Designation

Lecturer - School of Education

Staff E-mail Address

cireri@kcau.ac.ke

Academic Qualification

• 2017-2022: PhD in Geography (Geomorphology) – University of Nairobi
• 2015 – 2017: Masters of Arts Geography: (Geomorphology) – University of Nairobi
• 2008–2012: Masters of Education: (Education Management) – Kenyatta University

Profile

Dr. Cecilia Ireri is a Geomorphologist and Environmentalist with extensive expertise in climate change research, environmental conservation, and geomorphological studies. I hold a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geomorphology (Geography), complemented by Master’s degrees in Geomorphology and Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Geography.

With over eight years of experience in university teaching and research, Dr. Ireri teaching and research span in the fields of geomorphology, environmental studies, and education, where she integrates theoretical and practical approaches to address pressing environmental challenges. I have immense research interests in environmental conservation, geomorphological processes, and the application of technology and innovation in addressing climate change scenarios. My current research focus involves the integration of climate change dynamics and their multifaceted impacts on various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, livelihoods and education. Through this interdisciplinary approach, I seeks to enhance understanding of the interconnectedness between physical landscapes, human activities, and climate systems.

As a committed researcher and academic, I have successfully managed research grants and led projects aimed at promoting sustainable environmental management and resilience to climate change. My work make a profound contribution to policy formulation, community awareness, and capacity building in the context of environmental sustainability and adaptation to global climate challenges.

Selected Publications: Books, Refereed publications & Non Refereed publications

• C. W. Gully Erosion and Stabilization in Semi- Arid Environment of Wanjoga River Catchment of Tana Basin, Kenya. (2022). UON Digital Repository. http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/161453
• Ireri, C W, Khroda, G O & Mukhovi, S (2021). Bivariate Based Susceptibility Mapping for Gully Erosion in Wanjoga River Catchment Upper Tana Basin, Kenya. East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation (EAJSTI). https://doi.org/10.37425/eajsti.v3i1.369
• Ireri, C W, Khroda, G O & Mukhovi, S (2021) Geomorphic threshold for gully initiation in different geographical environments of Wanjoga RIver catchment, Tana basin, Kenya. Journal of Environmental Protection (JEP). https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2021.128034
• Ireri, C W, Khroda, G O & Mukhovi, S (2021) Social-economic threshold factors for gully erosion stabilization in semi-arid environment of Wanjoga River catchment, upper Tana basin, Kenya. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch (IJAEB)

Research Interest

Thesis

• Gully Erosion and Stabilization in Semi- Arid Environment of Wanjoga River Catchment of Tana Basin, Kenya.
• Influence of Human Factors to Soil Erosion in Marivoe River Catchment of Embu County in Kenya.
• Teachers Perception on Headteachers’ Instructional Supervision Practices in Public Secondary Schools in Lari District, Kenya.  

Conferences & Chapters

• Presented a conference paper on Bivariate Based Susceptibility Mapping for Gully Erosion in river catchments. During the Kirinyaga University 6^th annual international conference held on 22-23^rd March 2023
• Nation Drought Management Authority and European union seminar on presentation of funded research findings/reports conducted from 28 to 29^th sept 2021 at the Lake Naivasha Resort Naivasha.
• PhD and MA research seminars held at the university of Nairobi on research findings on 21^st /4/2022

Research Grants

Funding organization: European union (EU) through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA)

Nature: Gully Erosion and Stabilization in Semi- Arid Environment of Wanjoga River Catchment of Tana Basin, Embu County, Kenya

Core-Mandate: Grant fund was managed and supervised by National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), entitled: Ending Drought Emergencies; To Support Risk Management and Coordination Project (SP6).

My core mandate in the climate change grant included and not limited to:

• Data collection to monitor and asses climate change related scenarios
• Detail research finding report with logical conclusions and recommendations
• Generate new information using new innovation to provide drought early warning information
• Capacity building and sanitization of the stakeholders
• Create action plan for implementing the recommendations to create resilience and sustainability
• Write at least two policy briefs
• Present the findings to NDMA and EU for action

 

Status:Fully implemented

                Written a policy brief for the funding organization.

Period:2019 – 2023

Research Quality

• Bivariate Based Susceptibility Mapping for Gully Erosion in Wanjoga River Catchment Upper Tana Basin, Kenya.

1. 1. Citation (2)
   2. References (35)
   3. Figures (5)

• Social-economic threshold factors for gully erosion stabilization in semi-arid environment of Wanjoga River catchment, upper Tana basin, Kenya. Citation (1), References (39)

• Geomorphic threshold for gully initiation in different geographical environments of Wanjoga River catchment, Tana basin, Kenya.

Teaching (Learning Environment)

Teaching geography in times of climate change is about inspiring curiosity, making learning relevant, and preparing students for industry and real-world challenges, using approaches that links geographical theory to real-world applications. My teaching philosophy emphasizes on inspiring curiosity, fostering relevance, and preparing students for professional and societal challenges in the context of climate change through:

• Setting clear learning goals that define expectations and guide student performance.
• Provides timely and constructive feedback to support academic growth and reflective learning.
• Integrating technology and digital tools to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and practical, real-world geographic applications.
• Incorporates up-to-date and dynamic content, including current environmental issues, climate change topics, and sustainability challenges, to maintain relevance and engagement.
• Employs hands-on and experiential learning methods, such as fieldwork, mapping exercises, and problem-based projects, to strengthen students’ analytical and practical skills.

Research Environment

• Research grant. Funded by European union (EU) through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA). entitled: Ending Drought Emergencies; To Support Risk Management and Coordination Project (SP6).
• 3 publications in high impact journal with impact rate 1.5
• Three conference papers

1. 1. Presented a conference paper on Bivariate Based Susceptibility Mapping for Gully Erosion in river catchments. During the Kirinyaga University 6^th annual international conference held on 22-23^rd March 2023
   2. Nation Drought Management Authority and European union seminar on presentation of funded research findings/reports conducted from 28 to 29^th sept 2021 at the Lake Naivasha Resort Naivasha.

• Two policy briefs

1. 1. Gully Erosion in ASAL Lands: Restoring Degraded landscapes. (2021). Through KIPPLA (Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis)
   2. Predicting unseen flood crisis in urban areas: Nairobi. (2024)

• Research fund collaboration

1. 1. Research collaboration across KCA University department. SOE, SOB, SOT, Board of Post Graduate Studies, with research grants at stages.

• Regional Research collaboration. UNCT Uganda & NRF-Kenya. Research fund collaboration between KCA University, Ndejje University in Uganda and Kirinyaga University. (Under review)

International Outlook

• Partnering with institutions worldwide in climate change and its impact in agriculture and sustainability in research: UNCT Uganda & NRF-Kenya. Research fund collaboration between KCA University, Ndejje University in Uganda and Kirinyaga University. (Under review)
• Seeking Global funding – Seeking international funding from organizations European Union, Common wealth,
• International Association of Geomorphologists (active member)

Industry Engagement

• Grant and research funding: Securing funds from international organization amount USD 6,930

• Wring policy brief through KIPPRA to search for funds for Wanjoga River valley rehabilitation

Social Media and Academic Networking Tools

• Research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cecilia-Ireri
• Edu: https://independent.academia.edu/CeciliaIreri
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecialia-wawira-ireri-362876310/