UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
Department of Geography
Annual Report
& Environmental Studies
2013
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
The Department of Geography & Environmental Studies is one of the academic departments in
the: (1) Faculty of Arts; (2) School of Physical Sciences; and (3) School of Education. In addition,
the department offers service courses to students from the School of Biological Sciences;
School of Economics; Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies; School of
Journalism and Mass Communication; and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Furthermore, the
department maintains active links and collaboration with various institutions of research and
higher learning across the globe.
During the academic year 2013/2014, the department had 10 international postgraduate
students from Djibouti; Liberia; Malawi; Nigeria; Rwanda; Somali Land; Tanzania; and
Zimbabwe. In 2013 the Department graduated a number of undergraduate students from the
above schools and faculties, as well as 24 Masters of Arts in various degree programmes in
geography and environmental studies.
Our vision is to be a department of international repute committed to scholarly excellence in
geography and environmental studies. Our mission is to provide dynamic leadership in the
teaching, research, consultancy and outreach services in geography and environmental studies
for the benefit of humanity and sustainable development.
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES



Master of Arts Programmes: 









Master of Science

Programmes:

PhD Programmes in:

Diploma Programme in:

Undergraduate
Programmes:
(1) BA in Geography and Environmental Studies
(2) BSc in Geography and Environmental Studies
(3) BEd in Geography
(1) MA in Agricultural Geography
(2) MA in Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management
(3) MA in Climatology
(4) MA in Economic Geography
(5) MA in Environmental Planning and Management
(6) MA in Geomorphology
(7) MA in Population Geography
(8) MA in Transport Geography
(9) MA in Urban Geography
(10) MA in Water Resources Management
(1) MSc in Hydrology
(2) MSc in Sustainable Urban Development
All fields of Geography and Environmental Studies
Natural Resources Management
THE STAFF
Academic Staff
 Professor
 Associate Professor
 Senior Lecturer
 Lecturer
 Tutorial Fellow
 Visiting Professor
 Part-Time Lecturer
TOTAL
No.
2
3
9
13
2
2
1
32
Technical Staff
 Principal Technologist
 Chief Technologist
 Senior Technologist
 Technologist
 Cartographer
 Technical Assistant
 Map Curator
TOTAL
2
No.
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
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LINKS AND COLLABORATIONS
The department maintained active links and collaboration with the following institutions:
INSTITUTION
1. African Studies Centre
2. Centre for Sustainable Urban Development, Columbia University
3. Centre for Research in Arid and Semi-Arid Development (CETRAD)
4. Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research,
Chinese Academy of Sciences
5. Institute of French Research in Africa (IFRA)
6. Department of Geography, McGill University
7. Department of Geography, Miami University
8. Linkoping University
9. Mitsubishi Corporation, Nairobi Liaison Office
10. National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
11. UN-HABITAT
12. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
13. United Nations University (UNU)
14. Centre for Development and Environment, University of Berne
15. French National Centre for Scientific Research, University of Bordeaux
16. University of Jyvaskyla
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COUNTRY
Netherlands
USA
Kenya
China
Kenya
Canada
USA
Sweden
Kenya/Japan
Kenya
Kenya
Kenya
Japan
Switzerland
France
Finland
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Project Name
Development of African aviation
Food planning and innovation for sustainable metropolitan
regions (FOODMETRES) – Nairobi case study
Integrated graduate education research traineeship
(IGERT) project
International tourism and eco-tourism
Restructuring of railway transportation in East Africa
Semi-arid areas in transition: Livelihood, security, socioecological variability and the role of development
interventions in East Africa
Sustainable urban transport
Thika superhighway improvement research project
Urban national parks in emerging countries and cities
(UNPEC)
Water resources assessment of the Lower Athi River basin
Water resources availability for irrigation in Samburu
County
Water resources availability to supplement the existing
supplies to Nairobi City
Water sector reforms and interventions in urban Kenya
(WASRIP)
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Project
Coordinator(s)/Member(s)
Prof. E.M. Irandu
Dr. S.O. Owuor, Dr. D. Foeken, Dr.
R. Simiyu & Ms. T. Mbatia
Dr. A.O. Odingo
Prof. E.M. Irandu
Prof. E.M. Irandu
Prof. E.H.O. Ayiemba
Prof. E.M. Irandu
Prof. E.M. Irandu
Ms. T. Mbatia
Dr. J.M. Nyangaga
Dr. J.M. Nyangaga
Dr. J.M. Nyangaga
Dr. S.O. Owuor & Dr. D. Foeken
PUBLICATIONS
Abass, A.M. & F. Mwaura (2013), Remembering the drylands of Kenya: Integrating the ASAL
economy to the Kenya Vision 2030. In Mbugua wa Mungai & G. Gona (eds.),
Remembering Kenya: Identity, Culture and Freedom, Vol. 4. Nairobi: Twaweza
Communications.
Ayiemba, E.H.O. (2013), Marriage and fertility. In National Council for Population and
Development (NCPD), Kenya Population Situation Analysis. Nairobi: NCPD, pp. 155-170.
Benit-Gbaffou, C., A. Dubresson, L. Fourchard, K. Ginisty, S. Jaglin, A. Olukoju, S. Owuor & J.
Vivet (2013), Exploring the role of party politics in the governance of African cities. In S.
Baker & L. Fourchard (eds.), Politics and Policies: Governing Cities in Africa. Cape Town:
HSRC Press, pp. 17-41.
Foeken, D., H.C. Chung, T.N. Mutune & S.O. Owuor (2013), Urban water interventions and
livelihoods in low-income neighbourhoods in Kisumu, Kenya. ASC Working Paper
112/2013. Leiden: African Studies Centre.
Kamau, J.W. & F. Mwaura (2013), Climate change adaptation and EIA studies in Kenya.
International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management (IJCCSM) Vol (2):
152-165.
Mutui, F.N., B. Cun-kuan, V. Onyango, V. Muhandiki & F. Mwaura (2013), The development and
practice of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Kenya. European Scientific
Journal (October 2013 Edition) 19 (29): 165-185.
Mwaguni, S., D. Munga & E. Ayiemba (2013), Urbanization and groundwater pollution in
Mombasa, Kenya: Do we have to transfer the problem due to construction of the
Dongo-Kundu by-pass? Journal of Environment and Earth Science 3 (4): 98-111.
Omoke, K.J. (2013), Livelihood bases, risks and adaptations among the older persons in Turkana
and Lamu districts in Kenya. Journal of Social Sciences Research 2 (9): 242-253.
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Owuor, S.O. (2013), Urbanization and internal migration. In National Council for Population and
Development (NCPD), Kenya Population Situation Analysis. Nairobi: NCPD, pp. 187-213.
Wambua, B.N. (2013), The status of the effects of food insecurity on livelihood opportunities
and options in semi-arid parts of Makueni District, Kenya. Asian Journal of Agriculture
and Food Sciences 1 (4): 172-179.
PAPERS PRESENTED IN SEMINARS & CONFERENCES
Ajuang, L.O. & A.A. Oluoko-Odingo (2013), Gender, civil society and resource consumption.
Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 33). Bujumbura, Burundi,
February 18-20.
Mbatia, T. (2013), Urban eco-tourism in Nairobi’s Karura forest. Conference on Nairobi's Past,
Present and Future. Nairobi, Kenya, July 3.
Oluoko-Odingo, A.A. (2013), Gender mainstreaming in water and sanitation governance in city
schools: The case of Embakasi Girl’s School. Research Workshop on Urban Governance
for Total Sanitation. Nairobi, Kenya, February 14-15.
Oluoko-Odingo, A.A. & L.O. Ajuang (2013), Gender and climate risk reduction for sustainable
development. Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 33). Bujumbura,
Burundi, February 18-20.
Oluoko-Odingo, A.A. & L.O. Ajuang (2013), Gender and human security. Greater Horn of Africa
Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 33). Bujumbura, Burundi, February 18-20.
Oluoko-Odingo, A.A. & L.P. Ajuang (2013), Gender and civil society challenges against climate
change to increase community resilience. Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum
(GHACOF 35). Eldoret, Kenya, August 21-23.
Oluoko-Odingo, A.A. & L.P. Ajuang (2013), Gender and climate change in the devolved system
of government. Gender and Climate Change Working Group Seminar. Nairobi, Kenya,
May 16.
Oluoko-Odingo, A.A. (2013), Environmental costs of modern agriculture as drivers for organic
farming. Soroptimsit International Europe Congress. Berlin, Germany, July 12-14.
Owuor, S.O. & D. Foeken (2013), Bringing water to our door steps: The Wandiege Community
Water Supply Project in Kisumu, Kenya. Research Workshop on Urban Governance for
Total Sanitation. Nairobi, Kenya, February 14-15.
Shah, P. (2013), Conserving biodiversity and making the planet more habitable. Applied Centre
for Climate and Earth Systems Science (ACCESS) Workshop. Nairobi, Kenya, July 1-10.
Shah, P. (2013), Options for improving the communication of seasonal rainfall forecasts to
smallholder farmers in Kenya. JACS-EA/NCCR North-South Science-Policy Forum.
Nairobi, Kenya, May 6-7 .
Shah, P. (2013), Sustainable urban housing: Comparison between Kibera (Kenya) and
condominiums in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Sustainable Communities Managing Urban
Futures – Workshop for Supporting Sustainability. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, March 1222.
Wambua, B.N. (2013), Boosting intra-Africa trade: The role of regulation and policy. 8th TRAPCA
Conference. Arusha, Tanzania, November 21-22.
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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSILIBITY
1. MoU between Shah Ranmal Raja Charitable Trust, Kenya and the University of Nairobi for
twelve (12) annual scholarships to needy but bright students in geography and
environmental studies.
2. MoU between Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan and the University of Nairobi for nine (9)
annual scholarships to needy but bright students in geography and environmental studies.
Prof. E.H.O. Ayiemba 
Dr. F. Mwaura


Dr. S. Kithiia

Dr. A.O. Odingo

Dr. B.N. Wambua

Ms. P. Shah


Mr. L.K. Karingi
Ms. T. Mbatia


Church Elder, Nairobi Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church (NCSDA)
Proposal writing for the construction of a one million water harvesting dam
for Uhotani Multipurpose Self-Help Group in Naivasha County through a
grant from Imarisha Naivasha
An IBM Laptop award to the Friends of Kinangop Plateau through a donation
from the Canadian Field Studies in Africa (CFSIA) Programme
Board Member, (1) Moi Girls High School (Kibwezi); (2) Syumile Secondary
School; (3) Nguumo Girls Secondary School; & (4) Ikingu Secondary School
Raised funds and implemented community tree planting projects in Nandi,
Uasin Gishu, Kisumu and Kakamega Counties
Board Member, (1) Makueni County Public Service Board; (2) Kasikeu Boys
High School; & (3) Nduluni Secondary School
Chairman, Bahati Self-Help Development Group
Member, (1) Environment Committee, Oshwal Education and Relief Board; &
(2) Karura Forest Environmental education Trust (KFEET)
Board Member, (1) Ena Secondary School; & (2) Embu Development Forum
Member, (1) Kenya Forest Working Group, Nairobi Chapter; (2) Friends of
Karura Forest; & (3) Friends of Nairobi National Park
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CONSULTANCIES
Dr. F. Mwaura



Dr. A.O. Odingo

Dr. B.N. Wambua

Dr. J.K. Omoke
Dr. J.M. Nyangaga



Mr. L.K. Karingi

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Amboseli Ecosystem
Management Plan (2008-2018)
ESIA for the construction of a Niobium and other rare earths
processing plant in Mrima Hill, Kwale County, Kenya
ESIA for the Muranga-Gitugi D427 and Njumbi-Moro E546 road
construction project
Development of a framework for gender integration in ICPAC-IGAD
climate change and disaster risk reduction
Development of trans-boundary programme for joint management of
lake Jipe-Chala and Umba River ecosystem management
Kenya health sector dynamic costing model
National and environmental food security agenda
Hydrological studies for (1) Rubiru Irrigation Scheme; (2) Rare Dam; (3)
Thiririka and Ruabora Dams; (4) Mwangea Irrigation Project in Kilifi; (5)
Bulangi Irrigation Project in Kilifi; (6) Samburu’s Irrigation
Development Project Clusters; (7) Kagongo Wendani Irrigation Project;
& (8) Storm Water Management in Naivasha, Nakuru, Kakamega, Kitui,
Malindi, Garissa, Embu and Machakos
ESIA for the construction of a Niobium and other rare earths
processing plant in Mrima Hill, Kwale County, Kenya
8
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & VISIBILITY
In 2013, the following staff members were involved in academic-related international travels
Name of Staff
Prof. R.S. Odingo
Prof. E.H.O. Ayiemba
Prof. D.N. Mungai
Prof. D.N. Mungai
Prof. D.N. Mungai
Dr. S.O. Owuor
Dr. S.O. Owuor
City/Country
Johannessburg, South
Africa
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Sweden
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Dr. F. Mwaura
Dr. F. Mwaura
Dr. A.O. Odingo
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Kigali, Rwanda
Bujumbura, Burundi
Dr. A.O. Odingo
London, UK
Dr. A.O. Odingo
Dr. A.O. Odingo
Ms. P. Shah
Tokyo, Japan
Berlin, German
Grand Bassam, Cote
d’Ivoire
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
UNEP Nairobi, Kenya
Moshi, Tanzania
Arusha, Tanzania
Ms. P. Shah
Ms. P. Shah
Dr. B.N. Wambua
Dr. B.N. Wambua
Nature of Travel
AU Expert Meeting on Climate Change
Regional Advisory Board Strategy Meeting
Scientific Conference on Urban Agriculture
United Nations University TICAD V Side Event
University of Tokyo Global Leadership Initiative
Summer School on Methodological Training in
Research
Regional Advisory Board strategy meeting
Conference on Population, Health & Environment
UNESCO-IHE Africa Wetlands Forum
Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum
Meeting
Soroptimist International UN Representatives
Meeting
United Nations University TICAD V Side Event
Soroptimist International European Congress
Summer School on Health and Environment
Alto PRO workshop on supporting (urban)
sustainability
MESA workshop
LVBC/EAC Workshop
8th TRAPCA Conference
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LIST OF STAFF
Name
Elias H.O. Ayiemba
Richard S. Odingo
David N. Mungai
Evaristus M. Irandu
George O. Krhoda
Alice O. Odingo
Daniel E. Kapule
Francis Mwaura
Haggai W. Namai
John K. Musingi
Margaret Kirimi
Samuel O. Owuor
Shadrack M. Kithiia
Stella M. Mukhovi
Boniface N. Wambua
Isaac J. Ndolo
Isaiah A. Nyandega
James M. Moronge
John M. Nyangaga
John O. Wakajummah
Kennedy J. Omoke
Lincoln K. Karingi
Lincoln K. Ndogoni
Martin Marani
Nicholas M. Ochanda
Thuita Thenya
William O. Ogembo
Parita Shah
Teresa W. Mbatia
Washington B.S Weere
Isaac Ayuyo
Amos M. Kamweru
Position
Professor
Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Tutorial Fellow
Tutorial Fellow
Principal
Technologist
Chief Technologist
Senior Technologist
Fredrick K. Mwangi
Technologist
Oliver O. Ogembo
Jared O. Lumah
Nicholas M. Mwakavi
Robert K. Langat
Technologist
Technical Assistant
Cartographer
Map Curator
Qualifications
BA, MA, PhD (Nairobi), Dip Demo (Florida)
BA (London), PhD (Liverpool)
BA, MA, PhD (Nairobi)
BEd, MA, PhD (Nairobi)
BEd (Nairobi), MA (Wildrid Laurier), PhD (Simon Fraser)
BA, MA, PhD (Nairobi)
MSc, PhD (Moscow)
BSc, MSc, PhD (Nairobi)
BEd, MEd (Makerere)
BSc, MSc, PhD (Nairobi)
BEd, MA, PhD (Nairobi)
BA, MA (Nairobi), PhD (Amsterdam)
BSc, MSc, PhD (Nairobi)
BEd, MA, PhD (Nairobi)
BEd, MA (Kenyatta), PhD (Nairobi)
BEd, MSc (Nairobi)
BA, MA, PhD (Nairobi)
BA, MA, PhD (Nairobi)
BSc, MSc, PhD (Nairobi)
BA, MA (Nairobi)
BA, MA, PhD (Nairobi)
BSc, MA (Nairobi)
BA, MA (Nairobi)
BSc, MPhil (Moi), PhD (Salzburg)
BSc, MA (Nairobi)
BSc, MSc, PhD (Nairobi)
MSc, PhD (USSR)
BA (London), MA (Nairobi)
BA, MA (Nairobi)
PGD Photogrammetry & GIS (ITC), Dip RDBMS (Malta),
Dip DIP (France)
BA (Moi), MA (Nairobi)
Dip (Cartography & Air Surveying), HDip (Surveying);
BTech (Surveying)
Cert (GIS), Dip (App. Chemistry), Dip (HRM), BA
(Nairobi)
HDip
Dip (Comp Studies)
Cert (GIS), Dip (Cartography)
Cert (Comp Studies), Dip (Information Studies)
10