Listed here are the current faculty for the
Maryknoll Institute of African Studies 2007 Programs. Click any of the
discipline categories to jump to the corresponding list of faculty:
SOCIAL SCIENTISTS
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Professor
Paul P. W. Achola, Ph.D. Social Foundations of Education
Teaches:
1.
African Marriage and Family: Challenge and Change
2.
African Cultures: An Overview
3.
Sociology of Development/Underdevelopment in African Religion
Curriculum Vitae:
Prof.
Paul Achola is a Research Professor based at Kenyatta University. He has
a Ph.D. in Social Foundations of Education from the University of Iowa,
an MA in Political Science from the University of Iowa, an MA in
Political Sociology from the University of Nairobi, and a B.A. from
University of Nairobi. He was the former chairman of the Department of
Sociology at Kenyatta University.
Professor
Daniel M. Kiminyo, Ph.D. Psychology
Teaches:
Spirituality and Psychotherapy in African Context.
Curriculum Vitae:
Prof.
Kiminyo graduated with a PhD from the University of Alberta, Canada
(1973). He was awarded a B.A and an M.A. from the State University of
California, Northridge. He trained as a teacher at Kagumo Teachers’
Training College. He has been a director of undergraduate studies and
former chairman of department of educational psychology at Kenyatta
University. He is currently a Professor of Cross-Cultural Developmental
Psychology at Kenyatta University and teaches ‘Spirituality,
Personhood and Psychotherapy in African Context’ at MIAS. Among his
publications are: Spiritual Personhood Development and
Psychotherapy in African Societies; Child Development, Educational Research and
Publications, 1994 and Educational Psychology, Educational
Research Publication, 1988.
Professor Edward Oyugi, Ph.D. Psychology
Teaches:
1.
Contemporary Political and economic Changes in Kenya
2.
African Cultures: An Overview
3.
Sociology of Development/Underdevelopment in African Religion
Curriculum Vitae:
Professor Edward A. Oyugi holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in the area of Psychology,
Education Psychology, Pedagogics and Social Psychology from University of
Cologne (German) (1963-71). He was a visiting professor at Bayreuth University
(Germany) in African Studies (1985-87). He is currently an associate professor
at Kenyatta University.
Professor Douglas
Waruta, Ed.D. Philosophy of Christian
Education
Teaches:
1.
African Traditional Religion Interprets the Bible
2.
African Christian Theology: Historical and Systematic Development
Curriculum Vitae:
Douglas Wanjohi Waruta is an Associate Professor in the Department of
Philosophy and Religious
Studies, University of Nairobi. After gaining his B.A. in Philosophy and
Religious studies from Hardin-Simmons University Abilene-Texas, he returned
to Kenya and joined the University of Nairobi for an M.A. program in
Biblical studies (1976). He received his Ed.D. in Philosophy of Christian
Education from Southwestern Seminary, Fort Worth-Texas (1980). He is
currently the chairman, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies,
University of Nairobi.
Professor
Mary Getui, Ph.D. Religious
Education
Teaches:
1.
African Cultures: An Overview
2.
African Marriage and Family: Challenge and Change
3.
Gospel and Culture: The African Experience
Curriculum Vitae:
Prof. Mary N. Getui is the Dean of the School of Humanities and
Social sciences, Kenyatta University.
She has been the Coordinator of the Ecumenical Association
of Third World Theologians (EATWOT) Africa Region. She is also the
treasurer of the Association of Theological Institutions in Eastern Africa
(ATIEA). She is actively involved in the activities of the Circle of
Concerned African Women Theologians. She has published widely in the area
of African culture, gender issues, religion and society.
Professor
Geoffrey Kitula King’ei, Ph.D. Linguistics
Teaches:
African Culture: An Overview
Curriculum Vitae:
Prof.
Kitula King’ei was the Chairman of Kiswahili and Other African Languages
Department and former Dean of Graduate School, Kenyatta University. He has a B.Ed. and MA from the
University of Nairobi and a Ph.D. from Howard University, Washington DC.
He wrote ‘A Comparative Study of Kiswahili and Kikamba Proverbs’ for
his MA thesis and ‘Language, Culture and Communication: The Role of
the Contemporary Swahili Taarab Songs in Kenya’ for his dissertation
(1963-1990). He has published numerous books and articles in Kiswahili
and English.
Dr Joan Burke, Ph.D. Anthropology
Teaches: Towards the Inculturation of
Religious Community Life in Africa
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Joan Burke has a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from Oxford
University. She is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, is
an American by birth and has been resident in Africa since 1971. Her
doctoral thesis was on the evolving African expression of religious life based on eight years of experience and field research in Lower Zaire
(1980-1988). She has had a long-time interest in the dynamics of inculturation in Africa. She is presently working in
an NGO position at the United Nations in New York and in 2001published a book titled:
Towards the Inculturation of Religious
Life in Africa, Paulines Publications, Nairobi.
Dr Hassan Mwakimako, Ph.D. Islamic Studies
Teaches: Introduction to Islam in East Africa
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Hassan Mwakimako did his B.A. and M.A. studies at the University of
Nairobi. He was appointed lecturer in Islamics upon his completion of the
M.A. degree. He received his Ph.D. in Islamic studies in May 2003
from the University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa. He is one of the
beneficiaries of a cooperation program between University of Nairobi and
the University of Cape Town. He has been a visiting lecturer at Hekima
College and Moi University.
Dr. Michael
Katola, Ph.D. Religious Studies
Teaches:
1.
African Traditional Religion: Major Beliefs, Practices and Contemporary
Forms
2.
Moral Teachings and Practices of African Traditional Religion
3.
African Culture: An Overview
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Michael Katola is a Lecturer and a former chairman in the Department of Religious
Studies, Kenyatta University. He got a B. Ed. (Arts) from the University of
Nairobi, MA and Ph.D. both from Kenyatta University. Apart from wide
experience in teaching, he has also done research and published on the
Akamba Ethnic group and contemporary issues.
Dr. Cyprian Kavivya, Ph.D. Religious
Studies
Teaches: Advanced Field Research Principles and Practice
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Cyprian Kavivya, Executive Assistant to the Director holds a B.A. and
M.A. from the University of Nairobi. He is currently a lecturer at
Kenyatta University and received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies in October
2003. Dr. Kavivya has worked in the program
since 1993.
Dr. Zacharia Wanakacha Samita, Ph.D. Religious
Studies
Teaches: Foundational Field Research Principles and Practice
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Zacharia Wanakacha Samita, Personal Assistant to the Director holds a
B.Ed from the University of Nairobi and an M.A and Ph.D. in Religious
Studies from Kenyatta
University. The latter was awarded in December 2004. He has extensive teaching, research and publishing experience.
He has contributed academically in various journals and presented research
papers in various national and international forums. He is currently a lecturer at Kenyatta University. Dr. Samita
has worked in the program since 1993.
Dr. Emmy Mwenesi Gichinga, Ph.D. Counseling Psychology
Teaches: Spirituality, Personhood and Psychotherapy in an African Context
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Emmy Mwenesi Gichinga is an Assistant Professor and the head of
Department of Counseling Studies at Nairobi International School of
Theology, Kenya . She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University
of Nairobi, Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College
Graduate School, USA, a Master of African Studies degree from Maryknoll
Institute of African Studies of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
USA, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from American World
University. She has lectured at various educational institutions in Kenya
and runs her own clinic for counseling services.
THEOLOGIANS
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Professor Mercy
Oduyoye, Ph.D. (honorary) Theology
Teaches:
1. African Feminist/Womanist Theology: A Source of African
Christian
Theology
2. Gospel and Culture: The African Experience
Curriculum Vitae:
She is a native of Ghana who has lectured worldwide, including Princeton
Theological Seminary. She has served as deputy General secretary of the
World Council of Churches, Geneva. Now the Director of the Institute of
African Women in Religion and Culture at Trinity Theological Seminary,
Legon - Ghana. She was the President of the Ecumenical Association of Third
World Theologians through 2001. Her books include: Hearing and
Knowing; The Will To Arise; Women, Culture & Theological Education
edited by West African Association of Theological Institutions; and her
work in progress is a book on African Women's Theology. She holds a B.A.
and M.A. in theology from Cambridge University.
Dr. Laurenti Magesa, Ph.D. Moral Theology
Teaches:
1.
Moral Teachings and Practices of African Traditional Religion
2.
African Traditional Religion: Major Beliefs, Practices and Contemporary
Forms
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Laurenti Magesa: Ph.D. (University of Ottawa, Canada) D.Th. (St. Paul
University, Canada). Former lecturer and Head of Department of Religious
Studies at CHIEA. In 1991, he was a Scholar-in-Residence and lecturer at Maryknoll
School of Theology, New York. He is the author of The Church and Liberation in
Africa; African Religion: The Moral Traditions of
Abundant Life; and Anatomy of Inculturation: Transforming the
Church in Africa, Co-author of Christian Marriage in Africa,
Co-Editor of Jesus in African Christianity and has written
numerous articles.
Dr. Peter Mpagi, Ph.D. Liturgical Theology
Teaches: African Christian Theology: Historical and Systematic Development
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Mpagi is the Head of Department of Religious Studies at Kyambogo
University, Uganda. Prior to this he was the chairman of
the department of Religious Studies, University of Nairobi, Kikuyu campus,
and a senior lecturer at the Kenyatta University in the Department of
Philosophy and Religious Studies. He received his B.A. in Theology from
Urbaniana University (Rome) and his Ph.D. with specialization in Liturgical
Theology from the Institute of St. Anselm - Rome. He has done pastoral
work, lectured in a Major seminary, has been the administrator of church
schools and has done research on Baganda traditional rites in relation to
Liturgy. He has recently published a book based on the material of this
course titled: African Christian Theology: In the Contemporary
Context.
Drs. Felicien Nemeyimana, Ph.D. candidate, Counseling and
Psychology
Teaches: Justice and Peace in East Africa
Curriculum Vitae:
Drs. Felicien Nemeyimana is currently a doctoral student of the Westminster
Theological Seminary. He did his M. Div. at Nairobi Evangelical
School of Theology in 1995 and B. Th. at Scott Theological College in
1975. He holds a diploma in Accounting and Certificate in Customer Care,
Peace Building and Conflict Management, Humanitarian Challenge: Refugees
and Displaced Persons and Communication and Intimacy in Marriage. He is
the Executive Director of Peace Building, Healing and Reconciliation
(PHARP). Lecturer of Peace Building and Conflict Management at
Diakonia College and Daystar University and also the Chairman of Regional
Culture of Peace Network.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
LECTURERS
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Professor Michael Kirwen, Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Studies
Teaches:
1. MIAS unique
educational method focused on transformation of participants
2. Foundational Field Research Principles and Practice
3. Cross-cultural
studies
Curriculum Vitae:
Professor Michael C. Kirwen is the founder and director of the MIAS program.
He has engaged in pastoral work and academic research among the Luo people
in Tanzania since 1963. He was awarded an interdisciplinary doctorate in Theology
and Anthropology from University of St. Michael's College, Toronto (1972).
He has taught cross cultural theology and pastoral acculturation
both in East Africa and in the United States.
Dr. Julius Murikwa, Ph.D. Missiology
Teaches:
1. African Cultures: An Overview
2. African Independent Churches: Authentic Integration or
Separation from
Christianity
3. The Church in Contemporary Africa: Social, Political, and
Economic
Situation
4.
Gospel and Culture: The African Experience
5.
African Christian Theology: Historical and Systematic Development
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Julius Kaburu Murikwa was formerly a lecturer at Daystar University,
Kenya. He has Church
ministerial responsibilities with the New Testament Church of God
(Kenya). He holds a B.A. from Mid-America Bible College; M.Div. (Honors)
from Anderson University School of Theology; M.Th., and D.Miss., Ph.D. in
Missiology and cross-cultural studies from Fuller
Theological Seminary. He has written three graduate theses: African
Traditional Worldview and its Implications for the Communication of the
Gospel. (Anderson University, June 1980); A Study of the Kikuyu Culture
and the Communication of the Gospel (Fuller Theological Seminary, June
1981); American and Kikuyu Worldview Contrast and the Communication of the
Gospel. (Fuller, January 1985); Several articles in local magazines e.g.
"Step" and "Today in Africa."
Dr. John Sivalon, Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Studies
Teaches: Sociology of Development/Underdevelopment and African Religion
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. John Sivalon is presently the rector of the Maryknoll Theologate in
Chicago. Formerly, he was a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the
University of Dar es Salaam. He has done pastoral duty in the Archdiocese
of Dar es Salaam and has served as the national coordinator for the RSAT's
Justice and Peace Apostolate in Tanzania. He has an MA in sociology from
the University of Dar es Salaam (1980) and was awarded an
interdisciplinary doctorate in Theology and Sociology from University of
St. Michael's College, Toronto (1990). Dr. Sivalon has compiled and edited
Introductory Sociology: A Reader and Lecture Notes, 2000.
HUMANITY LECTURERS
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Dr. Frederick Ochieng'-Odhiambo, Ph.D. Philosophy
Teaches: Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy and Religion
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Ochieng'-Odhiambo has been a member of the University of Nairobi in
the Department of Philosophy since 1985. He was the secretary of the local
organizing committee that successfully hosted the World Futures Studies
Federation (WFSF) Conference in Nairobi in 1989. This was the first and
only time that WFSF has held a conference in Africa South of the Sahara.
He received his B.A (hons), M.A. and Ph.D from the
University of Nairobi. He has written widely in the areas of social
political philosophy and African philosophy. He is a leading scholar in
sage philosophy.
Dr. Francis Biryaho, Ph.D. Philosophy
Teaches: Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy and Religion
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Francis Biryaho is a lecturer at the Catholic University of Eastern
Africa and a part-time lecturer at the Consolata Institute of Philosophy, Nairobi.
He has a Diploma in Philosophy and Religious studies from Apostles of
Jesus Seminary, Nairobi, a master of Philosophy and Theology degree from
Pontifical Institute of Philosophy from Pune, India and PhD in
Philosophy from Gregorian University, Rome. He is in the process of
publishing his thesis into a book on the study of proverbs in the light of
Ludwig Wittgenstein with special reference to Bantu of Eastern Africa.
Dr. Kithure Kindiki, Ph.D. International Law
Teaches: Justice and Peace in East Africa
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Kithure Kindiki is a Lecturer of Law at the University of Nairobi. He
is also an Adjunct lecturer, centre for Human Rights, University of
Pretoria, South Africa and the United States International University, Nairobi.
He has a bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Moi University, Kenya, a
Master of Laws (LLM) in international Human rights law and a Ph.D. in
international Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He has
published fifteen articles in peer-reviewed journals and acted as a consultant
for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other
national and international organizations. He has been an acting Dean of
the faculty of Law, University of Nairobi and chairman of the Department
of Public Law on several occasions. He is currently the coordinator of the
Parallel Degree Programmes at the Faculty of Law, University of Nairobi.
Dr. Nicholas Otieno, Ph.D. Divinity
Teaches: Justice and Peace in East Africa
Curriculum Vitae:
Dr. Nicholas Otieno works as a program specialist for the World Council of
Churches in the department of International Affairs and Human Security
with special focus on Africa. He is also seconded on special projects to the
All African Conference of Churches. He is currently the the ecumenical
coordinator of the World Social Forum in Africa. He has received several
international awards including "The Martin Luther King leadership
award for Kenya, " "The Kilan at eighty award" and Apostle
of Peace in Africa award" granted by the World Council of churches.
He has a Doctoral degree in divinity and a Master of Divinity degree from
Yale University. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from
Pontifical Urbaniana University.
Drs. Oriare Nyarwath, PhD Candidate in Philosophy
Teaches: Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy and Religion
Curriculum Vitae:
Drs Oriare Nyarwath is a lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and
Religious Studies, University of Nairobi. He has a Master of Arts degree
in Philosophy and Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and
Philosophy from the University of Nairobi. He teachers part time at
Apostles of Jesus Seminary, Lang'ata and Consolata Institute of
Philosophy, Nairobi.
Drs. Kavetsa Adagala, Ph.D. candidate in African Oral
Literature
Teaches: Introduction to East African Literature: Focus on Religious
Conflicts
Curriculum Vitae:
Kavetsa Adagala is a senior lecturer in the department of Literature,
University of Nairobi. Her courses include: Oral Literature, Black
Aesthetics, Canadian Literature, American Literature, Afro-American
Literature, Caribbean Literature, Latin American Literature, Comparative
Literatures of Caribbean, Afro-American and African Literatures
(Postgraduate level), Oral Literature (Postgraduate level), and
Children's Literature. She is a doctoral candidate in African Oral
Literature at SUNY, Buffalo, New York. From 1969 - 73 she was an
Instructor in the Third World Studies Program at Goddard College, Vermont
and Administrative Assistant from 1972 - 73. She has been involved in
numerous research projects, conferences and seminars and has numerous
publications. She is a commissioner on the Constitutional Review
Commission of Kenya.
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