at Kakamega town. The forms can also be obtained from the university study centres at Nairobi Kingsway Tyres, Sang’alo, Kaimosi, Bukura, Mt.Elgon, Mumias and Nambale. You then fill the registration forms and send them to the below address after paying non refundable fees of Kshs.1000.

For more information, you can contact the following address;

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology,

P.O Box 190, Kakamega-50100, Kenya

Tel : +254(0) 56 31375

Fax : +254(0) 56 30872

Website: www.mmust.ac.ke