Climate change is real, and it’s not slowing down. At Meru University of Science & Technology (MUST), a bold step forward has just been taken to face it head-on. MUST is officially partnering with the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), setting the stage for an impactful collaboration aimed at improving climate change research, teaching, and environmental awareness. Plans are already underway to build an international-standard weather station right on campus.

On April 24, 2025, history was made when MUST and KMD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the KMD offices in Nairobi. The signing ceremony was led by Professor Romanus Odhiambo, Vice Chancellor, and Dr. David Ndung’u, CEO of the Kenya Meteorological Department. Their signatures marked a formality and symbolized the birth of a long-term collaboration focused on climate data sharing and practical education.

KMD, under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, is Kenya’s backbone in weather data collection, forecasting, and dissemination. With this partnership, MUST is positioning itself to receive direct receiving right hand data and information on weather matters.

This is a big deal because, students and researchers at the university’s Schools of Education, Engineering, Agriculture and Food Science, and Pure and Applied Sciences can integrate this live data into their coursework, projects, and innovations.

Part of the plan includes the construction of a high-grade weather station at MUST grounds. It will be designed to meet international Weather Station standards, thanks to the guidance and support from KMD.

Once completed, the station will serve multiple purposes:

• • • Enable students to collect and analyze accurate environmental data.
    • Allow lecturers to teach using real-time examples.
    • Offer a platform for long-term climate research.
    • Provide localized weather insights for Meru County and beyond.

The MOU signing was witnessed by:

• • • Prof. Simon Thuranira, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), MUST
    • Dr. Ibuathu C. Njati, Director of Career and Alumni Services (CAS) and former Dean, School of Education – the man who spearheaded and initiated the entire collaboration.
    • Dr. Angela Kanini, Chair of Department, Education Arts
    • And senior officials from KMD including:
    • Mr. Edward Muriuki – Director of Training
    • Eng. Mbuthia – Head of Operations
    • Eng. Mukola – Electrical Engineering Lead
    • Dr. Mwita – County Coordinator
    • Ms. Mary Muthoni – Head of Applications
    • Mr. Onesmaus – Director of Data Archives

Their collective effort and leadership are turning this vision into reality.

This partnership between Meru University and the Kenya Meteorological Department is a mission. A mission to educate better, innovate smarter, and prepare for a climate-challenged future. With a world-class weather station soon to rise on the campus, MUST is not only setting a national benchmark but also inspiring other institutions to follow suit.

We’re entering a future where education and science must work hand in hand and at Meru University, that future has already begun.