Research, Innovation, Extension and Out-reach

Welcome to Bomet University College (BUC) Research, Innovation, Extension and Out-reach (RIEO) Department. In line with BUC’s Vision of being a Premier Green University in Fostering Research Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainability, which is operationalized by amongst others, its Strategic Goal Number 2 of providing a vibrant intellectual climate for quality scientific research, the Department provides a framework for developing research competencies among academic staff and students, conducting research and innovations, establishing institutional linkages and collaborations, enhancing capacity for fundable research, developing policy guidelines for management of research funds and grants, and promoting avenues for high impact research publications and dissemination. RIEO Department endeavors to incorporate the Concept of Green Sustainability in activities that include among others; Research, Conferences, Workshops, Research Proposals Development, Innovations and Research related Outreach/Extension Services. Dr. Tony Okwach Omusonga is the Head of Department, and is assisted by highly skilled researchers drawn from Members of Academic Staff and 3 Research Assistants; namely, Ms. Dinah Wechuli, Ms. Michellina Echwa and Ms. Gwendolyn Wanjiku in conduct of activities of the Department. For more information, please contact us through the email address; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

1. Research and Start-Up Village

The Research Centre and Start-Up Village under construction will support activities that are part of Bomet University College’s mission to provide a conducive environment for discovery, preservation and dissemination of knowledge; to nurture critical inquiry, creativity and engagement for social transformation and advancement of humanity.

2. Grant Proposal Writing Training

RIEO Department organized capacity building workshops on grant research proposal writing for Bomet University College (BUC) members of academic staff in December, 2019. These resulted into proposals which were developed jointly between Bomet University College, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and Busitema University in Uganda and submitted to Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA). Other research workshops for members of academic staff are also scheduled to take place in the Financial Year 2020/2021.

3. Publications

The following table presents a summary of Bomet University College publications realized in the Financial Year 2019/2020 and 2020/2021

4. Funded Research Projects

The following table presents a summary of BUC funded research projects.

5. Proposals Submitted for Funding

The following table presents a summary of proposals developed and submitted for funding by BUC.

6. Signed Research Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)

In May, 2020, Bomet University College and the County Government of Bomet signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which aimed at identifying areas where BUC and the County Government could partner in the COVID-19 Pandemic Research. The MoU also aimed at identifying challenges within the County that can be turned into opportunities through Research. The Project was funded at the tune of Ksh. 13 Million and is under implementation.

7. International Conference and Open Day

The 1^st Bomet University College International Conference and Open Day are set to be held in Financial Year 2020/2021 having previously been postponed due to Covid-19 Pandemic.

8. Uptake of the Allocated Research Fund

Bomet University established a Research Fund (BUCRF) for various activities in the institution. In Financial Year 2019/2020, Kes. 1.6 Million was allocated for research. The beneficiaries were Tutorial Fellows allocated Ksh. 200,000 each to undertake research under Mentorship of Academic and Research Leaders. In the Financial Year 2020/2021, distribution of the allocation of research fund is in progress.

Postgraduate Studies
Bomet University College considers postgraduate studies as the nerve-centre of its dynamic growth and development because it is through postgraduate studies that Lecturers and Professors are produced. At the same time, the university considers postgraduate studies as a major avenue of promoting research and innovation not only for the institution, but also for the country and international community at large. To this end, the University promotes and encourages postgraduate studies through prudent recruitment, effective teaching, supervision and research, and completion of postgraduate studies within the stipulated time. To achieve these tasks, the University College has set Rules and Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies and established a Postgraduate Studies Department under the Academic and Student Affairs Division.

a) Eligibility for Postgraduate Studies
Bomet University College admits students from accredited universities internationally.
I. Eligibility for the Postgraduate Diploma Programmes

Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) must be:
i) Holders of a degree of Moi University or any other recognized university.
ii) Holders of qualifications considered by the Senate to be equivalent to a university degree.
iii) In addition to the above, applicants should normally have at least one year of experience in relevant government, private or non-governmental service.

II. Eligibility for the Master Degree

i. The following shall normally be eligible to register for the Master’s degree:

1. Holders of at least second class Bachelors degree of Moi University.
2. Holders of a first degree from an accredited university and recognized by Moi University Senate as equivalent to (i)above.
3. Holders of a first degree with a ‘PASS’ shall normally be admitted if they have a postgraduate diploma in the relevant field.
ii. In addition, to producing evidence of eligibility for registration, candidates for the Master’s degree shall normally be required to appear for an interview by the various Schools so as to determine their suitability for registration. A written test might also be given, at the discretion of the Department.
iii. Subject to the approval of Senate, Departments, through their respective School Committees, and with the recommendations of GSC, may formulate regulations requiring applicants to have attained certain academic or equivalent qualifications, which are consistent with the goals of their Masters programmes.

 III. Eligibility for Admission into PhD Programmes

To qualify for admission into a PhD programme, a candidate shall normally be a:

i) Holder of a Bachelor’s degree
ii) Holder of a Master's degree of Moi University in the relevant field, or
iii) Holder of a relevant Master's degree of any other University recognized by Moi University Senate, or
iv) Holder of other qualifications considered by MU Senate as equivalent to a relevant Master’s degree.

 b) Postgraduate Programmes
The postgraduate programmes provided are enhanced in imparting creative and critical thinking as part of the essential skills needed for living and working successfully in a dynamic society.
The Department is also guided by the Rules and Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies Policy as approved by Bomet University College Council.

The following postgraduate programmes have been submitted for Approval by Moi University Senate. After Senate Representatives Inspected and Evaluated Facilities and Resources available to support the Academic Programmes for launching in the four (4) Schools, details of Academic Programmes requested for are as follows:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
1) Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies
2) Doctor of Philosophy in Religion
3) Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy
4) Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
5) Doctor of Philosophy in History
6) Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics
7) Doctor of Philosophy in Literature
8) Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science and Public Administration
9) Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
10) Doctor of Philosophy in Kiswahili
11) Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology
12) Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology
13) Master of Philosophy in Communication Studies
14) Master of Arts in Religious Studies
15) Master of Arts in Linguistics
16) Master of Arts in Literature
17) Master of Arts in Medical Anthropology
18) Master of Arts in Philosophy
19) Master of Arts in Theatre
20) Master of Arts (Economics)
21) Master of Arts in Gender Studies & Development
22) Master of Arts in Public Administration and Policy
23) Master of Arts in History
24) Master of Arts
25) Master of Arts in Geography
26) Master of Arts in Kiswahili (Translation, Linguistics, Literature)
27) Master of Arts in Sociology
28) Master of Arts in Anthropology
29) Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
1) Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology
2) Doctor of Philosophy in Language Education (English/Literature/Kiswahili)
3) Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Communication and Technology
4) Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy Education
5) Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Development
6) Doctor of Philosophy in Social Education and Ethics
7) Doctor of Philosophy in History Education
8) Master of Education in Educational Psychology
9) Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling
10) Master of Education in Educational Administration
11) Master of Education in Language Education (English/Kiswahili)
12) Master of Education in History Education
13) Master of Education in Curriculum Studies
14) Master of Education in Philosophy of Education
15) Postgraduate Diploma in Education

 SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
1) Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management
2) Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics
3) Master of Business Management (MBM)
4) Master of Business Administration
5) Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management
6) Master of Science (Project Planning & Management)

SCHOOL OF PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES
1) Doctor of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry
2) Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics
3) Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics or Epidemiology
4) Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry
5) Master of Science Epidemiology & Biostatistics
6) Master of Science in Pure Mathematics
7) Master of Science in Public Health

Utility Services
In line with the Green Philosophy that underpins the culture of sustainability, which is based on the principles of renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air control and safety, Bomet University College has put in place the following measurers:
1) Occupation Health and Safety
The learning and the working environment at BUC scores on the requirements stipulated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2007.
2) Energy Use
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) is providing 3-phase electricity to the College. The University has procured two (2) generators to be on standby in case of power outages. The University College advocates for responsible electricity use within the University through sensitization of staff and students to conserve electricity.
BUC has adequate and well-ventilated washrooms for students and staff also accommodating Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The said washrooms are well lite and properly ventilated as an energy saving strategy.
3) Water Supply and Its Quality
Bomet Water and Sewerage Company supplies to the institution with daily yield of 15 meter cubic of water. Biological and chemical test results of BUC water was carried out on 4th August 2020 and the outcome was: Total Coliforms- Nil and Feacal Coliforms- Nil, hence the water was declared bacteria Free. There will be periodic checks on the quality of water in line with the laid down government requirements.
The University College has awarded a tender for drilling of a Borehole and construction of service tanks, to enhance alternative and cost-effective sources of water. BUC has provided for collection of rainwater and is in the process of providing for storage for purposes as alternative water source.
4) Waste Management
Sewage and waste water disposal is carried out through connection to sewer line managed by Bomet Water and Sewerage Company. To manage office waste, the University College has provided for waste bins for degradable and non-degradable waste, located at strategic positions within the institution.
Waste management particularly the sewer plant which is situated within the vicinity of the University College requires technical management and innovative strategies which BUC has commenced as per the attached presentation (Annexure...). Further, at the last CUE technical inspection BUC land Plot No. 307 and 308 was being used as a dump site for Bomet Town. The University College has since taken steps to decommission the dump site and reclaim the land for sustainable use. Specifically, part of this land is being leveled for recreational facilities, nature park, parking lot and hostels.
Note: This is a big achievement to the institution for reclaiming, greening and securing institutional land as per its niche for sustainable development.
5) Access Roads
Bomet University College has secured the Main Access Road. BUC has also engaged stakeholders, including County Government of Bomet and neighboring St Michael Primary and St. Michael Secondary Schools to open Access and Exit Roads. The roads have been surveyed and demarcated and paving will commence within the Financial Year 2020/2021.

Transport Facilities
BUC has five vehicles for staff and students transport needs. These include; a Land Cruiser, a 67-Seater recently acquired Bus, an 11-seater Van for the staff and a Senior Management Car, and a Land Cruiser Off-Road Van. The University College also has a Van that was donated by Moi University College in 2018 which is strictly for local runs in Bomet Town.

BUC Bus

BUC Land Cruiser Off-Road Van