About the Director

 Jennifer Wanjiku Khamasi (PhD, UBC; M.Ed., UNB; B. Ed.; UoN), EBS

Professor in Education, Department of Technology Education, DeKUT

Professor Khamasi is a Co-Founder and Director of the Kenya Association of Educational Administration & Management (KAEAM).   

I have held numerous significant leadership and management roles throughout my extensive career in education, both within Kenyan universities and in broader national and international initiatives. My roles demonstrate a strong capacity for executive leadership, administration, strategic planning, and project management.  I hold a PhD from the University of British Columbia, Med in Vocational Education from the University of New Brunswick, Canada, and a BEd from the University of Nairobi.

Here is an outline of my key leadership and management roles:

Current Leadership Role (since July 2022): I am the CEO and Ag. Principal of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (Kenya-AIST). In this pioneering role, I am responsible for the day-to-day management of the Institute and I serve as the Secretariat to the Institute Council.

In the process of operationalizing the Institute, I have led and coordinated the development of key policies which include the Institute Charter and Statutes, HR Instruments, Finance Management and Procedures Policy, Anti-corruption Policy, Procurement and Asset Disposal Policy, Academic Integrity Policy, Gender Mainstreaming Policy, Disability Mainstreaming Policy, Risk Management Policy, Waste Management Policy, and Climate Change Mitigation Policy, Curriculum Development and Review, Academic Integrity Policy as well as the Kenya-AIST Strategic Plan 2025-2028 among others. 

Before joining Kenya-AIST, I held university administrative and leadership positions, key among them was the position of the Registrar Academic Affairs and Research at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (May 2014-July 2022). In this role, I managed academic affairs functions, which included coordinating Senate committees, student welfare (admissions, teaching and learning schedules), examination processing, graduation preparations and certification, curriculum development and accreditation of academic programs. I also managed several Senate secretariats.  Other leadership and administrative roles that I have held in the higher education sector include: pioneer Director of the Institute for Gender Equity, Research and Development at Moi University (2005-2011); Associate Dean of the School of Education at Moi University (August 2002-2005); and Head of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Moi University (February 2003-March 2009). 

I am a qualitative researcher with skills and competencies in participatory action research, ethnography and biographical research, which are critical in the management and implementation of the projects.

Over the years, I have participated in many research projects and published widely.  Three projects that have changed lives are: "Gender Equity Project under MU-K-VLIR-UOS-Programme" (2007-2012, funded by Flemish Interuniversity Council), "Building primary and secondary teaching capacities in the Daadab refugee camps" (2012-2017, a CIDA-funded consortium project); and "Living, Learning and Teaching in a Refugee Camp" project (2013-2018, in partnership with UBC & funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada).

In more than 20 years, and as part of my research, community outreach and mentorship initiatives, I have led and organized workshops and conferences for a variety of teams. i.e. Kenya Association of Educational Administration and Management (2007-2025), MU-K-VLIR-UOS Gender Equity Project Team at Moi University (2007-2011), research team at Daadab Refugee Camp (2014-2018), Home Economic Educators on the ongoing school curriculum reforms in Kenya (2017-2022). 

In the midst of all the above, I have enjoyed mentoring scholars and educators since 2007 through the Kenya Association of Educational Administration and Management (KAEAM).  KAEAM membership has grown over the years and currently stands at 500.  Our members are serving in key position in both public and private institutions.  

 SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:

In press: “Adjusting the shackles’: A Reflection on (De)colonising global health education”, A chapter in the Handbook of Racism, Ethnicity and Health. Authors: Martha J. Chinouya & JW Khamasi, EBS, Editors: Hannah Bradby

  • Refereed Chapters in Books & Journals
  •  Khamasi Jennifer Wanjiku. Mahugu, Mary W and. Mokaya Abigael, C. (2021). The Home Economics Education Spirit Awakens in Support of a Culture of learning, Edited Proceedings of the Canadian Symposium XVI: Issues and Directions in Home Economics / Family Studies / Human Ecology Education, Virtual Symposium, February 27-28, pg. 57-68.  Available https://www.ca-symposium.com/
  • Khamasi, J. W. ,  KareI. Rachel L. and Kiplagat, H. Kandie ( 2020).  Participatory Engagement and Outreach as a Safe Communication Space for School Students, Handbook on Promoting Social Justice in Education, 10.1007/978-3-319-74078-2_39-1, Ed. Rosemary Papa, Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
  • -Khamasi, J.W., Nicol C., Mayer K., & Nashon, S. (2019).  Living, Learning and Teaching in a Refugee Camp: Biographies of Perseverance.  A book chapter in 'Higher Education Challenges for Migrants and Refugee Students in a Global World', Editors: Khalid Arar, Kussai Haj-Yehia, David B. Boss & Yassar Kondakkci. Published in Peter Lang Publishing. Equity in Higher Education Theory, Policy, and Praxis book series edited by: Dr. Virginia Stead.
  • Anino Calvince; Were Gertrude Mercy; Khamasi J. Wanjiku (2018).  Positive Deviant Intervention Prevents Acute Malnutrition in Younger Siblings of Undernourished Children in Migori County, Kenya. Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics 2(1): 21-27
  • Kiplagat K. Hoseah, Khamasi, J. W., Joan Jelimo, & Mokaya Abigael C. (2017). Student's Perspective on cleanliness of University Facilities on Academic Achievement: A Case of a Public University in Kenya. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology Vol. 3. 3, p.93 - 99.  
  • Kiplagat K. Hoseah, Khamasi, J. W., Karei Rachel (2016). Students; Experiences of Industrial Attachment: A Case of a Public University in Kenya. E-Journal of African Studies in Educational Management and Leadership, Vol.7. 1, pp82-97.
  • Khamasi, J. W. (2015).  Transcending Female Circumcision: A Call for Collective Unmasking.  A book chapter in “Interrogating Harmful Cultural Practices:  Gender, Culture and Coercion”, Edited by Chia Longman & Tamsin Bradley
  • Ahlberg, B. M. Maina, F, Kubai, A., Khamasi, W., & Persson, C. L. (2015). ‘‘A child, a tree’’: Challenges in building collaborative relations in a community research project in a Kenyan context, Action Research, (0) 1–19
  • Anino, O. C, Were, G. M. & Khamasi, J. W. (2015). Impact Evaluation of Positive Deviance Hearth in Migori County, Kenya.  African Journal of Food, agriculture, Nutrition and Development, vol. 15 (5)
  • Kiplagat K. Hoseah & Khamasi, J. W. (2015). Lecture non-attendance by University Students: triggers and solutions. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology vol. 2:3, p.103
  • Kiplagat K. Hoseah, Khamasi, J. W., Karei Rachel (2013). Navigating the Maze: Finding Placement for Industrial Attachment. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology vol. 1:3, p.106
  • Wairumu Muita & Khamasi, J. W. (2013b). Maternal Sexuality Socialization of Kenyan Daughters. A chapter in Khamasi J. W, Chia Longman. & VanHaegendoren M. (Eds) (2013b). Gender, Sexuality & the Media. A Question of  Accountability, Moi University Press, ISBN 9966-854-90-8
  • Rachel L. Karei, J. Wanjiku Khamasi & Jackson. K. Too (2013b).  Questions on Sexuality from Children: A Case for Sex Education in Kenyan Schools.  A chapter in Khamasi J. W, Chia Longman. & VanHaegendoren M. (Eds) (2013b). Gender, Sexuality & the Media. A Question of  Accountability, Moi University Press, ISBN 9966-854-90-8
  • Khadiala, K. & Khamasi, J. W. (2011a). Where two or three communities are gathered entrepreneurship thrives.  Female Prostitution in Eldoret Town, Kenya. A chapter in edited book entitled Engaging Patriarchy: Challenges and Responsibilities for Educators and Policy Makers in Kenya. Moi University Press, p. 129-143.
  • Mettoh, H., Too, J. K., & Khamasi, J. W. (2011b). Sexual behaviour and HIV/AIDS infection: A case study of Mosoriot Teachers Training College. A chapter in edited book entitled Engaging Patriarchy: Challenges and Responsibilities for Educators and Policy Makers in Kenya. Moi University Press, p. 41-51.
  • Khamasi, J. W., Njeri M., Khadiala & Abwire M. (2011c).  Bride Price Post-humously: Which gender is in control? A chapter in edited book entitled Perspectives on Selected Critical Gender Issues in Kenya and Beyond.  Moi University Press, p. 19 - 25.
  • Khamasi J. W. & Kibui. E. (2010).  Reflections on male circumcision among the Gĩkũyũ of Kenya.  A chapter in edited book entitled “Old Wineskins, New Wine: Readings in Sexuality in sub-saharan Africa, pp. 81-91. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
  • Khamasi J. W. & Chi-Chi Undie (2008). Teaching Human Sexuality In Higher Education: A Case From Western Kenya.  A book chapter in Gender, Sexuality and Development: education and society in sub-Saharan Africa edited by Mairead Dunne.  Sense Publishers UK
  • Khamasi, J.W. & Wairimu Muita (2010).  Media Coverage of Sexual Violence and its Implications on Educational Leadership. Journal of African Studies in Educational Management and Leadership, Vol. 1, Issue 1, p. 119-127 (ISSN 2079-7133-PRINT VERSION)/ONLINE VERSION-2078-7650.
  • Nganga, S. I., Kitainge, K. M., Khamasi, W. J., & Gathuthi, E. W. (2010).  Financing higher Education and Quality of Education in Tertiary Institutions in Kenya. Journal of the KIM School of Management, Vol. 1, p.  33-41 (ISSN 20744730)
  • Waititu L. & Khamasi J.W. (2010).  Situation Analysis of Guidance and Counselling in Secondary Schools in Kenya: Can Municipality Schools Cope?  Journal of African Studies in Educational Management and Leadership, Vol. 1 p. 42-50; ISSN 2079-7133-PRINT VERSION/ONLINE VERSION-2078-7650.
  • Khamasi J. W. (2009). Post-female circumcision: A call for collective unmasking published in the East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights, Vol. 15, No. 1.
  • Khamasi J.W. (2005).  Journal writing as a tool of qualitative assessment in a Kenya higher education context.  Journal of Authentic Learning (electronic journal) http://www.oswego/edu/jal/vol1/khamasi/pdf/
  • Wambua, C. & Khamasi, J. W. (2004).  Reproductive health knowledge, attitude and contraceptive use among secondary school students. Published in Proceedings of the International Conference of the Kenya Chapter of Third World Studies, held at Kenyatta University, 17-19th September 2003.
  • Khamasi, J.W. (2004).  Teaching journaling: reflections on the challenges.  In Enhanced Learning Cultures. Australian Academic Press Pty.  ISBN: 1-8753-7851-0. 
  • Khamasi, J.W. (2001).  Nurturing pedagogical practices.  A chapter in Action Research and Teacher Education Year Book for the American Association of Family and Consumer Science 2001

 Editor (books)

  • Khamasi J. W, Chia Longman. & VanHaegendoren M. (Eds) (2013a). Gender Practices and Challenges: A Call for Accountability, Moi University Press, ISBN 9966-854-89-4
  • Khamasi J. W, Chia Longman. & VanHaegendoren M. (Eds) (2013b). Gender, Sexuality & the Media. A Question of  Accountability, Moi University Press, ISBN 9966-854-90-8
  • Khamasi J. W., Maina F. & VanHaegendoren M. (Eds) (2011a). Engaging Patriarchy: Challenges and Responsibilities for Educators and Policy Makers in Kenya. Moi University Press.
  • Khamasi J. W., Rutere A. M. & VanHaegendoren M. (Eds )(2011b). Perspectives on Selected Critical Gender Issues in Kenya and Beyond.  Moi University Press.
  • Chimaraoke, O.Izugbara, Chi-Chi Undie, and Jennifer Wanjiku Khamasi (Eds)(2010).  Old Wineskins, New Wine: Readings in Sexuality in sub-Saharan Africa. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

  • Khamasi J. W. & Maina S. N. Chinkuyu (Editors). (2005). Sexuality: AN African perspective. The politics of self and cultural beliefs. Moi University Press, Moi University, Eldoret Kenya.  ISBN 9966-854-40-1