On Friday, 4th October 2024, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) proudly celebrated its 12^th Graduation Ceremony. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as 2,974 bright minds – the largest cohort in the University’s history – stepped confidently into a world waiting for their talents and dreams. The theme, “Mainstreaming Research, Innovation, and Technology for Sustainable Development,” was a rallying call for the graduates to become agents of change in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

Amid the celebration, one woman’s story stood out – an alumna who captured the hearts of the audience with her passion and determination. Vera Adhiambo, Co-Founder and CEO of Saniwise Technologies Enterprise Limited, took the stage to deliver an inspiring speech that left the crowd reflecting on the power of education, innovation and resilience.

Vera, who earned her Master of Science in Sanitation during MUST’s 10^th Graduation Ceremony in March 2023, spoke not only as a successful entrepreneur but as someone whose journey began with a deep desire to make a difference. Growing up in Kisumu, she witnessed firsthand the daily struggles of families living without access to basic sanitation. “I couldn’t stand by and watch children suffer due to something as basic as the lack of a toilet,” Vera recalled. “I knew I had to do something.”

Her passion led her to co-found Saniwise Technologies alongside fellow graduate Vallary Oyoo. Together, they designed the Saniwise Toilet – an innovative, eco-friendly solution that is transforming sanitation in informal settlements. What sets their invention apart is its ability to convert waste into valuable resources like biofertilizer and larval biomass for agriculture, using a clever Black Soldier Fly biodigester model. In addition, the structure is made from 90% recycled plastic, turning waste into opportunity.

Vera and Vallary’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Their innovation earned them international recognition, placing them as the 1st runner-up at the UNICEF GenU Competition at COP-27 and securing a grant from the USAID Western Kenya Sanitation Project (WKSP). Standing before the new graduates, Vera smiled as she said, “Our journey started here at Meru University of Science and Technology, where we learned to think beyond ourselves and our own limitations. Today, you step into that same world of possibility.”

For the many graduates in the crowd, Vera’s words were a powerful reminder that the knowledge and skills they gained at MUST could fuel their own dreams of making a difference. It was an especially proud moment for the new Master of Science in Sanitation graduates who followed in Vera’s footsteps. Since the programme’s launch in 2020, 60 students have completed their studies, thanks to the mentorship and support from IHE Delft. The University remains deeply grateful to IHE-Delft for their invaluable contributions.

After the ceremony, a special cake-cutting event led by Dr. Joy Riungu, Director of the Sanitation Research Institute (SRI), and the faculty celebrated this new chapter for the Master of Science in Sanitation graduates. In a colourful event held at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, students and faculty shared in laughter, songs and dance, united by a sense of hope for the future.

Dr. Riungu, whose leadership has been pivotal in the growth of the Sanitation Research Institute, reflected on the day’s success. “We are nurturing innovators who will tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “Every graduate here today has the potential to change lives.”

Her words rang true as the event had witnessed another highlight of the day. The MUST Alumni Association (MUSTAA) made a generous donation of Ksh. 1,000,000 to support students in need, a gesture that reflected the deep connection alumni have to the University and its mission. The cheque, presented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Career Services Dr. Charles Njati and the Alumni Representative Ms. Vera Adhiambo to Chancellor Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Chairperson of Council Prof. James Ireri Kanya, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, symbolized the permanent bond between alumni and the institution that shaped them.

Vera was not just speaking for herself that day; she spoke for countless alumni who have gone on to make a difference in their communities. MUST has fostered an environment where innovation thrives, and Vera’s journey is proof of how the seeds planted during their time at University can grow into something extraordinary.

“I am forever grateful to this institution for the opportunities it gave me,” Vera shared. “What we learned here was about leadership, resilience and the power of community. And today, I stand here as proof that each one of us has the power to create positive change.”

As the graduates left the ceremony, their hearts were full – with the understanding that they, too, could follow in the footsteps of trailblazers like Vera Adhiambo. They had the knowledge, the tools and the drive to build a better world.

In the words of Vera, “The future belongs to those who dare to dream, but more so to those who dare to act on their dreams.”

Dr. Joy Riungu is the Director of the Sanitation Research Institute (SRI) at Meru University of Science and Technology which was established in September 2019.  She has also served as the Dean, School of Engineering and Architecture at MUST, and successfully completed two terms (2016-2020). SRI is host to a bio-resource based approach to Sanitation which was listed by UN-Habitat as a Top 20 Innovative Solution in September 2019.  In 2022, Dr. Riungu demonstrated Excellence by being the recipient of the DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI IMPACT AWARD 2022 from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands which recognizes individuals who have made remarkable impact in a water-related field and who are role models for water professionals

In 2023, Dr. Joy Nyawira Riungu was the Inaugural awardee of the Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Award for the use of her talents as a researcher, innovator and as an organizer of multidisciplinary teams of experts for the benefit of the country, the continent and the world. Through the efforts of Dr. Riungu, MUST became part of the Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS). Under a IHE funded program, since January 2020, over 400 students have been trained across various programs; Master of Science in Sanitation, Graduate Professional Diploma Programme (GDPD) as well as Short courses in Sanitation. Partial scholarships have also been available for these programs.

Read more details about the Sanitation Research Institute here: https://sri.must.ac.ke/.