Designation

Lecturer of English - Department of Education.

Staff E-mail Address

rochieng@kcau.ac.ke

Academic Qualification

• Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics; Dissertation Title: A Descriptive Study of Okiek Grammar at Universität Hamburg, Germany; Oct 2019 -oct 2023.
• Master of Arts in Linguistics; Research Project Title: Phase Structure of Dholuo Verb System at University of Nairobi, Kenya; Oct 2015- Dec 2017.
• Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management (KNEC); Research Project Title: Factors That Influence Employee Commitment in Organizations at College of Human Resource Management, Nairobi, Kenya; Jan 2016- Dec 2016.
• Bachelor of Education Arts (Linguistics Major); University of Nairobi, Kenya; Oct 2010- Aug 2014.

Profile

Dr. Robert Joseph Ochieng, PhD, is a Lecturer of English at KCA University and a linguist specializing in African languages, particularly Okiek. His research focuses on descriptive and typological grammar, examining morphosyntax, morphophonology, and zero morphology. He integrates language, pedagogy, curriculum design, cognition, and human resource management to promote innovative teaching, sustainability, and youth empowerment.

Dr. Ochieng has also served as a Part-time Lecturer of Linguistics at the University of Nairobi (Nov 2018–Dec 2024). Previously, he was the Head of Language Training and Personnel Recruitment at Anatolia Academy Kenya (Jan 2017–Mar 2019), where he also taught Psychology IGCSE Cambridge AS & A Level (Jan 2015–Mar 2019). In addition, he taught English as (i) a Foreign Language, (ii) IGCSE Cambridge 0500, (iii) IELTS, (iv) TOEFL, and (v) SAT at Anatolia Academy Kenya (May 2014–Mar 2019).

Selected Publications: Books, Refereed publications & Non Refereed publications

• Ochieng, J. Robert. (2025). A Descriptive Study of Okiek Grammar. PhD Dissertation. State and University Library Hamburg, Germany. https://ediss.sub.uni-hamburg.de/handle/ediss/11853

• Ochieng, J. Robert. (2023). The pronominal system of Okiek grammar. The University of Nairobi Journal of Linguistics and Languages, Vol. 10, 90–118. https://uonjournals.uonbi.ac.ke/ojs/index.php/unjll/article/view/1954

• Piliyesi, E., Ogada, E. O., and Ochieng, J. R. (2020). Practical approaches to parental engagement and resource provision in curriculum implementation. African Journal of Emerging Issues, Vol. 2 (2), 70–95. https://ajoeijournal.org/sys/index.php/ajoei/article/view/93
• Ogada, E. O., Piliyesi, E., and Ochieng, J. R. (2020). Evaluating the integration of an international curriculum and the 8-4-4 Curriculum in Kenya: Opportunities and challenges. African Journal of Emerging Issues, Vol. 2 (1), 36–59. https://ajoeijournal.org/sys/index.php/ajoei/article/view/78

• Ochieng, J. R. (2019). Phase Structure of Dholuo Verb System. Galda Verlag: Glienicke, Germany. https://www.galda-verlag.de/title_att/phase-structure-of-dholuo-verb-system/
• Mugambi, M. M., Miriti, G., and Ochieng, J. R. (2016). The critical role of curriculum in addressing youth unemployment in Kenya: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Education and Practice, Vol. 4 (12), 268–280. https://erepo.usiu.ac.ke/handle/11732/490

• Mugambi, M. M. and Ochieng, J. R. (2016). Repositioning school-based teacher management in Kenya: Global practices and approaches. International Journal of Education and Practice, Vol. 4 (12), 268–280. https://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/100661
• Mugambi, M. M. and Ochieng, J. R. (2014). Transforming the image of the teaching profession. Kenya International Journal of Education and Research, Vol. 2 (2). https://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/78597

 

Research Interest

Conferences & Chapters

• Ochieng, J. Robert (2024). Investigating mother tongue competence: A case of grammatical categories and Kenyan languages. A conference paper at the 25^th International Mother Language Day Celebrations 2024, Nairobi.
• Wa Mberia, Kithaka, Oduor, Jane, and Ochieng, J. Robert. (2024). A sketch of the grammar of space in Okiek. A conference paper at the Global Council for Anthropological Linguistics 2023, Nairobi.
• Wa Mberia, Kithaka, Oduor, Jane, and Ochieng, J. Robert. (2024). Speech practices relating to peace, conflicts, conflict resolution and reconciliation in Dholuo. A conference paper at the 3^rd African Pragmatics Conference 2024, Nigeria.
• Ochieng, J. Robert. (2023). Verbal derivation in Okiek. A conference paper at the Nilo-Saharan Linguistic Colloquium 2023, Nairobi.

Teaching (Learning Environment)

Dr. Ochieng’s teaching emphasizes learner engagement, critical reflection, and the integration of digital tools to develop practical and transferable skills. His use of project-based and discussion-led learning connects academic content to job market demands and youth empowerment, equipping students with communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and digital competencies relevant to contemporary professional contexts. Course design and continuous feedback processes ensure alignment with institutional outcomes and evolving industry needs.

Awards and Recognitions

• A PhD by research scholarship at Universität Hamburg, Germany by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD); Mar 2019- Oct 2023.
• An M.A Linguistics scholarship at University of Nairobi by the Sasakawa Foundation; Oct 2015- Dec 2017.
• Best overall undergraduate student in the College of Education and External Studies in the 2013/2014 Academic Year, University of Nairobi.
• Best Final year student in the school of Education in the 2013/2014 academic year, University of Nairobi.