Tag: JOOUST news

Blunt Force Trauma Caused Death Of JOOUST Student Alice Riang’a, Autopsy Confirms

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

A post-mortem examination has officially determined that Alice Riang’a, a 20-year-old student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), died from severe blunt force trauma to the head. The findings, released on Tuesday, May 12, confirm that the second-year Bachelor of Education student was a victim of a violent assault before her body was abandoned.

A Grisly Discovery

Riang’a’s body was found on Saturday, May 9, by women gathering firewood in the Barkowino Forest within Bondo Township. The recovery of the body suggested a calculated crime:

  • Evidence of Dumping: Detectives noted a lack of struggle at the scene, leading them to believe she was killed elsewhere and her body transported to the thicket.

  • Observations: Police reported that the body was found without undergarments, though investigators are still conducting tests to confirm if sexual violence occurred.

A Father’s Grief

The severity of the attack was highlighted by the victim’s father, Richard Riang’a Kiage. In a heartbreaking account, Mr. Kiage described the difficulty of identifying his daughter due to the extent of her facial injuries.

“As a first-time parent, if I were shown this child, I wouldn’t have been able to recognise her well because her face was damaged,” he shared. “I asked for a little time to look at her legs and toes to recognise her.”

Investigation and Arrest

Authorities have made significant progress in the case, arresting a man believed to be the student’s boyfriend. He is currently in police custody assisting with the ongoing probe. The autopsy findings are expected to serve as the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case as they prepare formal charges.

Student Protests in Bondo

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the JOOUST community. On Tuesday, approximately 700 students held peaceful demonstrations in Bondo town to demand justice. The group marched to the local police station and the Bondo Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where they were permitted to view the body before returning to the university campus.

Current Status: The suspect is expected to appear in court for a miscellaneous application to allow detectives more time to finalize their investigation. Alice Riang’a’s remains are currently being preserved at the Bondo Sub-County Hospital mortuary.

Ruto’s Blue Economy Push Puts Siaya on Africa’s Research Map

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

When President William Ruto launched the Blue Economy Research Hub at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Miyandhe, Kenya’s economic future diversified the attention to focus on water ecosystems.

The facility positions the university as a key research centre for freshwater science linked to Lake Victoria, with a focus on fisheries, aquatic technology and environmental sustainability.

For Siaya County, the project places the region directly within the country’s broader Blue Economy agenda.

The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of water resources to support economic growth, jobs and environmental protection.

While often associated with coastal activities, Kenya’s strategy also includes inland water bodies such as Lake Victoria, which support millions of livelihoods through fishing and trade.

The JOOUST hub will support both postgraduate and undergraduate research, particularly in molecular research systems related to aquatic life.

Its location near major freshwater ecosystems allows the university to expand research in fisheries science and aquatic technologies.

Speaking during the launch, President Ruto called on universities to take a stronger role in developing research and innovation that can address real economic challenges.

He noted that specialised scientific skills will be increasingly important as Kenya builds a modern and competitive economy.

Beyond the Blue Economy hub, JOOUST has also attracted international research partnerships.

A drone view of the Blue Economy Research Hub currently under construction (Image: Files)

These include the World Bank-supported Africa Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects as Food and Feeds (INSEFOODS) – which explores insects as sustainable protein for food and animal feed.

Researchers at the university are also working on projects such as sericulture, a silk production initiative developed in partnership with Silk Origin Limited.

Together, these programmes position JOOUST as an emerging research hub linking science, sustainability and local economic development.

For Siaya and the wider Lake Victoria region, the goal is straightforward:

Turn freshwater ecosystems into centres of research, innovation and opportunity – while protecting the natural resources that communities depend on.