Dr. Martha Muthoni Konje
Dean, Faculty of Science
Senior Lecturer, Biological and Environmental Sciences Department
Biography
My name is Dr. Martha Muthoni Konje, a Senior Lecturer in Biological and Environmental Sciences Department at Kibabii University, Kenya. Currently, I am the Dean, Faculty of Science. I have 20 years experience working, teaching and conducting research in the University in the areas of Plants Ecology, Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation. I have served both in the academic and administrative positions in the University. My areas of research are in Biodiversity Conservation, Plants Science (Ecology), Climate Change and Gender Studies. My research focus is mainly on promoting biodiversity conservation through community-based approaches and local solutions to address the effect of climate change on biodiversity. I have supervised Eleven (11) postgraduate students (2 PhDs and 9 Masters) and I have published Twenty Five (25) research papers in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, I am a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Sustainable Development, Policy and Gender (JSDPG).
Academic Qualification
.
PhD Degree in Plants Ecology
| 2021
Masters of Science Degree in Biodiversity Conservation
| 2002
Bachelor of Education Sciences (Biology and Chemistry)
| 1999
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
| 1993
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE)
| 1989
Field of Specialization
ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH - AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Biology – Biological Sciences/Botany/Plant Ecology
Biodiversity Conservation
Climate Change Studies and Environmental Sciences
Gender and Women in STEM studies
Membership of Professional Bodies
MEMBERSHIP TO PROFFESSIONAL BODIES AND SOCIETIES
Member of Nature Kenya (Easter Africa Natural History Society)
Member of the Kenya Museums Society
Member of Ecological Society for Eastern Africa (ESEA)
Member and Alumni of Organization of Women in Science in Developing countries (OWSD)
Member of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
Member of Kakamega Forest Environmental Education Program (CBO)
Professional Training and Development
May 2019
I attended a two days training on "Pedagogical Skills Training Course" that was held in Kibabii University, Bungoma
A certificate of training
July 2014
I attended a 5 days training on Audit Performance Standards, by trainers from KUSCCO (Kenya Union for Savings and Credit Cooperatives)
A certificate
March 2017
I attended a Grant Proposal Writing training that was organized by African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) at Kibabii University, Bungoma
A certificate of training
October 2017
Attended a training workshop on "ISO 900:2015 Quality Management System Process Owners' Training Course" held at Kibabii University, Bungoma
A Certificate
October 2021
I attended a technical online training on Digital Content Design and Learning Management System, organized by Directorate of ODEL of Kibabii University, Kenya
A Certificate of training
2021
1 attended a 3 weeks ODEL training on "Trainer of Trainers for C-DELTA training on E-learning and Learning Management System" sponsored by Commonwealth, at Kibabii University
A certificate on Trainer of Trainers on E-learning using Learning Management System platform
June 2022
I attended a technical course on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Competence Based Education Training (CBET), that was held in Kibabii University, Kenya
A certificate of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Competence Based Education Training (CBET)
July 2021
Completed a 3 weeks Leadership training on "Commonwealth Digital Education Leadership Training in Action, sponsored by Commonwealth through Kibabii University, Kenya
A certificate in Digital Education Leadership
January - June 2023
Completed Senior Management and Leadership course at Kenya School of Government, Embu Campus, Kenya
A certificate in Senior Management training
Career Progression
Career Progression
2025 – 2026
Dean, Faculty of Science
Kibabii University
Reporting to: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affair)
Key Achievements
- Administrative duties of the Dean, Faculty of Science;
- Mentorship – of both Faculty staff and students;
- Development of new academic Programmes;
- Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students;
- Conducting Research;
- Supervision of postgraduate students;
2024-2025
Director / Coordinator – Directorate of TVET
Kibabii University
Reporting to: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affair)
Key Achievements
- Administrative duties as the Director/Coordinator of the Directorate of TVET;
- Mentorship of staff and students;
- Supervision of Postgraduate students;
- Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students;
- Conducting Research – writing research and grants proposals
April 2015 to date in 2026
Senior Lecturer of Plant Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation; Administrative position as the Head of Department, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences; Academic programme Leader;
Kibabii University, Bungoma, Kenya
Reporting to: Dean, Faculty of Science;
Key Achievements
- Teaching,
- Conducting Research,
- Supervision of postgraduate students,
- Curriculum development and review (new academic programmes),
- Department Examination Coordinator,
- Academic Programme Leader,
2009 to 2014
Lecturer – Plant Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation; Coordinator – Conservation of University Botanical Garden; Department Examination Coordinator; Academic Advisor
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, in Kakamega, Kenya.
Reporting to: Head of Department, Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science
Key Achievements
- Teaching courses in Botany and Biodiversity Conservation;
- Conducting research;
- Coordinator – Conservation of University Botanical Garden
2004 – 2009
Assistant Lecturer
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, in Kakamega, Kenya.
Reporting to: Head of Department, Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science
Key Achievements
- Lecturing
- Academic advisor
- Conducting Research
2002 -2003
Tutor
Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute, Naivasha
Reporting to: Principal, KWSTI
Key Achievements
- Teaching courses in Botany and Biodiversity Conservation
2000 – 2001
High Schoool Teacher
Don Bosco Secondary School, Nairobi
Reporting to: Director of the School
Key Achievements
- Teaching Biology and Chemistry subjects
Service in University Committees
Service in University Committees
Leadership and Management Roles
Leadership and Management Roles
APPOINTMENT TO LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS:
April 2025 – to date: Dean, Faculty of Science, Kibabii University
January-March 2025- Director, Directorate of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Kibabii University
2024 – Coordinator, Directorate of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Kibabii University
2015 – 2021: Head of Department, Biological and Environmental Sciences Department, Kibabii University (6 years)
April 2022 – to date: Appointed E-Learning Champion in the Department
Sept 2021 – to 2024: Departmental Examinations and Timetables Coordinator, Kibabii University
June – July 2021 – Acting Dean, Faculty of Science, Kibabii University
March 2022 – Appointed as the Support Programme Leader For Masters of Science in Microbiology
July 2020 – Programme Leader for Bachelor of Science in Bioresource Conservation and Management
July 2020 – Support Programme Leader for Bachelor of Science in Biology programme
2015 – to date: Faculty of Science, Curriculum Development and Review Coordinator, Kibabii University
2009 – 2013: Coordinator, MMUST Botanical Garden at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
2006 – 2009: Warden, Student Hostels at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
2005 – 2010: Academic Advisor, undergraduate students, Bachelor of Science in Biology class
Service to the Community
Service to the Community
2015 – to date
Kakamega Forest Environmental Education Programme (KEEP)
Role:Member. Participates in community forest conservation programme such as tree planting and biodiversity conservation around Kakamega forest
2016 – to date
Kibabii University Needy students and Teenage students Mothers support group
Role:Member – to offer financial and material support and mentorship programmes for the teenage students mothers
2016- to date
Kibabii University Christian Union (CU)
Role:Support Community Outreach and Evangelism missions
2020 -2026
Restoration International Church, Bungoma, Kenya
Role:Member of the Management Board ? Chairperson, Women Department
2024 -2026
St. Brigid Girls National School, Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County
Role:Member of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA)
Service in National, Regional and International Committees
Service in National, Regional and International Committees
2024 to date
I am a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Sustainable Development, Policy And Gender (JSDPG) – an international journal
Member of the Editorial Board
Professional Research Interest
.
I have research interest in the following areas:
Biological Sciences/Botany/Plant Ecology
Biodiversity Conservation
Environmental Sciences
Climate Change Studies
Gender and Women in STEM studies
Research Funds Attracted as Collaborating Scientist
2023
Use of Smart Technology to Predict Climate Change Effects on Terrestrial Plants Diversity and Conservation for Sustainable Livelihood in North-Rift Region, Kenya
funded by RUFORUM-RAINCA, (RAINCA Project Grant Number-109705-001/002),
Amount
US Dollars 47,000
2025
Conserving Indigenous Knowledge of Medicinal Plants through an AI-Driven Database for Sustainable Health Ecosystems in Mt. Elgon Region, Kenya.
funded by Kibabii University Research Fund
Amount
Kshs. 300,000
2023
Strengthening mental health awareness among secondary school students in Kenya.
funded by Africa-UniNet Research Cooperation Project-2022
Amount
30,000 Euros
Research Funds Attracted as Principal Investigator / Co-PI
2023
Use of Smart Technology to Predict Climate Change Effects on Terrestrial Plants Diversity and Conservation for Sustainable Livelihood in North-Rift Region, Kenya
Role: Co-PIAmount: US Dollars 47,000.00
Funder / Sponsor:RUFORUM-RAINCA, (RAINCA Project Grant Number-109705-001/002)
Funds Attracted for Community Development
Consultancy
Consulting Services
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
2025
Eric Sifuna Siunduh, Anselemo Peters Ikoha and Martha Muthoni Konje (2025). Modelling AI Technologies Towards Prediction of Disasters Related To Climate Change: Case Study of North Rift, Kenya. International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering Review. 6, Issue.4, July-Aug 2025, Pages 30-47. ISSN: 2582-6271. DOI: DOI: https://doi.org/10.52267/IJASER.2025.6402
Eric Sifuna Siunduh, Anselemo Peters Ikoha and Martha Muthoni Konje (2025). Adoption of Machine Learning Technologies In Mitigation of Climate Change Risks In North Rift, Kenya. International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering Review. 6, Issue.4, July-Aug 2025, Pages 1-29. ISSN: 2582-6271. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52267/IJASER.2025.6401
Jonathan Mutonyi, Nelly Nambande Masayi, Collins Otieno Majengo, Victor Samuel Okello, Martha Muthoni Konje and John Wanjala Makokha. (2025). Using Digital Tools to Assess Soil Variables in Selected Counties in North Rift, Kenya. AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, 3(1), 22-30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59983/s2025030103
Nyongesa Fatuma Nandaha , Andanje Mulambula , Martha Muthoni Konje. (2025). Development of an Integrated SWAT-SEIR Mathematical Model for Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Water Security: A Lake Victoria Basin Case Study. JULY 2025 | IRE Journals | Volume 9 Issue 1 | ISSN: 2456-8880. Pages 851 -855
Nyongesa Fatuma Nandaha , Andanje Mulambula , Martha Muthoni Konje. (2025). Assessment of Mathematical Modeling Techniques for Predicting Climate Change Impacts on Water Availability and Quality: A SWAT-SEIR Framework Validation Study. . JULY 2025 | IRE Journals | Volume 9 Issue 1 | ISSN: 2456-8880. Pages 866 -870
Vuyiya Esther and Konje Martha (2025). The Role of Nyayo Tea Belt as A Buffer Zone in Sustainable Conservation of Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Iconic Research cnd Engineering IRE Journals, Volume 8 Issue 7, ISSN: 2456-8880, 537-545
Martha M. Konje (2025). Use of Remote Sensing (MODIS) Data and Rainfall to Estimate Forage Production in Arid Rangelands. Iconic Research cnd Engineering IRE Journals, Volume 8 Issue 9, ISSN: 2456-8880, 187-193
2024
John Wanjala Makokha , Nelly Nambande Masayi, Peter Barasa, Peters Anselemo Ikoha, Martha Muthoni Konje , Jonathan Mutonyi, Victor Samuel Okello, Alice Nambiro Wechuli, Collins Otieno Majengo, Geoffrey Wanjala Khamala. (2024). Assessing the Long-Term Changes in Selected Meteorological Parameters over the North-Rift, Kenya: A Regional Climatology Perspective. Hydrology, Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2024; DOI: 11648/j.hyd, http://www.sciencepg.com/journal/hyd
2022
Bwambok Eliud and Martha Konje (2022). Uses, Threats and Conservation of Plant Species in Kisere Catchment Area of Kakamega Forest, Kenya. International Journal of Science and Research, Vol. 11, (2), February 2022, 85-91. Paper ID: SR211123165445; DOI: 10.21275/SR211123165445
2021
Konje Martha, Muoria Paul, and Wabuyele Emily. (2021). Spatial-temporal variation of biomass production by shrubs in the Succulent Karoo, South Africa. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, Vol.18,(4), 82-92
Konje Martha, Muoria Paul, Wabuyele Emily, Griffin Neil and Vetter Susanne. (2021). Rainfall and Soils, Not Grazing Intensity,Determine the Composition and Productivity of Annual Plants in a Bio-diverse Arid Winter Rainfall Region. Journal of Natural Sciences Research iiste.org, Vol.12, (10), 35-48
Konje Martha, Muoria Paul, Wabuyele Emily and Vetter Susanne. (2021). Spatio-Temporal Variation in Forage Production in a Key Resource Area in the Succulent Karoo Rangeland, South Africa. Researchjournali’s Journal of Ecology, 8 (1), 1-21
Bwambok Eliud and Martha Konje. (2021). Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Tree Species Density and Stem Size Distribution in Kisere Fragment of the Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Researchjournali’s Journal of Forestry, 8(1), 1-16
2018
Khatiebi,S., D. Siamba, Z. Onyando, C. Mulmbala, Konje. (2018). Heavy metal contamination at dumpsites at Eldoret, Kenya, in the Lake Victoria Basin. African Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and Fisheries 16 (2), 93-97
2016
Koros, H., I Malombe, K Mwendwa, P Jeruto, H Agevi, M Konje. (2016). Indigenous knowledge, uses and conservation of prunus africana (hook. f.) kalkman in Nandi forests. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, Volume 6, 2224-3186
Koros, H., Konje, M. Wambua, C. Chesire, D. Odeny, I. Malombe. (2016). Population status and conservation hotspots of Prunus Africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman in South Nandi Forest, Western Kenya. Researchjournali’s Journal of Forestry, Vol. 3,No. 4, 1-13
2015
Khatiebi Sandra, Siamba Donald Namasaka, Konje Martha Muthoni. (2015). Physicochemical characteristics and Biodegradability of organic fraction of solid wastes generated in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. J. Environ. Earth Sci., 7(3): 42-49
2014
Vuyiya E, Konje M, Tsingalia H, Obiet L, Kigen C, Wamalwa S, Nyongesa Humphrey (2014). The impacts of human activities on tree species richness and diversity in Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya; International Journal of Biodiversity Conservation; Vol.6 (6) pg 428-435
Lenard Obiet, Konje Martha, Muyekho Francis, Danyuku Esther, Kigen Charles, Wamalwa Stella,Kassilly Fredrick & Wabusya Moses (2014). Forage Availability and Quality for the Impala (Aepyceros Melampus (Brian)Kathryh) of Impala Sanctuary, Kenya. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 5, pp 1896-1899 (Oct, 2014)
Mutonyi J, Shibairo S.I, Chemining’wa G.N, Olubayo F.M, Keya N.C.O & Nyongesa,H.W, Konje Martha. (2014). Sugarcane Response To Liming, Manuring And Inorganic Fertilizers On Acid Acrisols In Western Kenya International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 5, Issue, 7,pp 1703 – 1707 (Sept, 2014)
Wabusya W, Konje M, Nyongesa H, Tsingalia H and Wekesa R. (2014). Influence of land use practices on plant species richness and growth forms in Nzoia River Drainage Basin. Elixir Appl. Biology 68 (2014) 22197-22200
Mutonyi, J., Shibairo S., Chemining’wa, G, Olubayo, F, Nyongesa, H, Konje, M. (2014). Effects of N and K fertilization of sugarcane (Saccharum oficinarum) on acrisols in Western Kenya. Elixir Agriculture 67 (2014) pg 21669-21675
Kigen C., P. Okoth, W. Shivoga, Z. Odera, D. Ochieno, Konje. (2014). Mapping of sorghum growing areas in Kenya. Ellixir International (Remote Sensing) 44: 1141- 1165
2013
Konje M., P. Okoth, H.Tsingalia, C. Kigen, H. Nyongesa, A. Njue and M. Wabusya (2013). Influence of Soil Properties and Environmental Variables on Plant Communities in Lake Naivasha Drainage Basin; Kenya. Elixir Pollution 64: 19215-19221
Kigen C, P. Okoth , Konje, W. Shivoga, D. Ochieno, S. Wanjala, H. Agevi, Z. Onyando, B. Soy, P. Kisoyan, and S. Makindi (2013) . Modeling the Spatial Impact of Climate Change on Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) niche in Kenya. Elixir Remote sensing 62 (2013) 17608-17611
Other Publications
Books
Books
Book Chapters
Book Chapters
Conference
Conference
2025
June 2025– Active participation in National Level Webinar on the theme Improved Measurement Of Bc Aerosol For Air Quality And Climate Studies” held on 05th June 2025 Organized by Department of Physics, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Andhra Pradesh, India in association with Indian Aerosol Science and Technology Association (IASTA).
April 2025 – Active participation in International Guest Lecture on the theme “CLIMATE CRISIS: How Air Pollution is Reshaping our World” held on 16th April 2025 Organized by Department of Physics, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Andhra Pradesh, India in association with Indian Aerosol Science and Technology Association (IASTA), India.
2023
November 2023 – Presented a reviewed paper in the 20th Conference on Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (COMSTEDA 20) from 28th – 30th November, 2023.) organized by National Teaching Council of Ghana
June 2023 – Attended and presented a reviewed paper during the 6th Kibabii University Bi-Annual International Conference which was held virtually on 14th and 15th June, 2023. Theme: “Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to Mitigate Global Challenges for Sustainable Development”.
May 2023 – Attended Workshop Training on Supervision of Postgraduate Students, Organized by School of Graduate Studies, Kibabii University on Friday, 5th May, 2023
2021
June 2021 – attended and and presented a reviewed paper International Conference (Kibabii University 5th International Conference) held in Kibabii University, May 2021 – attended an international 3 days conference (4th KIPPRA Annual Regional Confrence).
2019
June 2019 – attended and presented a reviewed paper in an International Conference (Kibabii University 4th International Conference) held in Kibabii University, Theme “Creative and Innovation for Sustainable Development” and made a presentation
2018
June 2018 – attended an International Conference (Kibabii University 3rd International Conference) held in Kibabii University, Theme “Creative and Innovation for Sustainable Development” and made a presentation.
2017
October 2017 – attended a training workshop on “ISO 900:2015 Quality Management System Process Owners’ Training Course” held at Kibabii University, Bungoma
April 2017– I attended a seminar on African Women in Science, Western Kenya Region Chapter at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, organized by AWSF, Kenyan Chapter.
March 2017, I attended a Grant Proposal Writing workshop training organized by African Population
2014
January 2014 – attended a training workshop on “Curriculum Development and Review for Public Universities in Kenya; Implementation and Accreditation” hela at Masinde Muliro University.
2013
May 2013, I attended a short course training on “Possibilities For Improvement To Species Diversity Modelling” held at ICIPE, Duduville campus Nairobi, organized by ICIPE and GIZ
2012
November, 2012– I attended an International 3 weeks training on “Adaptive management of natural resources, to support decentralized forests and natural management for rural development” held at Kumasi, Accra in Ghana. Organized by Center for Development Innovation, Wageningen UR, Netherland
August 2012 – attended a training workshop on “Effective Teaching Strategies for Biological and Environmental Scientists; Developing Research Capacity among African Environmental Scientists” held in Kampala, Uganda, organized by Tropical Biology Association
2010
In June, 2010, I attended an international conference in Beijing, China. The conference was entitled ‘Women Scientists in a Changing World’, and covered a critical range of topics of interest to the overall objectives of promoting women in science and technology, Sponsored by Women in Science (OWSD).
In May, 2010, I attended a conference organized by Ecological Society for Eastern Africa (ESEA) at the Multimedia University College, Nairobi. The conference was entitled “Climate Change and Natural Resource use in Eastern Africa: Impacts, Adaptations and Mitigation” and is expected to address the issue of climate change and natural resource use in the region.
2008
In July 2008, I attended the 43rd Grassland Society of South Africa Annual Congress that was held at Baadplas, South Africa and I presented a paper entitled “Measurement of spatial and temporal variation in forage production by use of remote sensing data (MODIS) and line-intercept method in Richtersveld National Park, South Africa. The paper contributes to the understanding of the role of the new technology of remote sensing and GIS in monitoring rangeland productivity.
2007
In July 2007, I attended a conference organized by Arid Zone Ecology Forum (AZEF) that was held in Sutherland, South Africa. During the conference I presented a poster entitled “the effect of rainfall and grazing on plant species composition, richness and productivity in Richtersveld National Park, South Africa and I won a trophy and a price for the best poster presentation.
2006
In 2006, I attended a Competitive Grant Systems Proposal Writing Training Course in Nakuru, Kenya that was organized by the Regional Programme for sustainable use of Dryland Biodiversity (RPSUD) based in National Museums of Kenya.
2004
In 2004, I attended a Multi-Disciplinary Course in Tropical Fresh Water Ecosystems Management that was organized with the support of MarcArthur Foundation, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and Pan African START Secretariat (PASS).
Other
2000 – Attended a “Computer systems and Applications course” in Kenyatta University, African Virtual University Unit.
Learning Modules
Innovations, Prototypes & Commercialization
.