Profile - DR HUMPHREYS WERE OBULINJI

DR HUMPHREYS WERE OBULINJI

OffLine

Staff Information

PERSONAL DETAILS

Designation: LECTURER
Corporate Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Personal Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Job Category: Teaching
Phone Number: +254721664266
Division / Faculty: Faculty of Environment and Resources Development
Directorate / Dept: DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
Section: NJORO
Office Extension No.: 3163
Address: BOX 536 NJORO

SUMMARY

Name: Obulinji, Humphreys Were, Ph.D

Sex: Male

Contact Addresses: Egerton University

Faculty of Environment and Resources Development,

Department of Geography,

P. O. Box 536, 20115 Egerton, Kenya

Mobile: +254 – 0721664266, 0733878416

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Date of Birth: 23^rd August, 1967

Nationality: Kenyan

Marital Status: Married

National Identity Number: Confidential

Profession: University Teacher/Lecturer/Researcher (for the last 30years) and currently the Chairperson, Geography Department, Egerton University.

Career Objective: To effectively teach, research and publish in geography.

Research Interests: Research on issues related to Economic Geography//Rural/Regional Development and promote utilization of research findings in empowerment of communities and improvement of peoples’ livelihoods.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

2019: Postdoc Fellowship –Training on Development of Policy Briefs –By AgriFose2030/International Livestock Research Institute.

2016: Ph.D - Egerton University, Kenya

1996: MSc. Geography - Egerton University, Kenya

1992: B.A (Economics and Geography) - Egerton University, Kenya

FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION

: Economic Geography / Rural / regional Development

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

2019: Postdoc Fellowship –Training on Development of Policy Briefs –By AgriFose2030/International Livestock Research Institute.
2010-2016: PhD in Geography, Egerton University. Thesis Title: The Impact of Microfinance Credit on Microenterprises’ Performance and Entrepreneurs’ Livelihoods: A Study of Businesses Managed by Members of Self-Help Groups in Kakamega County, Kenya.

1993-1996: M.A. Geography - Economic Geography/Rural/Regional Development, Egerton University. Thesis Title: The Impact of Sugar Cane Growing versus Maize and Beans Cultivation on Employment and Income Generation at the Farm Household level: A Case Study of Lunza and Eshirombe Sub-locations of Kakamega District, Kenya. Unpublished M.A. Thesis, Egerton University.

1989-1991: B.A (Hons-Upper Second Class) - Geography and Economics, Egerton University.

Secondary Education

1986-1987: “A” Levels – Friends School Kamusinga – 2 Principles 2 Subsidiaries (12 Points).

· 1982-1985: “O” Levels - Musingu High School – Division II (27 Points).

WORK EXPERIENCE

24/01/2023 - Appointed Geography Department Egerton University Academic Advisor for Year One students (Cohort 2022), Academic Year 2022/23.
22/8/2022 – Reappointed for a second-term as Acting Chairperson, Geography Department, Egerton University for a period of 3 years.
10/5/2022 – Appointed by Egerton University Vice-Chancellor as a member of Contract (Tender no. EU/RFQ/036/2021-2022 – Tender name: Provision of small works – Desludging of facultative pond and placement of 1,784 slabs) Implementation Team to oversee the implementation of the said tender.
28/3/2022 – Appointed by DVC (AA) as the Risk Champion for the Department of Geography.
March, 2020 – to date: Appointed Chairperson of Geography Departmental Postgraduate Committee, Egerton University.
September, 2019 – March, 2020 – Appointed to a 5 member committee to undertake Self-assessment of MA/MSc Geography Programme offered in Geography Department, Egerton University.
20/8/2019 – Appointed Acting Chairperson, Geography Department, Egerton University for a period of 3 years
2019-2020: Appointed Fourth Year students Career/Academic Adviser, Department of Geography, Egerton University.
2018-2019: Appointed Third Year Students Career/Academic Adviser, Department of Geography, Egerton University.
27/3/2018 – 9/6/2018: Acted as Chairperson, Geography Department, among other similar but shorter time period assignments earlier.
2017 – 16/3/2020: Appointed as Coordinator Field Attachment and Academic Field Visits, Geography Department.
2017-14/4/2021: Agricultural Show of Kenya (ASK), Faculty of Environment and Resources Development, Egerton University, Representative.
2017 – 14/4/21: A Member of Research Committee, Faculty of Environment and Resources Development.
2017 – to date: Appointed a member of Examination Moderation Committee, Geography Department.
2017-to date: Secretary, Staff Welfare (Geswel), Department of Geography, Egerton University.
2016: Team Member of the Self-Assessment Report of BSc Geography Programme - (CUE Requirement).
2014 – 2018: Appointed Departmental Coordinator Geog 425 (Dissertation) Course for Fourth Years Undergraduate Students.
2014 – 20/8/2019: Appointed as Secretary/member of Postgraduate Committee, Department of Geography, Egerton University.
2014-2017: Appointed School-Based Programme Coordinator, Department of Geography, Egerton University.
6^Th- 8^Th May, 2008: Egerton University Distance Learning Material Reviewer, CMRT Egerton University.
2007-2008: Bookshop and Library Representative, Department of Geography, Egerton University.
2001-2006: Timetabling Officer, Department of Geography, Egerton University.
2001-2004: Examination Officer, Department of Geography, Egerton University.
1996-1998: Bookshop and Library Representative, Department of Geography, Egerton University.
1996-1998: First Year Career/Academic Adviser, Department of Geography, Egerton University.

KEY PROJECTS

Obulinji, H. W. (2021). Managing Urban Poverty in African Cities: Empirical review of literature on nature, causes, methodological procedures and management of urban poverty
Obulinji, H. W. (2016). ‘The Impact of Microfinance Credit on Microenterprises’ Performance and Entrepreneurs’ Livelihoods: A Study of Businesses Managed by Members of Self-Help Groups in Kakamega County, Kenya’.
Obulinji, H.W. (2010). ‘An Assessment of the Impact of Credit from Microfinance Institutions on Small Business Enterprises among Members of Self-help Groups in Nakuru Town, Kenya’.
Obulinji, H.W. (2000). ‘An Overview of the Food Insecurity Problem in Kenya: Causes and Solutions’. A Research paper presented at a seminar organized by Action Aid Kenya at Pan Afric Hotel, Nairobi.
Obulinji, H. W. (1997). Nairobi University, IDS Research Grant on, ‘The Interface between farm and non-farm activities among Mumias Sugar Cane Growers’.
Obulinji, H.W. (1996). ‘The Impact of Sugar Cane Growing versus Maize and Beans Cultivation on Employment and Income Generation at the Farm Household level: A Case Study of Lunza and Eshirombe Sub-locations of Kakamega District, Kenya’.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Economic Geography/Issues in (regional) development

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

i) Journal Papers

Obulinji, H. W. (2023). The Nature and Solutions to Food Insecurity in Rural Africa: A Review of Empirical Literature [Manuscript in Preparation]. Department of Geography, Egerton University, Kenya.

Obulinji, H. W. (2023). The Emerging Land use Dynamics in Peri-Urban Areas of Cities in Africa and Its Effects on Livelihoods [Manuscript in Preparation]. Department of Geography, Egerton University, Kenya.

Obulinji, H. W. (2023). Factors Influencing Diversification of Livelihood Activities at Household Level and its Impact on Incomes among Small-Scale Farmers in Developing Countries: A Review of Theoretical and Empirical Literature [Manuscript in Preparation]. Department of Geography, Egerton University, Kenya.

Obulinji, H. W. (2023). Implication of Microenterprises’ and Entrepreneurs’ Characteristics on Microfinance Credit Demand in Kakamega County, Kenya [Manuscript in Preparation]. Department of Geography, Egerton University, Kenya.

Obulinji, H. W. (2023). Microfinance Credit-Assisted Microenterprises: Entrepreneurs’ and Businesses’ Characteristics and their Implication on the Development needs of the Microenterprise-Sector in Kakamega County, Kenya [Unpublished Manuscript by the International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)]. Department of Geography, Egerton University, Kenya.

Areri, M. V, Obulinji, H. W and Recha, C. W. (2022). ‘Influence of Smallholder Farmers’ Socio-economic Characteristics on and Perceived Benefits of Organic Agriculture Farming’. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. 11(12): 46-57. ISSN 2278 – 0211 (online).
Vivian M. Areri, et. al. “Smallholder Farmers’ Practice and Perception of Organic Farming in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya.” IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), 15(12), 2022, pp. 33-43.
Yatich, F, Karanja, A and Obulinji, H. (2022). ‘Effects of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices on Household Livelihoods in Soy Sub-county Kenya’. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International. 26(10): 49-55. Article no. JGEESI.93024 ISSN: 2454-7352. DOI: 10.9734/JGEESI/2022/v26i10639
Obulinji, H.W, Wegulo, F.N and Otieno, J. (2015). ‘The Impact of Microfinance Credit on Micro Enterprises’ and Entrepreneurs’ Household Incomes and Livelihoods in Butere, Mumias, Matungu and Khwisero Sub-Counties, Kenya’. Journal of Developing Country Studies. 5 (19): 18-30.
Obulinji, H.W, Wegulo, F.N and Otieno, J. (2015). ‘Utilization and Impact of Microfinance Credit on Performance of Microenterprises among Entrepreneurs who are Members of Self-Help Groups in Butere, Mumias, Matungu and Khwisero Sub-Counties, Kenya’. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development. 6 (20): 1-16
ii) Books

Obulinji, H. W. (2022). The Impact of Microfinance Credit on Microenterprises’ Performance and Entrepreneurs’ Livelihoods: A Study of Businesses Managed by Members of Self-Help Groups in Kakamega County, Kenya (ISBN–13: 978–613–8–95552-8) [Doctoral Thesis, Geography Department, Egerton University – Kenya. Scholar’s Press (2022-10-26).
Wegulo, F.N and Obulinji, H.W. (2009). Economic Development: A Manual/Module for a Degree Course in Military Science. Njoro: Egerton University.
Wegulo, F.N and Obulinji, H.W. (2008). Political Geography: A Manual/Module for a Degree Course in Military Science. Njoro: Egerton University.

iii) Book Chapters

Obulinji, H. W. (2022). Managing Poverty. In Khayesi, M and wegulo, F. N (Eds), Urban Planning in Africa. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Wegulo, F.N and Obulinji, H.W. (2001). The Interface between farm and non-farm activities among Mumias Sugar Cane Growers. In Alila, P. O and P. Ove Pedersen (Eds), Negotiating Social Space: East African Micro Enterprises. Eritrea: African World Space.

iv) Policy Briefs

Obulinji, H. W. (2019). Credit-Assisted Microenterprises: What this means to Households’ Incomes and Livelihoods in Kakamega County [Policy Brief]. AgriFoSe 2030/ILRI.

https://www.slu.se/en/collaboration/international/slu-global/agrifose/outputs/

CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS

24^Th-26^Th November, 2020: Microfinance Credit-Assisted Microenterprises: Entrepreneurs’ and Businesses’ Characteristics and their Implication on the Development needs of the Microenterprise-Sector in Kakamega County, Kenya. A Research Paper Presented at the 13^th Egerton University International Conference - whose Theme was: “Innovation, Research and Transformation for Sustainable Development”.
25^Th September, 2019: Attended Training on Self-Assessment of University Academic Programmes as part of Quality Assurance Requirements, at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Boardroom.
10^Th – 11^Th September, 2019: Underwent Training on International Standards Organization (ISO) Quality Managements Systems (QMS) Requirements – 9001-2015 at CMRT, Egerton University.
6^Th May, 2019: Training on Using Research Findings to Inform Policy and Practice: Training Workshop for Researchers held at FEDCOS, Dean’s Boardroom, Egerton University.
11^Th – 12^Th March, 2019: Training Workshop by ILRI/AgriFose2030 Programme on how to use Research Findings to Inform Policy and Practices at Pride Inn (Raphta) Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.

27^Th – 28^Th November, 2018: Training Workshop by ILRI/AgriFose2030 on Research to Inform Agricultural and Food Security Policy and Practices in Kenya, Emory Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
5^Th June, 2018: Attended a Workshop on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at ICT Seminar Room, Egerton University.

25^Th-27^Th March, 2015: Micro Entrepreneurs in Self-Help Groups in Butere-Mumias Area: Their Socio-Economic and Business Characteristics and their Influence on Microfinance Credit Utilization. A Research Paper Presented at the 9^Th Egerton University International Conference - whose Theme was: “Innovative Research and Technology for Global Development”.
29^Th March, 2012: Attended a workshop on Sensitization Training on Corruption Prevention at ARC, Egerton University, covering the following topics:

Role of Integrity Promotion Office at Egerton University.
Corruption: Ills versus Benefits of Prevention.
Organization Culture and Ethical Behaviour.

4^Th-8^Th April, 2011: Attended a Workshop on E-Learning Capacity Building Course on Developing and Publishing of Digital Teaching and Learning Materials, held at CMRT-Botanic Hall, covering the following:

Development of Teaching and Learning Materials in Digital Format.
Using Audio, Video and Animations to Create Teaching and Learning Materials.
Publishing the Developed Content in the Moodle Learning Management System and eXe as both online and offline Teaching and Learning Materials.

22^Th-24^Th September, 2010: An Assessment of the Impact of Credit from Microfinance Institutions on Small Business Enterprises among Members of Self-help Groups in Nakuru Town, Kenya. A Research Paper Presented at the 5^Th Egerton University Annual Research Week and International Conference – whose Theme was: “Towards the Realization of Sustainable Growth and Development”.
23^Rd-24^Th February, 2010: Participated in a Workshop on Environmental Education and Awareness Initiative Outreach Programme on the Theme: ‘Promoting Partnerships for Clean, Secure and Sustainable Environment to Improve Livelihood for all Generations.
23^Rd June, 2008: Attended a Workshop on International Standards Organization (ISO) at CMRT, Egerton University.
6^Th to 8^Th May, 2008: Attended a Workshop on Distance Learning Material Reviewing Held at CMRT, Egerton University.
7^ThNovember, 2007: Attended a Workshop on Proposal Writing Organized by Egerton University Held at FASS Theatre Hall (Main Campus).
20^Th – 22^Nd March, 2006: Attended a Workshop on Pedagogy Course Organized by the Faculty of Education and Human Resources, Egerton University, held at FASS Theatre Hall (Main Campus).
23^Rd January, 2002: Attended an Induction Course for Civic Education Providers for Constitution of Kenya Review Commission held at Midland Hotel, Nakuru.
25^Th-27^Th July, 2001: Attended a Workshop on Teaching Methodology Organized by the Faculty of Education and Human Resources, Egerton University, held at FASS Theatre Hall (main campus).
23^Rd-24^Th July, 2001: A Workshop on Academic Advising Organized by the Faculty of Education and Human Resources, Egerton University, Held at FASS Theatre Hall (main campus).
14^Th March, 2000: An Overview of the Food Insecurity Problem in Kenya: Causes and Solutions. A paper presented at a seminar organized by Action Aid Kenya at Pan Afric Hotel, Nairobi.
6^Th August, 1997: ‘Interface between Farm and Non-Farm Activities among the Mumias Sugar Cane Growers’ – A research paper present at a workshop organized at Machakos Garden Hotel by Institute for Development Studies, Nairobi University.
10^Th November, 1994: The Impact of Sugar Cane Growing versus Maize and Beans Cultivation on Employment and Income Generation at the Farm Household level: A Case Study of Lunza and Eshirombe Sub-Locations of Kakamega District, Kenya - A presentation of preliminary findings of my M.A research work at a seminar organized by the Department of Geography at ARC Hotel, Egerton University.

HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS

2013: An Awardee of Egerton University PhD semi-Scholarship.
2012: A Certificate Awardee of Egerton University Sensitization Training on Corruption Prevention.
2011: A Certificate Awardee of Futuristic on E-Learning Capacity Building course on Developing and Publishing of Digital Teaching and Learning Materials.
2010: A Certificate Awardee of FERD, Egerton University in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources in participating in a Workshop on Environmental Education and Awareness Initiative Outreach Programme on the Theme: ‘Promoting Partnerships for Clean, Secure and Sustainable Environment to Improve Livelihood for all Generations.
2006: A Certificate Awardee of Egerton University Pedagogy Course Organized by the Faculty of Education and Human Resources.
2006/2007: An Awardee of Egerton University Internal Research Funds 2007/2008 – to conduct research on Micro Enterprises in Nakuru Town.
2001: A Certificate Awardee of Egerton University Teaching Methodology Course Organized by the Faculty of Education and Human Resources.
2001: A Certificate Awardee of Egerton University Course on Academic Advising Organized by the Faculty of Education and Human Resources.
2000: A Certificate Awardee of Action Aid Kenya, 3^rd Prize Winner of Essay Competition on Food Insecurity in Kenya.
1995: An Awardee of the Institute for Development Studies, Nairobi University Research Grant.
1993: An Awardee of Egerton University M.A. Scholarship.

TEACHING AREAS

Regional Geography
Practical Geography
Statistics
Urban Planning
Economic Geography
Regional Development
Political Geography, among others.

POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION

MASTERS LEVEL :

1. Jackline Kitur Cherotich – Reg. No. NM14/11011/20

Level: MSc Geography – Proposal development for defense at the faculty.

Topic of study: Spatio-Temporal Mapping of Land Use Land Cover Changes and its Effect on Incomes of Land Owners in Peri-Urban Areas of Nakuru City, Kenya.

2. Kelvin Kipkorir Kishara – Reg. No. NM13/09050/20

Level: MA Geography - Proposal development for defense at the faculty.

Topic of Study: Assessment of Determinants Influencing Adoption of Renewable Energy among HouseholdsiIn Konoin Sub-County, Kenya.

3. Joseph mung’atia Inoti – Reg. No. NSM16/11683/16

Level: MA Urban Management – Research Proposal writing awaiting presentation at the department.

Topic of study: Assessment of Factors Affecting Supply of Adequate Low Cost Housing in Nakuru City, Kenya

4. Catherine Amondi Ndege – Reg. No. NSM14/00840/16

Level: MA Geography – Research proposal development for defense at the faculty.

Topic of study: An Assessment of Factors that Determine Therapeutic Use of Herbal Medicine in Kisumu Central Sub-County, Kenya.

5. Geoffry Mukonambi Maina - Reg. No. NSM14/14107/15

Level: MSc Geography - Presented research proposal at the department and faculty, awaiting to submit to Graduate School and proceed to the field to collect data.

Topic of study: Spatio-Temporal Mapping of Land Use Cover Changes and Their

Impacts on Water Levels in Lake Baringo, Kenya.

6. Paul Ngugi Gichuki – Reg. No. NM14/12174/17

Level: MSc Geography – Submitted thesis to Graduate School for examination, awaiting defense.

Topic of study: An Assessment of Perceived Effects of Rainfall Variability on Pastoral Households’ Livelihoods and Coping Strategies in Kajiado Central Sub-County, Kenya.

7. Vivian M. Areri – Reg. No. NM13/03574/13

Level: MA Geography- Defended thesis, awaiting graduation.

Topic of study: Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions on Adoption of Organic Farming Practices in Kisii Central Sub - County, Kisii County, Kenya.

8. Frankline Kiprotich Yatich – Reg. No. NM14/12115/17

Level: MA Geography - Defeneded thesis, awaiting graduation.

Topic of study: Assessment of Climate-Smart Agriculture and their Effects on Farmers' Livelihoods in Soy Sub-County, Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

THESES EXAMINED

1. Frankline Kiprotich Yatich, MSc Geography – Reg. No. NM14/12115/17: Climate-Smart Agriculture and their Effects on Farmers' Livelihoods in Soy Sub-County, Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya (Department of Geography, Egerton University).

2. Vivian M. Areri, MSc Geography – Reg. No. NM13/03574/13: Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions on Adoption of Organic Farming Practices in Kisii Central Sub - County, Kisii County, Kenya (Department of Geography, Egerton University.

PhD. LEVEL :

1. Auma Janet Atieno – Reg. No. ND13/30008/16

Level: PhD Geography - In the field collecting data..

Topic of Study: Assessing the Level of Stakeholders’ Awareness and Perceptions Towards Sustainable Management of Nyando Wetland, Kenya.

2. Meshack Opole Ombogo – Reg. No. ND13/15551/19

Level: PhD Geography – Research proposal development for defense at the faculty.

Topic of study: A Projection of the Effect of Climate Change on Wheat Vegetative Health and Grain Yield in Narok County, Kenya.

3. Jackob Ondiko Jack Haywood – Reg. No. ND13/15540/19

Level: PhD Geography – In the field collecting data.

Topic of study: Assessment of Effects of Drought on Cereal Yields and Outcomes of Adaptation Strategies among Smallholder Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya.

OTHER SOCIETIES

Organization of Social Sciences Research in Eastern Africa (OSSREA) -2004.
Council for the Development of Social Sciences Research in Africa (CODESRIA) -2004.
Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA) – 2016.
Kenya Meteorological Society – 2017.
EBAFOSA (Ecosystem Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly -2017).
Euro Science (Associate Member) – 2017.
ICDE (International Council for Open and Distance Education – 2021)

DR HUMPHREYS WERE OBULINJI

Egerton University NewsLink Magazine & Journals

Egerton Portal

Egerton Portal

QuickLinks

Visitors