The Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) is a Universally accepted standard that drives digital cellular communication. Kenya is among the leading countries in mobile telephony and its associated benefits such as the world recognized M-pesa services offered by Safaricom Ltd.  Realizing competence learning in cellular communication and other digital solutions, appropriate infrastructure, skills-set and practical learning are inevitable. In our endeavor to continue offering World Class education, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Partnership with Safaricom Ltd. is establishing a GSM Lab in the School of Computing and Informatics (SCI).

To actualize this, a team of three professionals; Albert Mwaura (Radio Engineer), Jonah Kanyiri (Core Engineer) and James Mbora (Transmission Engineer) from Safaricom’s Radio Planning Department, visited the University today for a site assessment with the goal of establishing a GSM laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility will not only serve students in the School of Computing and Informatics (SCI) and the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) but also will provide a facility that will transform the telecommunication studies. At Meru University of Science and Technology, the laboratory will be utilized for hands-on training in mobile telephony, wireless and mobile computing training, switching systems, Base Station Systems among others. The Meru University Project Team will be led by Prof. Makau Mutua who is currently the Dean, School of Computing and Informatics.

Besides the site visit, the Safaricom team paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs). The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo reinforced the need for academic-industrial linkage for competence learning and prosperity. MUST is greatly honored to partner with Safaricom in realizing this noble venture.