Elected Deans Profiles
MMUST DEANS ELECT PROFILES
PROFILE: PROF. ELIZABETH NANJALA OMUKUNDA
Dean-Elect, School of Natural Sciences- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Prof. Elizabeth Nanjala Omukunda is an Associate Professor of Zoology at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and the Dean-Elect of the School of Natural Sciences (SONAS). She holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Maseno University, a Master of Science in Zoology and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from Potchefstroom University in South Africa, as well as a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree from Kenyatta University.
Prof. Omukunda brings extensive experience in university leadership, teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, science mentorship and public health initiatives. Before her election as Dean of the School of Natural Sciences, Prof. Omukunda served as the Associate Dean of SONAS and Coordinator of the University’s HIV/AIDS Control Unit. Her professional journey also includes experience as a secondary school teacher, providing her with a strong foundation in education, academic mentorship and institutional service.
A zoology guru, Prof. Omukunda has actively contributed to HIV/AIDS response initiatives and participated in numerous professional training programmes and workshops, led teams in research proposal writing, research management and the advancement of equitable North-South research partnerships. She is a Research Associate at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa and serves as an editor with Frontiers in Health Services, contributing to the Research Topic on Behavioral Strategies in Malaria Control: Bridging Science and Sustainable Impact. As a trainer in higher education and an academic supervisor, she is committed to strengthening research capacity, nurturing emerging scholars and promoting excellence in higher education. She is also actively involved in African Women in Science and Engineering and STEM mentorship initiatives in secondary schools. This is a women- oriented initiative at MMUST which champions scientific literacy and encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
Her research interests include zoology, vector-borne diseases and invertebrates. She has published widely in peer-reviewed scientific journals and contributed a book chapter in her area of specialization, reflecting her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and research-driven solutions to societal challenges. As Dean-Elect, Prof. Omukunda brings to the School of Natural Sciences a wealth of academic experience, research expertise and leadership capability. Her professional background and commitment to mentorship, scientific innovation and collaborative research position her to contribute to the School’s continued growth and the advancement of MMUST’s mandate in teaching, research and community engagement.
PROFILE: DR. DISHON MUNUHE WANJERE
Dean-Elect, School of Business and Economics-Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Dr. Dishon Munuhe Wanjere has been re-elected unopposed for a second term as Dean of the School of Business and Economics (SOBE) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), reaffirming confidence in his leadership and strategic vision.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration and PhD in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi. Dr. Wanjere is an accomplished scholar, academic leader and strategic management consultant with over 20 years of experience in university administration, teaching, research and consultancy. His areas of specialization include marketing, strategic management, international business and entrepreneurship.
He previously served as Director of the Privately Sponsored Students Programme (PSSP), Learning Centres and Campuses from 2015 to 2022, overseeing nine campuses and a business portfolio generating close to KSh 1 billion annually. During his tenure, he spearheaded key institutional reforms, including the development of MMUST’s first Integrated Marketing Communication Plan and policies aimed at enhancing revenue generation, operational efficiency and institutional sustainability. He also served as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, from March to July 2024.
Dr. Wanjere has contributed to university governance and strategic planning through various leadership committees and participated in the development of successive MMUST strategic plans. He is an accomplished researcher with more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and extensive experience in postgraduate supervision. His consultancy portfolio includes strategic planning, customer and employee satisfaction assessments, and training needs assessments for public and private sector organizations.
PROFILE: DR. GREGORY OKONYA SAKWA
Dean-Elect, School of School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS)-Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Dr. Gregory Okonya Sakwa is the Dean-elect, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Dr. Sakwa holds a PhD in Health Promotion from MMUST, a Master of Science in Health Sciences (Community Health) from the University of Pune, India, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nairobi.
He has also completed postdoctoral training in Global Health. Dr. Sakwa is a Senior Lecturer with extensive experience in nursing education, clinical practice, community health, research and academic leadership. Before his election, he served as Chair of the Department of Community Health and Extension and as the Department’s Examination Coordinator.
His professional experience spans public health service, clinical nursing and academia. He previously served as a Nursing Officer in the Ministry of Health, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, before joining the Kenya Medical Training College as a tutor and later Pwani University as a lecturer. He has also undertaken a Senior Management Course at the Kenya School of Management.
An accomplished researcher, Dr. Sakwa has published widely in peer-reviewed journals. His research focuses on implementation strategies for improving the uptake of evidence-based practices, particularly in cancer prevention, health equity and community health capacity building.
As Dean-Elect, Dr. Sakwa brings valuable clinical, academic and research experience to the leadership of SONMAPS. His election presents an opportunity to strengthen nursing and paramedical training, advance research and innovation, and contribute to improved healthcare delivery and community health outcomes.
PROFILE: DR. EVANS RABALLAH
Dean-Elect, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology)-Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Dr. Evans Raballah has been re-elected for a second term as Dean of the School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Dr. Raballah is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, with over 14 years of experience in teaching and research. His areas of expertise include immunology, molecular biology and research methods.
He holds a PhD in Immunology from Kenyatta University and has established a strong research record, with more than 37 peer-reviewed publications and over 100 conference proceedings. His research interests focus on the immunopathology of pediatric severe malarial anemia in Western Kenya, contributing to scientific understanding of malaria and related public health challenges.
Dr. Raballah is also certified in bio-risk management by the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), demonstrating specialized training in laboratory biosafety and risk management. His re-election for a second term provides an opportunity to build on his leadership experience, strengthen academic and research excellence, promote innovation in biomedical sciences, and advance the School’s contribution to public health and healthcare development.
PROFILE: DR. PAUL AKUMU OGENGA
Dean-Elect, School of Education -Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Dr. Paul Akumu Ogenga is the Dean-elect, School of Education at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Dr. Ogenga holds a PhD in Economics and Management of Education and has served in university academia since July, 2007. He has attained nearly two decades of experience in teacher education, academic research, quality assurance and university administration to the leadership of the School. Dr. Ogenga is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Planning and Management, where he teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a specialization in the Economics of Education.
His research interests focus on teacher education, education financing, equity and educational efficiency, reflecting his commitment to strengthening education systems through research-informed policies and practices. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Ogenga has contributed to institutional leadership and quality management at MMUST. He is the outgoing Coordinator in the Directorate of Quality Assurance and previously served as the School of Education’s Examinations and Timetable Coordinator. He is also a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and has undertaken specialised training as an Integrity Assurance Officer, as well as training in ethics and integrity for education managers. Dr. Ogenga is a member of the Society of Educational Research and Evaluation in Kenya (SEREK), the Educational Management Society of Kenya (EMSK) and the National Quality Institute (NQI).
As Dean-Elect, Dr. Ogenga brings a wealth of academic, administrative and quality assurance experience to the School of Education. His leadership is expected to contribute to strengthening teacher education, enhancing academic quality, advancing research and innovation, and promoting excellence in teaching, learning and educational management at MMUST.
PROFILE: PROF. VITALIS KALOR OGEMAH
Dean-Elect, School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET) -Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Prof. Vitalis Kalor Ogemah has been re-elected unopposed for a second term as Dean of the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Prof. Ogemah is an Associate Professor of Agriculture with over 20 years of experience in agricultural research, teaching, extension services and development. He holds a PhD in Agriculture from Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, a Master of Science in Horticulture and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, both from the University of Nairobi.
His expertise spans crop production, postharvest management, sustainable agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, food systems, and food loss and waste management. He has extensive experience in research project development, grant management, consultancy, postgraduate supervision and translating scientific findings into practical solutions for farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders. Prof. Ogemah has published numerous scientific papers, technical reports and book chapters and collaborated with local and international organizations to advance agricultural research and development. His professional experience also includes leadership and management roles across the public sector, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
He is committed to promoting agricultural innovation, strengthening research and embracing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance knowledge generation and research communication. His re-election unopposed for a second term provides an opportunity to build on his leadership experience, strengthen academic and research excellence, promote sustainable agricultural technologies and advance SAVET’s contribution to food security and national development.
PROFILE: DR. MICAH MUKOLWE
Dean-Elect, School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) -Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Dr. Micah M. Mukolwe is a Senior Lecturer in the department of Civil and Structural Engineering, and the current Dean Elect for the School of Engineering and Built Environment, at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).
Prior to this appointment, he was the Senior Estates officer of the University. Previously, he held the position of Chairperson of the Civil and Structural Engineering Department, for a period of six years.
His experience in the department includes curriculum review, management of staff as well as student affairs at the department level, in addition to quality assurance of the academic process (from admission to graduation).
He has a wealth of experience in project development and management, with respect to feasibility studies, planning, structural design, and implementation of civil engineering infrastructure. He has been involved in the development, commissioning and maintenance of several infrastructures within the University.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Hydro-informatics (Delft University of Technology), and Master of Science in Water Science and Engineering (UNESCO-IHE Institution of Water Education), The Netherlands.
His research interests revolve around the themes of natural hazard modelling, data management, hydro-informatics, and civil engineering infrastructure.
