Dr. Eliud Oure Oyoo is the head of the research lab where he coordinates graduate studies and a team of researchers. He is a world-renowned Educational Psychologist with specialisation in mental health and psychometrics. In addition, he is a Senior Lecturer at Rongo University in the Department of Educational Psychology and Science. He is also an experienced, licensed, and practicing psychologist.

Dr. Oyoo has risen through the academic ranks from High School Teacher to Senior Lecturer at the university level. He earned his PhD in Educational Psychology (Mental Health & Psychometrics) from Rongo University, a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling from Egerton University, and a Bachelor of Education Science degree from Kenyatta University.

His research interests include mental health issues, school psychology, psychometrics, psychotherapy, child growth and development, competency-based assessment and education, social psychology, social network dynamics, family life and relationship issues, rehabilitation studies, and large-scale data analysis.

Dr. Oyoo’s core responsibilities include teaching, research, innovation, curriculum development, psychotherapy, supervision, and mentorship. He has mentored many students who are now contributing in various institutions and organizations around the world.

He is a peer reviewer with the Commission for University Education (Kenya) and the IGI Global Editorial Board of Publishers. He also serves as an external examiner at Tom Mboya University within the Faculty of Education. In addition, he provides consultancy services to the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF) and SMASSE on competency-based education and STEM assessment.

Dr. Oyoo is a keen researcher and has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers. More details can be found on his ORCID profile (0000-0001-7012-4752). He has co-prepared funded research proposals, including CESAD, DIKU–NORPART, and Spencer, where he serves as principal investigator. He is a member of the Kenya Counsellors and Psychologists Board and has served as a Senior KNEC examiner for Biology Paper 2 for many years. He is a family man and a Christian of the Seventh Day Adventist faith.

Prof. Wilson A. P. Otengah, PhD, is a distinguished Sociologist, researcher, and higher education leader with over three decades of experience in academia, research, university administration, and community development. He currently serves as Director of Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) and Associate Professor of Sociology at Rongo University, where he has championed digital learning transformation, academic quality assurance, postgraduate mentorship, and institutional development.

Prof. Otengah holds a PhD in Sociology from Mohanlal Sukhadia University, India, specializing in Developmental Administration and Social Development Studies. He also holds a Master of Arts in Sociology, postgraduate diplomas in Education and Social Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Economics, and English Literature.

A prolific scholar and mentor, Prof. Otengah has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students in sociology, public health, education, criminology, gender studies, and community development. His research interests include child protection, adolescent wellbeing, public health, social determinants of health, education, gender, governance, rural livelihoods, and community resilience. He has authored and co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and consultancy reports, and has presented papers in national and international conferences.

He possesses extensive experience in institutional leadership, policy development, curriculum design, project coordination, and multi-stakeholder engagement. He has chaired and served in various university committees on quality assurance, examinations management, anti-corruption policy, staff mentorship, research governance, and strategic planning.

Beyond academia, Prof. Otengah has undertaken consultancy and development assignments with organizations including the National AIDS Control Council (NACC), county governments, universities, and international development partners. His work integrates research, policy, and community engagement to address social challenges affecting vulnerable and under-served communities in Kenya and the wider East African region.

Dr. Lazarus Millan Okello is an Educational Psychologist, scholar, and academic leader whose work bridges research, student wellbeing, educational leadership, and community engagement. He serves as Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Educational Psychology and Science at Rongo University, where he has contributed significantly to teaching, curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, quality assurance, and academic administration.

With professional training spanning educational psychology, counseling, education management, and human resource management, Dr. Okello has developed strong expertise in learner development, psychosocial wellbeing, inclusive education, behavioral studies, and school-based interventions. His work is particularly grounded in the realities of African educational contexts, with a strong focus on strengthening learning environments, supporting vulnerable learners, and promoting positive educational outcomes.

Dr. Okello is an active researcher with extensive experience in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including psychometric assessment, educational evaluation, and policy-oriented research. His scholarly contributions cover areas such as student mental health, teacher motivation, special needs education, adolescent development, emotional intelligence, substance abuse recovery, school climate, and learner engagement. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and academic training modules, while also presenting research at national and international conferences.

A committed mentor and supervisor, Dr. Okello has guided postgraduate students across diverse educational and psychosocial research fields and continues to support emerging scholars through supervision, academic advising, and research mentorship. He also serves as an external thesis examiner and journal reviewer, contributing to academic quality and research excellence within and beyond Kenya.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Okello has actively participated in professional training, educational consultancy, counseling services, and institutional leadership initiatives. His broader contribution reflects a commitment to evidence-driven educational transformation, learner wellbeing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-centered scholarship aimed at improving educational and social outcomes in Kenya and the wider region.

Jannes Okinyo Kodero is a Social Scientist, researcher, and project management specialist with over 13 years of experience in community-based programming, social research, child development, adolescent health, gender, and socio-economic empowerment initiatives in Kenya. He has extensive experience managing and implementing donor-funded projects focusing on children, adolescents, young women, and vulnerable communities, particularly in health, education, child protection, and community resilience.

Kodero holds a Master of Arts in Sociology and is currently in the advanced stages of a PhD in Sociology at Tom Mboya University, where his academic and research interests focus on social transformation, youth development, digital social behaviour, violence prevention, and community systems strengthening. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, a Diploma in Counselling Psychology, and a Diploma in Community Development and Project Management.

He has worked with major donor-funded programs including USAID and PEPFAR-supported initiatives under KEMRI-FACES, where he served in community engagement, research coordination, linkage systems, adolescent programming, monitoring and evaluation, and project leadership roles. His professional experience includes project design, proposal development, budgeting, implementation oversight, staff supervision, stakeholder engagement, safeguarding systems, and monitoring and evaluation.

Kodero has participated in and supported several social and public health research studies, including studies on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), HIV prevention, adolescent health, community referral systems, and socio-behavioural interventions. He contributed to the development of community referral frameworks for GBV survivors and was a co-author in a WHO-published Gender-Based Violence study conducted in Migori County. His work demonstrates strong competence in longitudinal community engagement, social research coordination, evidence generation, and translation of research into community practice.

He has extensive experience collaborating with government ministries, universities, development partners, community structures, and civil society organizations, including the Ministries of Health, Education, Gender, Agriculture, and Interior. His expertise includes child protection systems, community mobilization, mentorship, life skills programming, social behaviour change communication, and evidence-informed project management.

His core competencies include social research management, project design and implementation, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder coordination, safeguarding and referral systems, community engagement, policy advocacy, data collection supervision, and documentation of best practices and learning outcomes. He has also managed large-scale donor-funded projects and multidisciplinary teams, with demonstrated capacity in financial oversight, reporting, and programme accountability.

Kodero’s work combines academic research, field implementation, and community-centered programming, making him well positioned to contribute to multidisciplinary longitudinal research initiatives focused on children, learning, development, and social wellbeing in Kenya and the broader African context.

Dr. Macdonald Odhiambo Owuor is an emerging sociologist and researcher with expertise in medical sociology, child protection, community development, and social research. He is currently completing a PhD in Sociology at Rongo University and holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Development from Philipps Universität Marburg alongside a Master of Arts in Sociology from Rongo University. With over eight years of university teaching, research, and community engagement experience, he has developed strong competencies in interdisciplinary scholarship and applied social research.

Dr. Owuor serves as a Part-Time Lecturer in Sociology at Rongo University, where he teaches courses in sociology, criminology, development studies, research methods, and social theory. His teaching approach emphasizes participatory learning, critical thinking, and the practical application of social science knowledge to contemporary societal issues. He has also contributed to curriculum review, student mentorship, and postgraduate academic activities within the university.

His research interests focus on medical sociology, adolescent wellbeing, child protection, social determinants of health, and community resilience in low-resource settings. He has published scholarly work on diabetes management, healthcare-seeking behaviour, and adolescent depression in peer-reviewed journals, and has presented research findings at national and international conferences. In addition, he has served as a reviewer for academic publications in health and social sciences.

Beyond academia, Dr. Owuor has extensive experience in community-based programming, governance, and child protection initiatives through collaborations with government agencies, development organizations, and civil society actors. He has participated in research and outreach projects involving digital literacy, governance, vaccination monitoring, child rights, and vulnerable children support programmes across Western Kenya.

He brings to the research lab valuable expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, field coordination, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and evidence-informed community-centered research.

Mercy is a results-driven Early Childhood Development (ECD) and health specialist with over 10 years of progressive experience in community development, health, child-focused programming, and donor-funded projects. She has demonstrated expertise in nurturing care, responsive caregiving, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and results-based reporting.

She has a proven ability to manage complex, multi-sectoral programs in collaboration with county governments, development partners, academic institutions, and communities. Her strengths include evidence-based programming, monitoring and evaluation, and research coordination, with a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes in child and community development initiatives.

Mercy holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, a Diploma in Community Health, and a Diploma in Community Development and Social Work. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Planning and Management at the University of Nairobi.

She is currently supporting implementation of program activities at Lake Region Development Program. She has led coordination and implementation of a Strengthened Partnership for Nurturing Care project at Lake Region Development Program in collaboration with ChildFund Kenya, implemented in Homa Bay County over a period of three years. Her role involved developing detailed implementation plans, managing activity budgets, facilitating capacity-building sessions for caregivers, and ensuring strong collaboration with county government departments and community stakeholders. She has consistently supported monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and promoting evidence-based programming.

Previously, as a Project Coordinator with Plan International Kenya, Mercy managed multi-sectoral projects focused on adolescent girls’ health and child protection. She oversaw work planning, budget management, stakeholder coordination, and donor reporting, while ensuring compliance with safeguarding and organizational standards. This role strengthened her ability to coordinate complex projects, engage diverse partners, and deliver results in dynamic environments.

She has demonstrated experience working with county governments across the Lake Region, including Homa Bay and Busia, and has actively participated in technical working groups and community engagement platforms. Her background in public health, ongoing master’s studies in Project Planning and Management, and hands-on experience in monitoring and evaluation position her strongly to support research processes, learning initiatives, and data-driven decision-making.

Ooko Calvine Ouko is a Sociologist, criminologist, researcher, and practicing probation professional with extensive experience in teaching, community engagement, social research, and correctional services.

He is currently pursuing a PhD in Sociology at Rongo University, building on his Master of Arts in Sociology from Rongo University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Economics from Kenyatta University.

Ouko currently serves as a Senior Probation Officer under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Department of Probation and Aftercare Services, where he has gained practical expertise in rehabilitation, offender management, community reintegration, and social justice systems. In addition, he serves as a part-time lecturer at Tom Mboya University and Rongo University, teaching undergraduate courses in Sociology, Criminology, and Development Studies.

His research interests focus on child protection, family systems, youth empowerment, criminology, social development, and rural community transformation. He has participated in several social science research projects as a research assistant and scholar, contributing to studies on motorcycle safety, malaria prevalence, environmental management, and socio-economic development. He has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications on child marriage, family structures, youth economic empowerment, and utilization of development funds in rural Kenya.

He has actively participated in academic conferences, leadership trainings, and community outreach programmes, including international interdisciplinary conferences and youth leadership initiatives. His leadership experience includes serving as Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Sociology Students Association (KUSOSA) and holding church leadership positions focused on community development and mentorship.

Ouko brings to the research lab strong competencies in social research, criminology, community engagement, teaching, project implementation, data collection, and stakeholder collaboration, with a passion for generating evidence-based solutions to contemporary social challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

Ms. Winnie Achieng’ Ojwando is the Web Master at Rongo University, serving in the Education, Psychology and Social Science Research Lab (EPSSRL), where she leads the development, management, and optimization of the lab’s digital and web-based research platforms.

She ensures effective online visibility, secure systems operation, and seamless dissemination of research outputs within the lab’s academic ecosystem, supporting digital research collaboration and knowledge sharing.

She is an experienced ICT professional with over 10 years of progressive expertise in higher education ICT systems administration, web development, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, ERP systems, and digital transformation.

She currently serves in multiple strategic ICT roles at Rongo University, including Web Master, Web Systems Administrator, ICT Coordinator (TVET), Performance Contract and ISO Coordinator, Computer Technologist, and Assistant Network Administrator, contributing to institutional ICT governance and service delivery.

Winnie holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Moi University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Informatics at Rongo University. She also holds certifications in CCNA, Cybersecurity, ISO/QMS, and CBET training frameworks.

Within EPSSRL, she supports the lab’s mandate in education, psychology, and social science research by ensuring that digital systems effectively support research collaboration, academic communication, and evidence-based dissemination of knowledge.

Her role advances the lab’s vision of becoming a world-class technology-driven research centre by strengthening digital infrastructure for research visibility, innovation, and academic excellence.

Peter Shikuku is the current leader of the organization, providing strategic direction and overseeing project planning, execution, compliance, and organizational accountability. He is a collaborative and impact-driven leader known for fostering strong team cohesion and delivering results through inclusive, transparent, and accountable leadership.

His responsibilities include resource mobilization, programme oversight, strategic planning, and cultivating productive partnerships with county and national governments, donors, development agencies, academic institutions, and community stakeholders. Under his leadership, the organization has consistently maintained compliance with regulatory requirements and successfully fulfilled donor obligations as stipulated in partnership agreements.

With extensive experience in designing, implementing, managing, and reporting development programmes, Peter brings a strong focus on strategic growth, measurable outcomes, and sustainable community transformation. He leads a highly motivated multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, families, and vulnerable communities through evidence-based and community-responsive interventions.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and has undertaken advanced professional training in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Responsive and Positive Parenting, Occupational Safety and Health, and Strategic Leadership and Management. His blend of academic knowledge, practical development experience, and leadership expertise enables him to effectively guide programmes that deliver lasting social impact.

He brings to the organization extensive expertise in programme design and implementation, stakeholder engagement, donor compliance, partnership management, strategic planning, team leadership, monitoring and evaluation, community development, and organizational growth. His leadership continues to strengthen institutional effectiveness while advancing sustainable development outcomes for communities across the region.

Mugita Charles Gesongo is a highly accomplished Economist and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist with over twenty years of professional experience leading research, evaluation, learning, and program management assignments across Africa. His extensive portfolio spans governance, devolution, education, health, youth economic empowerment, climate-smart agriculture, institutional strengthening, and public sector reforms.

He possesses advanced expertise in Results-Based Management (RBM), strategic planning, performance measurement, evaluation systems design, data analytics, and knowledge management. Throughout his career, he has successfully delivered high-impact assignments for governments, United Nations agencies, international NGOs, donor-funded programmes, and regional institutions.

Mugita currently serves as the Head of Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Knowledge Management at the Centre for Research and Innovations, East Africa (CRI-EA), where he provides strategic leadership in evidence generation, institutional learning, adaptive management, and results-based programming.

His technical competencies include the design and automation of M&E systems using platforms such as ActivityInfo, KoboToolbox, ODK, RapidMiner, SPSS, and KNIME. He has successfully led numerous baseline studies, mid-term reviews, endline evaluations, impact assessments, and strategic planning processes for organizations operating in governance, health, education, agriculture, and community development sectors.

Mugita has provided consultancy and technical advisory services to renowned organizations including UNFPA Kenya, UNDP Kenya, KCB Foundation, MasterCard Foundation, Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF), Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), NG-CDF Board, Family Group Foundation, Lake Region Development Programme (LRDP), Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK), and Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust (RWMT).

Among his notable achievements are the development of national monitoring and evaluation frameworks for public institutions, establishment of automated MER&L systems, strategic plan development, governance reform initiatives, resource mobilization strategies, and leadership of complex multi-country programmes focused on governance and countering violent extremism in East Africa.

Prior to his current engagements, he served as Head of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning at the Commission for Implementation of the Constitution (CIC), Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at ChildFund International covering eleven African countries, and Deputy Chief of Party for Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) under the BRICS Programme on Countering Violent Extremism.

Mugita is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at the University of Nairobi, focusing on climate change and household demand for health services in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). He also holds Master’s degrees in Economics and Monitoring & Evaluation, a Postgraduate Diploma from the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Turin, Italy, and professional training in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

His professional interests include Artificial Intelligence for Monitoring and Evaluation, Climate Economics, Institutional Learning Systems, Youth Economic Empowerment, Governance Reforms, and Evidence-Based Decision Making. He is an active member of both the Evaluation Society of Kenya (ESK) and the African Evaluation Association (AfrEA).

Through his work, Mugita continues to champion data-driven development, institutional effectiveness, strategic learning, and sustainable impact across public, private, and development sectors throughout Africa.