On 12th January 2026, marked a significant milestone for Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI). This landmark agreement was formalized at the KEWI Headquarters in Nairobi and signed by KEWI Director/CEO Dr. Leiro Letangule, EBS, and MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, PhD. The MoU builds on a strong strategic partnership that has existed since 2019 and signals a renewed commitment to advancing excellence in water and sanitation education, research and professional development.

The signing of this MoU comes at a particularly opportune time when Kenya continues to face growing challenges related to water scarcity, climate change, rapid urbanization and the increasing demand for sustainable sanitation solutions. These challenges require a skilled workforce, innovative research and strong institutional collaboration. By bringing together MUST’s robust academic capacity and KEWI’s specialized professional training expertise, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring graduates and professionals are well-equipped to address real-world water and sanitation challenges.

The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in several key areas, including knowledge exchange, collaborative research initiatives, and innovation development. It also provides a framework for collaboration in grant acquisition, professional consultancy services, and the promotion of Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Extension (RICE). Through these initiatives, MUST and KEWI will jointly develop practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions that contribute to national development goals and improve water and sanitation services at community and institutional levels.

This partnership will directly benefit KEWI students, MUST learners, and professionals already working in the sector by enhancing the quality, relevance, and industry alignment of training programs. It will also create opportunities for young researchers, innovators, and faculty members to engage in impactful research, mentorship, and community outreach programs that respond to pressing national and regional needs.

The collaboration underscores MUST’s commitment to impactful partnerships and to nurturing a new generation of skilled, ethical, and innovative professionals who will play a critical role in advancing Kenya’s water and sanitation sector. As MUST and KEWI embark on this renewed journey, stakeholders across academia, industry, government, and development partners are invited to tap into this powerful alliance, shaping future-ready professionals, advancing cutting-edge research, and delivering sustainable, community-centered solutions.

This is more than a partnership; it is a shared commitment to transforming lives and safeguarding Kenya’s water future.