Laikipia University is pleased to announce the promotion of eleven (11) faculty members to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Full Professor, effective 1st April 2025. These promotions recognize outstanding contributions in teaching, research, and community service, and reflect the University’s continued commitment to academic excellence and merit-based advancement. By prioritizing merit and support, the University continues to create an environment where academic staff can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the institution's mission. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each promoted staff member and celebrate their well-deserved recognition. Below is a brief profile of each faculty member.
1. Professor John Kiumi Kanjogu
Prof. John Kiumi Kanjogu, recently promoted to Full Professor of Education Administration and Planning in the Department of Curriculum and Educational Management at Laikipia University, began his academic career in 2003 as an assistant lecturer after two decades of teaching in Kenya’s basic education sector. He rose through the academic ranks, earning promotions to Lecturer in 2007, Senior Lecturer in 2011, and Associate Professor in 2016, driven by strong scholarly output, leadership roles, and dedication to mentorship.
Prof. Kanjogu holds a PhD in Education and has an extensive record of academic leadership, including serving as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic, Research, and Student Affairs), Director of Research, Human Rights and Gender, and Dean of the School of Education. He has supervised eight PhD and twenty-three master’s students to completion, examined numerous postgraduate theses, and published over thirty papers in refereed journals, alongside authoring textbooks and book chapters.
Beyond teaching and research, he has contributed significantly through consultancy, raising research funding, developing grant proposals, and engaging in governance training. His service includes chairing university committees, external examining for institutions like the University of Cape Coast (Ghana) and Maasai Mara University, and chairing the Laikipia County Education Board. His commitment to research, innovation, mentorship, and academic leadership has culminated in his promotion to Full Professor.
2. Professor Albert Mugambi Rutere
Prof. Albert Mugambi Rutere has been promoted to Full Professor of Literature in recognition of his distinguished academic career spanning over 35 years in university teaching, research, and academic leadership across Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Literature from Morgan State University, USA (2009), a Master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh, UK (1990), and a Bachelor’s degree from Kenyatta University, Kenya (1986).
Throughout his career, Prof. Rutere has taught, examined, and supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, playing a vital role in shaping future scholars and professionals in his field. His scholarly contributions are substantial, with over 70 articles published in peer-reviewed journals. He is the author of one textbook and co-editor of two others, and has reviewed numerous academic papers and book chapters, reinforcing his influence in the discipline of Literature.
At Laikipia University, he has served actively in academic leadership, including roles in the University Senate, Deans Committee, and Management Board. He has chaired various ad hoc Senate and Management Committees and served as Director of the Board of Undergraduate Studies, Teaching Practice, and Field Attachment, as well as Director of the Nakuru Campus. In 2022, he was appointed Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance, and Planning. Currently, he represents the School of Humanities and Development Studies in the University Senate. He is an external examiner for Literature, English, and Linguistics courses at Kenyatta University and Meru University of Science and Technology. Prof. Rutere’s promotion to Full Professor is a fitting acknowledgment of his sustained scholarship, mentorship, and institutional service excellence.
3. Professor John Mbuthia Ngunjiri
Prof. John Mbuthia Ngunjiri's academic journey, culminating in his promotion to Full Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Curriculum and Educational Management at Laikipia University, reflects a steadfast commitment to education and research. He earned his PhD in Mathematics Education from Banaras Hindu University, India (2012), where he contributed to advancing methodologies in teaching and learning mathematics at the university level. Earlier, Prof. Ngunjiri completed a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Queen’s University, Canada (1987), and a Master of Education in Mathematics Education from Kenyatta University, Kenya (1985). These advanced degrees enhanced his curriculum design and mathematical pedagogy expertise, shaping his approach to teaching and academic inquiry.
His foundational academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya (1990), which laid the groundwork for his future scholarly work. With over 34 years of experience as a lecturer, Prof. Ngunjiri has proven to be a passionate educator deeply committed to student success. His extensive research in mathematics education, which has been reflected in numerous publications in prestigious academic journals, further solidified his reputation as an expert. His remarkable contributions to teaching and research were instrumental in his promotion to Full Professor.
4. Professor Stella Muhanji
Prof. Stella Muhanji, recently promoted from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor of Financial Economics at Laikipia University, is a seasoned financial economist with over 20 years of academic experience. She is a member of the Department of Economics and the Chairperson. Prof. Muhanji earned her PhD in Financial Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa (2010), following a Master of Arts in Economics (2000) and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Business, and Mathematics (1997) from Kenyatta University, Kenya.
Her research focuses on financial economics, stock markets, natural resources, governance, and institutional quality. She has an impressive publication record in high-impact journals, with her work attracting global citations. Notable publications include studies on infrastructure thresholds and economic growth in Africa, insider trading laws in emerging markets, and the nexus between natural resource endowment, institutional quality, and external indebtedness in African countries. In addition to her research, Prof. Muhanji is passionate about equipping students with practical skills for the job market by adopting a dynamic and analytical approach to teaching economics.
5. Prof. Sheila Pamela Wandera-Simwa
Prof. Sheila Pamela Wandera-Simwa’s promotion to Associate Professor of Kiswahili Studies results from her extensive academic qualifications, scholarly achievements, and leadership in teaching and research. She holds a PhD in Kiswahili and Communication from Laikipia University (2015), a Master of Arts in Kiswahili Studies from Egerton University (1996), and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Moi University (1992).
Beginning her academic career as an Assistant Lecturer in 1997, she rose to Lecturer in 1998 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2019. With 28 years of university teaching experience, Prof. Wandera-Simwa, who is a trained Kiswahili teacher for non-speakers, has coordinated Kiswahili programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, led curriculum development, and currently serves as Dean of the School of Humanities and Development Studies.
A prolific researcher and frequent presenter at international forums, Prof. Wandera-Simwa has significantly contributed to Kiswahili studies and gender advocacy in higher education. She is also credited with successfully mobilizing over 40 international students from various African countries to pursue postgraduate studies at Laikipia University. Her promotion is a testament to her sustained academic excellence, research output, and dedicated service to the university community.
6. Professor Isaac Kingori
Prof. Isaac Kingori, an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology in the Department of Psychology, Counselling and Educational Foundations, has steadily advanced through academic ranks due to his dedication, resilience, and scholarly excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Education from Moi University in 1996, a Master’s in Educational Psychology from Egerton University in 2007, and a PhD in the same field from Laikipia University in 2013. Since joining the university in 2009, he has served as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer.
Prof. Kingori has held key administrative roles, including Director of Nyahururu Town Campus (2014), and serves on the university senate. He is a prolific researcher with numerous publications and books, including the widely read Measurement and Evaluation in Education and Psychology. Additionally, he has ventured into several research grants. He has supervised several postgraduate students and examined theses in various universities. A member of the Counsellor and Psychologist Board of Kenya, he actively engages in student mentorship, university committees, and community development initiatives. His extensive academic contributions and leadership reflect his commitment to excellence in higher education.
7. Professor Babere Kerata Chacha
Prof. Babere Kerata Chacha, now an Associate Professor of History and Chairperson of the Department of Social Studies at Laikipia University, has built a distinguished academic career in African History and Human Rights. He holds a PhD in African Economic and Environmental History (2011) and a Master of Arts in Agricultural History (2000) from Egerton University. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Education (1994) from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
Since joining Laikipia University as an Assistant Lecturer in 2004, Prof. Chacha has steadily progressed through the ranks, becoming a Lecturer in 2006 and Senior Lecturer in 2011. His research on African political assassinations, gender, sexuality, and environmental change has produced numerous impactful publications. He founded the Centre for Human Rights at the university and has been key in integrating human rights education into academic programmes.
Internationally recognized, Prof. Chacha has held fellowships at SOAS (University of London), Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of New South Wales. In 2022, he received the inaugural Sarah Bartmann Award from the University of Cape Town for excellence in teaching African women's history. He has contributed globally through keynote lectures, editorial roles, and collaboration with truth and justice initiatives. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to research, teaching, institutional leadership, and social justice.
8. Professor Samuel O. Onyuma
Prof. Samuel O. Onyuma has been promoted to Associate Professor of Investments and Securities Markets Development in the Department of Commerce at Laikipia University. He holds a PhD in Business Administration, specializing in financial markets and investments from Laikipia University (2017), an MSc in Food and Agricultural Sciences (Agribusiness Management) from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, USA (1998), and a Bachelor of Agribusiness Management (Hons.) from Egerton University (1995). While studying in the U.S. under a USAID/UMES scholarship, he earned inclusion in Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges (1997) and The National Dean’s List (1998).
Prof. Onyuma began his academic career at Egerton University’s Laikipia Campus in 2000, teaching agribusiness finance and accounting. He has since held key leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Business Studies and Economics, Director of Laikipia University's Naivasha Campus, and Director of Planning and Performance Management. In addition to supervising postgraduate research and serving as an external examiner, he has authored textbooks, published journal articles, developed academic programmes, and contributed to strategic planning and resource mobilization.
His scholarly achievements have earned him several research grants and the Presidential Award for Distinguished Service (2010). Prof. Onyuma is also active in professional circles such as the Business Ethics Network-Africa (BEN-Africa) and regularly participates in academic conferences. These accomplishments have culminated in his well-earned promotion to Associate Professor.
9. Dr. Florence Muthoni Mwithi
Dr. Florence Muthoni Mwithi is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Linguistics in the Department of Literary and Communication Studies. Her promotion to the position of Senior Lecturer results from a progressive academic journey marked by dedication, scholarly excellence, and professional growth. She holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Laikipia University (2016), a Master of Arts in English Language and Linguistics from Egerton University (2010), and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Egerton University (2006).
Her academic career began in 2011 when she was appointed Assistant Lecturer at Laikipia University. After completing her doctorate, she was promoted to Lecturer in 2016 and has since contributed significantly to teaching, research, and academic service. Her teaching portfolio includes key courses in Applied Linguistics such as Gender and Language Education, Sociolinguistics, Discourse Analysis, and Public Speaking.
A committed scholar, Dr. Mwithi has published extensively in high-impact academic journals and is actively involved in scholarly editing and peer review. Her research interests focus on Computer-Mediated Discourse and Gender Studies. She is also a Kenya Oral Literature Association (KOLA) member, further demonstrating her engagement in academic and professional communities. These accomplishments collectively underpin her recent promotion to Senior Lecturer, recognizing her academic merit, research contributions, and commitment to higher education.
10. Dr. Janerose Mulamba Mayabi
Dr. Janerose Mulamba Mayabi’s promotion to Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, Counselling and Educational Foundations reflects her strong academic background, dedicated professional service, and unwavering commitment to higher education. She holds a PhD in Education (Guidance and Counselling) from Kabarak University (2015), a Master of Education (Guidance and Counselling) from Egerton University (2006), and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Kenyatta University (1988). Her academic journey includes specialized training, such as a Certificate in Gender, Poverty and Development from Egerton University (2005).
Since joining Laikipia University as a Lecturer in 2018, Dr. Mayabi has significantly contributed to academic leadership and institutional service. She has served as the School of Education’s representative on the Graduate School Board, Secretary to the Institutional Scientific Ethical and Research Committee (ISERC), and as a departmental Performance Contracting and Research Champion. She has also facilitated key postgraduate research workshops, guiding students in proposal writing and academic referencing across various citation styles.
Dr. Mayabi’s research focuses on the impact of life skills and reproductive health education on students’ sexual behaviour, which has informed both her master's and doctoral studies. Through consistent service, academic mentorship, and engagement in research development, Dr. Mayabi has achieved the milestones necessary for promotion to Senior Lecturer.
11. Dr. Prisca Kiptoo-Tarus
Dr. Prisca Kiptoo-Tarus’s promotion to Senior Lecturer is the culmination of a dedicated academic and professional journey grounded in Educational Psychology. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Egerton University (2016), a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Moi University (2009), and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nairobi (2000).
Her academic career at Laikipia University began in January 2018. Since joining, she has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service, being appointed as the Examination Officer in 2019 and later as Chair of the Department of Psychology, Counselling and Educational Foundations in January 2020. Dr. Kiptoo-Tarus contributes actively to institutional governance as a member of key university committees, including the Institutional Ethics Review Committee and the Research Committee.
With extensive experience in teaching and student mentorship, Dr. Kiptoo-Tarus has made significant contributions to higher education. Her research interests, which include student mentorship, gender mainstreaming in education, girl child education, gifted and talented learners, and disability studies, reflect her commitment to inclusive and transformative education. These academic qualifications, leadership roles, and research engagements have been pivotal in her promotion to Senior Lecturer.