Biography
Professor Shem Omukunda Aywa is a distinguished Kenyan mathematician and academic leader, currently serving as Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics at Kibabii University, Bungoma, Kenya. With a career spanning nearly four decades in higher education, Prof. Aywa specializes in Functional Analysis, with research interests including operator theory, Banach spaces, numerical ranges, summability theory, and related areas in pure mathematics. He has also made notable contributions to applied mathematics, including group testing, coding theory, error-correcting codes, and mathematical modeling. Prof. Aywa holds a B.Ed. (Double Mathematics) and an M.Sc. in Pure Mathematics, both from Kenyatta University, and earned his Ph.D. in Functional Analysis from Potchefstroom University (now part of North-West University), South Africa, in 1999. His teaching career began in 1987 at Bunyore Girls High School. He joined Maseno University in 1990 as Assistant Lecturer, rising to Senior Lecturer by 2000. He later served at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and Kabarak University before joining Kibabii University, where he was promoted to full Professor in 2015. Throughout his career, he has supervised numerous MSc and PhD students and served as an external examiner in Pure Mathematics for multiple Kenyan universities. An accomplished administrator, Prof. Aywa has held key leadership positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at MMUST, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Administration & Finance) at Kibabii University, and Chairman of multiple strategic planning and ISO certification committees. In these roles, he contributed significantly to institutional development through strategic planning, infrastructure expansion, quality assurance, and staff capacity building. A prolific researcher, he has authored numerous scholarly publications in international journals, with key contributions in functional analysis, operator ideals, numerical ranges, and applied topics. He is a reviewer for the National Research Fund (NRF) Kenya, a member of professional societies including MACKNET (Kenya) and the South African Mathematical Society, and has edited academic journals and co-authored books in mathematics and disaster management. Beyond academia, Prof. Aywa is deeply engaged in community service. He has served on Boards of Governors and as a PTA member for several secondary schools in Kenya, mentored students through mathematics contests and prize-giving events, and contributed to educational outreach. Since 2009, he has served as Pastor at Kakamega Pentecostal Church and participated in various leadership and discipleship programs. Professor Aywa’s distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to excellence in mathematics education and research, transformative institutional leadership, and meaningful community engagement across Kenya and the region.
Academic Qualification
.
Field of Specialization
Membership of Professional Bodies
Professional Training and Development
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Administration & Finance)
- Led strategic planning, policy development, and quality assurance initiatives to enhance institutional performance and readiness for ISO certification.
- Strengthened HR capacity through staff recruitment, appraisal systems, and professional development initiatives.
- Improved financial management through ERP implementation, enhanced revenue collection, strengthened accountability, and ensured statutory compliance.
- Directed key infrastructure and institutional development, including academic, health, sports, and ICT facilities.
- Expanded and supported staff through recruitment, promotions, welfare programs, and strengthened union engagement.
- Enhanced health services by establishing medical facilities, recruiting qualified staff, and partnering for specialized care.
- Promoted environmental sustainability through tree planting and campus beautification in partnership with the community.
Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Administration & Finance)
- Oversaw institutional planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
- Strengthened administrative systems and operational efficiency
- Supported strategic decision making and policy implementation
Professor of Mathematics
- Provides strategic academic leadership in Mathematics and related programs
- Supervises postgraduate research
- Leads research initiatives and secures academic collaborations
- Publishes in high impact journals and contributes to knowledge advancement
- Serves in senior university committees and policy formulation
Associate Professor
- Played a key role in establishing and strengthening Mathematics programs
- Mentored academic staff and supervised postgraduate students
- Participated in institutional development and academic planning
Associate Professor
- Led postgraduate supervision and research in Mathematics
- Published extensively in peer
- reviewed journals
- Held key administrative and academic leadership roles
- Contributed to policy development and curriculum review
Associate Professor
- Provided academic leadership in Mathematics programs
- Contributed to establishment and growth of academic departments
- Supervised postgraduate students and research initiatives
Senior Lecturer
- Strengthened Mathematics programs and contributed to curriculum expansion
- Supervised student research and mentored junior academic staff
- Engaged in collaborative research and academic publications
Senior Lecturer
- Led course development and review in specialized Mathematics areas
- Supervised postgraduate students and research projects
- Published scholarly articles in peer reviewed journals
- Participated in academic committees and departmental leadership
Lecturer
- Taught a wide range of undergraduate Mathematics units
- Supervised undergraduate research projects
- Contributed to curriculum development and departmental academic programs
- Engaged in research and published in relevant academic areas
Assistant Lecturer
- Assisted in teaching undergraduate Mathematics courses
- Supported curriculum delivery and student tutorials
- Participated in academic mentoring and student assessment
Teacher
- Delivered Mathematics curriculum with improved student performance in national examinations
- Mentored students in academic and co curricular activities
- Contributed to development of teaching materials and lesson plans
Professional Research Interest
.
Research Funds Attracted as Collaborating Scientist
Research Funds Attracted as Principal Investigator / Co-PI
Funds Attracted for Community Development
Consultancy
Consulting Services
Publications
Muchanga, R. N., Chikamai, L. & Aywa, S. (2025). Conjugacy Class Determination of the Split Extension Group 28: A10 Using Coset Analysis Techniques. IRE Journals. Vol. 9 (1)
Mulongo, P.W., Aywa, S., & Sirengo, J. (2024). Equivalent Characterizations of Isometrically Bounded Operators with Circular Numerical Ranges. IRE Journal. Vol. 8 (1).
Barasa, J., Chikamai, L. & Aywa, S. (2024). Circulatory and Polygonal Structure of Numerical Ranges for Non-Negative Matrices. IRE Journal. Vol. 8 (2).
Khadioli, R., Chikamai, L. & Aywa, S. (2024). Conjugacy Classes of the Group 27: G2(2). IRE Journal. Vol. 8 (2).
Mulongo, P. W., Aywa, S., & Mukudi, F. (2024). Isometrically Isomorphic Banach Spaces: Classification, Properties, and Open Problems.
Barasa, J. S., Chikamai, L., & Aywa, S. (2024). Circularity Of Numerical Ranges for Isometrically Bounded Operators.
Satia, W. Arnest., Vincent, M., & Aywa, S. (2024). NonStandard Analysis of the Koch Snowflake Fractal Curve: Insights into Self-Similarity and Scaling Properties. IRE Journal. Vol. 8 (2).
Nyongesa, A.M., Aywa, S. & Okelo, N.B. (2021). Algebra Automorphism Modulus Additive Conditions for Surjective Maps on Unital C*-Algebra. International Journal of Modern Computation, Information and Communication Technology. 2 (7). Pp1-6.
Nyongesa, A.M., Aywa, S. & Okelo, N.B. (2021). Certain Preserver Conditions for Automorphisms on Unital C*-Algebra. (2021). Global Scientific Journals. Vol.9 (4).
Sirengo L. J., Nyongesa, L. K. & Aywa, S. (2020). An M-Stage Hierachical Group Testing for Estimating Multiple Traits in a Population. IOSR Journal of Mathematics (IOSR-JM). 16 (3). Pp 29-34.
Sirengo L. J., Nyongesa, L. K. & Aywa, S. (2020). Estimation of Multiple Traits in an M-Stage Group Testing Model. Applied Mathematical Sciences. 14 (5). Pp235-243.
Mukudi, F., Mile, J., Chikamai, L., & Aywa, S. (2020). Strong Commutativity of Unbounded Self-adjoint Operators on a Separable Hilbert space.
Wegulo, M.E.O., Aywa, S. & Okelo, N. B. (2019). On Spectra of n-hyponormal operators in Hilbert Space. International Journal of Modern Computation, Information and Communication Technology. 2 (7).
Cyprian, O. S., Aywa, S., & Chikamai, L. (2018). Some properties of the joint numerical range of the aluthge transform.
Olege, F., Oduor, O. M., Aywa, S., & Okaka, C. A. (2016). Characterization of codes of ideals of the polynomial ring f30 2 [x] mod ô€€€ x30 ô€€€ 1 for error control in computer applicatons.
Otanga OL, MO Oduor, SO Aywa. Partition of Measurable Sets. Journal of Advances in Mathematics. 2015a. 2022;10(8): 3759-3768
Otanga LO, Aywa S, Owino MO. On generation of measurable covers for measurable sets using multiple integral of functions (2015)
Otanga OL, Oduor MO, Aywa SO. Partition of measurable sets. Journal of Advances in Mathematics. 2015;10(8):3759-63.
Adenya R. K., Okoya M. O., Aywa S. O. and Oganga D. O. (2015). Mixed Galerkin Finite Element Solution of the Homogenous Burgers Equation. IJESR Vol. 3, Issue 2. ISSN: 2347-6532.
Otanga Levi O., Aywa Shem O., Owino M. O. ―Generation for Measurable Covers for Measurable Sets Using Multiple Integral of Functions‖. 2015 pp 32 – 41 science sign Post Publishing
Otanga L.O., Owino M.O., and Aywa S. O. Partition of Measurable Sets. 2015 Journal of Advances in Mathematics ISSN2347-1921 Vol. 10 No. 8
Duncan Oganga, Michael O. Okoya, Shem O. Aywa, George O. Lawi and Joyce K. Nthiiri (2014). Finite difference solution of third order viscous wave equation. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Mathematics. Vol. 3 Issue 4 pgs 56-65ISSN 2320-0294.
Wanambisi, A., Aywa, S., Maende, C., & Muketha, G. M. Advances in composite integer factorization. (2013)
AW Wanambisi, S Aywa, C Maende, GM Muketha . Algebraic approach to composite integer factorization (2013)
Matuya J. W., Simiyu A., Aywa S., ―On Some Aspects of U-ideal Determined by c, and ‖ Research inventory: International Journal of Engineering and Science. Vol 2 Issue 9 (April 2013) pg. 19-23. ISSN€ 2278-4721 ISSN (p) 2319-6483.
Musundi W., Ombaka C. O., Njogu S. M., Muthengi F., Mugambi D. , Aywa S. O. (2013) ―Conjecture of Banach Space Operator Ideals in Nuclear Spaces.‖ Asian Journal of Current Engineering and Maths ISSN No. 2277-4920 June 2013 pg 196 – 200.
Olege , Aywa S., Rao R. D. K., Wanambisi A. (2013)―Ideals of polynomial Ring for Error Control in Computer Applications. Mathematical Theory and Modeling ISSN 2225 – 0522 (p) ISSN 2224 – 5804 online Vol. 3 No. 7 Pg. 55-63.
Aldrin Wanambisi, Cleophas Maende, Geoffrey Muchiri Muketha, Shem Aywa (2013) ―A Probabilistic Data Encryption Scheme (PDES)‖ Journal of Natural Sciences Research, ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online) Vol. 3, No. 1.
Aldrin Wanambisi, Shem Aywa, Cleophas Maende, Geoffrey Muchiri Muketha ―Factorization of Large Composite Integer‖ International Journal of Mathematics and , Studies Vol. 1, March 2013, pp. 39-44.
Aldrin W. Wanambisi, Shem Aywa, Cleophas Maende, Geoffrey Muchiri Muketha. Advances in composite integer Mathematical Theory and Modeling. Vol 3, No 2 (2013)
Wanambisi W., Aywa S., Maende C., Muketha G. M. ―Algebraic Approach to Composite Integer Factorization‖, International Journal of Mathematics and Statistics, March 2013.
Musundi, Aywa and Fourie J. “Equivalent Banach Operator Ideal Norms” International Journal of Mathematical Analysis, Vol. 6 (2012) No. 1, pg 19-27
Musundi S., Aywa S., Jan Fourie, Matuya J.W. “Unconditional Banach Space Ideal Property” Journal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications Vol 18 No.1-2, 2012 pg 21-28
Musundi S. Aywa S. Jan Fourie, Matuya J. W. ―Unconditional Banach Space Ideal Property‖ Journal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications 18 No. 1 – 2, 2012pg 21– 28.
Musundi, S. Aywa, and Fourie J. ―Equivalent Banach Operator Ideal Norms‖. International Journal of Mathematical Analysis, Vol. 6 (2012) No. 1, pg 19-27
John Matuya, P. Makila, Simiyu A, S. Aywa, Musundi S. ―On Characterization of U-ideals determined by Sequences‖ Asian Journal of Current Engineering and Maths ISSN No. 2277-4920 (2012)
Wanyonyi W. Simiyu A., Aywa S., Kirui S. C. ―On Redemacher Boundedness in Operator- Norm ―Journal of Agriculture, Pure and Applied Science and Technology ISSN 2073-8749 (2012).
Owino, M and Aywa, ―Measurable Feller Semigroups on RN‖ J-STEM (2007) ISSN 1991 – 2889 Vol. No. 2 PP37-45
Aywa S. and Fourie, J.H. “Spaces of Compact Operators and their dual spaces” Rendiconti del circolo Mathematico di Palermo, Serie II, Tomo LIII (2004) pg 205-224
Aywa, S and Fourie, H. ―Spaces of Compact Operators and their Dual Spaces‖ Rendiconti del Circolo Mathematico di Palermo, Serie II, Tomo LIII(2004), pg. 205-224
Aywa S. and Fourie H. ―Spaces of Compact Operators and their Dual Spaces‖, Business Mathematics and Informatics (2002) FABW-N-WST:2002-101
Aywa S. and Fourie, J.H “On Summing Multipliers and Applications” J. Math Analysis and Applications 253 (2001) pg 166-186
Aywa S. and Fourie, H. ―On Summing Multipliers and Applications‖. J. Math Analysis and Applications 253 (2001), pg. 166 – 186
Aywa S and Fourie, J. H. “On Convergence of Sections of Sequences in Banach Spaces”. Rendiconti Del Circolo Matematico di Palermo, Series II, Tomo XLIX (2000) pg 141-150
Aywa , S and Fourie, J. H. ―On Convergence of Sections of Sequences in Banach Spaces‖. Rendiconti del CircoloMatematico di Series II, Tomo XLIX (2000), pg. 141 – 150
Aywa S. ―Sequence in the Range of a Vector-Valued Measure‖ Journal of School of Computer, Statistical and Mathematical Sciences (1999)
Rotich, D. Ochieng and S. Aywa, ―Income Source Diversification and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya. International Journal of Business and Public Management (ISSN:2223-6244) Vol. 1(1):26-35
Manyey S. K.T., Maiyo J. K., Odebero S. O. & Aywa S. State of teaching facilities in Public middle level colleges in North-Rift Region, Kenya: Implications for wastage rates‖ .International Journal Of Business And Public Management In press
Learning Modules
Innovations, Prototypes & Commercialization
.