Publications - 2025/2026

1. Maket, I. (2025). Leveraging cash transfers to mitigate energy poverty among refugees in Uganda: Distributional insights and gendered lens. Sustainable Futures, 100963 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100963
2. Wekesa, E. N., Ojuka, P., Ochieng, C. O., Ndarawit, W., Kituyi, S. N., Omosa, L. K., ... & Kimani, N. M. (2025). Antidiabetic Activity of Compounds Isolated from Zanthoxylum mildbraedii: An in Vitro α‐Amylase Inhibition and In Silico Analysis. Chemistry & Biodiversity, e01439.  https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202501439
3. Waweru P. K., Atitwa E. B., Ndiku Z. M., Kailemia P. N., Semi-Markovian analysis of the prognosis of breast cancer between diagnosis and treatment initiation in Kenya: A case study of two counties, Communications in Mathematical, Biology and Neuroscience, (2025), Article ID 85 https://doi.org/10.28919/cmbn/9271

4. Kitusa, N. K., & Kiarii, E. M. (2025). Artificial Intelligence Application in Bioprocessing of Wastes to Energy. In Biotechnological Advancements in Biomass to Bioenergy Biotransformation: Sustainable Implications in Circular Economy (pp. 299-327). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.

   http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-9282-8_14

5. Kamuru C. K., Wanyama J. K., M’Ngaruthi T. K. (2025). Balagha kama Ulimbo uliotumiwa kunasia Uungwaji mkono katika Makongamano ya Wagombea Wawili wa Urais nchini Kenya Mwaka wa 2022. East African Scholars Journal of Education

   Humanities and Literature, 8(8), 345-355.

   https://doi.org/10.36349/easjehl.2025.v08i08.003

6. Mwaura, H. K., Wakhu, S., & Kanyingi, B. (2025). The Effects of Cattle Rustling on Children’s Educational Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Global Change, Peace & Security, 1-19.  https://doi.org/10.1080/14781158.2025.2542737

7. Chelangat, M., Gichimu, B. M., Muturi, P. W., & Gitari, J. N. (2025). Assessment of Forty‐Five Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) Accessions Under Varying Environments in Kenya Using Morphological and Yield Components. International Journal of Agronomy, 2025(1), 6656743.  https://doi.org/10.1155/ioa/6656743

8. Kipkemoi, I., Sitati, G.K. & Gakai, P.K. Exploring the impact of sister city partnerships on emerging African cities. Discov Cities 2, 68 (2025).

   https://doi.org/10.1007/s44327-025-00106-x

9. Migwi, F. K., Nyamato, G. S., Akerman, M. P., & Ojwach, S. O. An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Ethylene Oligomerization Reactions Catalyzed by Heterocyclic (Pyrazolyl) Imine Fe (II) and Co (II) Complexes. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2500248.  https://doi.org/10.1002/ejic.202500248

10. Kitavi, D. M., Wong, K. T., Wu, Y. I., & Lee, C. H. (2025). Off-Eccentricity in a Multi-Ring Planar Array–Improving the Cramér-Rao Bound for Azimuth-Elevation Direction Finding. IEEE Access.  https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3597782

11. Júnior, P. R. d. S. R., Lima, L. R. d., Silva, L. B., Ramos, R. S., Sanches, V. H. d. S., Kimani, N. M., Trossini, G. H. G., Campos, J. M., Lobato, C. C., & Santos, C. B. R. (2025). Identification of Potential Pteridin Reductase-1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis: A Bioinformatics Approach. Pharmaceuticals, 18(8), 1237. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081237

12. Meti, T., Ndirangu, S., & Nyarindo, W. (2025). Determinants of Adoption of Climate‐Smart Agricultural Practices: The Case of Smallholders in Makueni County, Kenya. Advances in Agriculture, 2025(1), 4159649.  https://doi.org/10.1155/aia/4159649

13. Njiru, D. G., Kiboro, C., Omboto, J. O., & Wakhu, S. (2025). A comprehensive Study of Trends and Patterns of Cargo Theft and Implications on Seaport Security. International Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities (IJRSS) ISSN: 2582-6220, DOI: 10.47505/IJRSS, 6(8), 35-41.

14. Munubi, N.N., F. Rotich and E.E. Arunga. 2026. Marker-Assisted Pyramiding of Multiple Disease Resistance Genes in Market-Class French Bean Lines in

    Kenya. Journal of Global Innovations in Agricultural Sciences 14(x): xxxxx. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22194/JGIAS/26.1817

15. Maket, I., & Naibei, R. (2025). Fiscal Decentralization and Devolved Healthcare Service Availability Outcomes in Kenya: Evidence from Panel Dynamic Approach.Regional Science Policy & Practice, 100213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rspp.2025.100213

16. Karuga I.W., Mwito M.M., Mugambi P.J. Implications of Tax Reforms on Tax Potential in Kenya: An Econometric Analysis. Journal of Tax Reform. 2025;11(3):713–730. https://doi.org/10.15826/jtr.2025.11.3.224

17. Mugambi, G., Rimiru, R., Kimwele, M., Muriuki, C., Gakii, C., & Mukoya, E. (2025). Spatial temporal fusion based features for enhanced remote sensing change detection. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14592-x

18. Wang Q., Wang X., Zhang Z., Wang Z., Chen W., Hua X., Liu M., Li Z., Mugweru, J., Wang Z., Wang J., Whole-genome identification and expression characterization of the HSFP gene family of Triticum aestivum under heat and drought stress, Plant Science, Volume 362, 2026, 112780, ISSN 0168-9452, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112780

19. Otieno, M., Peters, M. K., & Steffan-Dewenter, I. (2025). Safeguarding nocturnal pollinators for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, TREE 3495, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2025.08.002 available online September 3, 2025.

20.         Njiru, D. G., Kiboro, C., Omboto, J. O., & Wakhu, S. (2025). The Evolving Nature of Cargo Theft at Kilindini Harbour, Mombasa-Kenya Between the Year 2020 and 2024. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 9(08), 2652-2664. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.908000216

21. .     Asweto, C. O., Saoke, V. O., Kyalo, A. M., & Alzain, M. A. (2025). Growing resilience: Regional and community strategies for sustainable agriculture and food systems in Africa.  https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-15976-3.00070-2

22. Shivachi, A., Nthakanio, P. N., Arunga, E. E., & Otsyula, R. (2025). Evaluation of Advanced Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)  Breeding Lines for Multiple Disease Resistance and Yield in Western Kenya. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition & Development, 25(7). https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.144.25980

23. Ojuka P, Nyamato G.S., Santos CB, Kimani N.M. (2025) A review and in silico screening of plant-derived snake venom/toxin inhibitors: ADMET, drug-likeness, and medicinal chemistry profiling. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 19(10): e0013579. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013579

24. .     Nyarindo, W. N., & Mugera, A. (2025). What determines market participation and trade intensity? The case of smallholders in Kenya. Scientific African, e03057.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03057

25. .     Gathongo, J. K. (2025). Hate the Sin and Not the Sinner: Addressing Unfair Discrimination Against Ex-Convict Job Applicants in Kenya and Insights from International Law. Obiter, 46(3), 709-728.  https://doi.org/10.17159/zd06ya48

26. .     Laub, M., Corbeels, M., MacLaren, C., Mugendi D. Yegon R. et al. Maize yield responses to soil organic carbon under integrated soil fertility management in tropical environments. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 45, 63 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-025-01054-x

27. .     Orwa, P., Kuhl-Nagel, T., Meinhold-Ernst, R., Seyer, A., Jehle, J. A., Mwirichia, R., & Linkies, A. (2025). Chaetomium, Chlonostachys, and Pseudogymnoascus isolates from tomato tissues significantly suppress Phytophthora infestans in tomato. PLoS One, 20(10), e0335007. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335007

28. .     Musau Wambua, D., N. Ndirangu, S., Mogaka, H. et al. Determinants of the produced coffee volumes and choice of marketing channels among smallholder coffee farmers in Embu and Kirinyaga counties, Kenya. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 1584 (2025).

    https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05462-y

29.      Mutisya WM, Akoko JM, Mwatondo A, Muturi M, Nthiwa D, Abkallo HM, et al. (2025) Sero-epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii in livestock and humans in Isiolo county Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 19(10): e0013557. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013557

30. .     Marín, C., Barreto, C., Singh, B. K., de Ruiter, P. C., Brown, G. G., Battigelli, J., Karuri H... & Lindo, Z. (2025). Open letter: A global call to strengthen national soil biodiversity action through coordination and harmonization. Plants, People, Planet.

    https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.70121

31. .     Akinyi, M. D., Mwirichia, R., Mugweru, J., & Kimani, N. M. (2025). Novel Haloalkaliphilic Nitrile‐Degrading Bacteria from Soda Lake Soil of Rift Valley Kenya. The Scientific World Journal, 2025(1), 3126129.  https://doi.org/10.1155/tswj/3126129

32. Muturi, M., Mwatondo, A., Nijhof, A.M., Nthiwa, D. et al. Incidence rate of Rift Valley fever exposure in humans and livestock from a longitudinal study in Northern Kenya. Scientific Rep 15, 40944 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-24693-2
33. Mwova, A.K., Otieno, M., Segar, S.T. et al. Species richness, diversity and abundance of insect flower visitors of Coffea arabica and Coffea fadenii in Taita hills, Kenya. International J Trop Insect Sci (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-025-01696-0

34. .     Maina, E. W., Kimani, S., & Mwaura, J. (2025). Peer-led Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Enhances Cardiometabolic Markers in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Quasi-Experimental Study. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 62, 00469580251390775. https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580251390775

35.        Knauer, A., Adhikari, S., Andersson, G.K.S., Otieno, M., et al. Pesticides and habitat loss additively reduce wild bees in crop fields. Nat Ecol Evol 10, 95–104 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02924-z

36.        Adipo M., Mudalungu C. M., Santos, C. B. R. Kimani N.M., Tanga C. M., Insect-derived Compounds as Novel Source for Drug Discovery: A Systematic Review and Critical in Silico Analysis: Chemistry and Biodiversity (2025): e02495..  https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202502495

37.      Omollo D, Macreadie P., Wartman M., Eid E.M., Sam K., Rakotonjanahary F., Githaiga M., Hugé Jean., Bandeira S., Moyer R.P., Kairu A., et.al Barriers and Enablers to Blue Carbon Projects in Africa: A Horizon Scan Analysis.  Sustainable Development (2025). DOI:10.1002/sd.70568

38. .     Gitonga, C.M., Karuku, S., Asweto, C. et al. Determinants of parental engagement in early childhood education in Kenya. Discover Education (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-01059-4

39.      Wanyonyi M., Morris Z.N., Musyoka F.M., Kitavi D.M. (2025) Enhanced machine learning and hybrid ensemble approaches for Coronary Heart Disease prediction. PLoS One 20(12): e0328338. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328338

40.       Chege, S. W., Ochola, L.., Nyabuga, F. N., Mgawe, C., Ngunjiri, J. W., Genetic characterization of Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 18(12):p 551-564, December 2025.  DOI: 10.4103/apjtm.apjtm_329_25

41.        Laub, M., Necpalova, M., Van de Broek, M., Corbeels, M., Lee, J., Mucheru-Muna, M. W., Mugendi, D., Yegon R... & Six, J. (2026). The potential to increase maize yields and mitigate climate change by adopting integrated soil fertility management across different regions in Kenya—A simulation study. Agricultural Systems, 231, 104477.

                https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104477

42.      Mutwiri, W.K., Muturi, E.J., Ngunjiri, J.W.,Muthengia J. W. , Budambula N. L. M., Muli, J. K. , Murithi G., Nyabuga F. N. , Njogu M. K.et al. Insecticide resistance profiles of Anopheles arabiensis and relationship with Microsporidia MB infection in two rice agroecosystems in Kenya. Parasites Vectors (2026).

    https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-07212-0

43.         Elmi, M. S., Ndunyu, L., Asweto, C. O., & Saoke, V. O. (2026). Faith, Culture, and Choice: Unraveling the Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Use Among Married Women in Garbatula Sub‐County, Kenya. BioMed Research International, 2026(1), 8308911.  https://doi.org/10.1155/bmri/8308911

44.         Khalid S. J., Kimani N. M., Huang Y., et al. Targeting Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms Through Aurisin Derivatives From Neonothopanus nambi of African Origin.  Chemistry and Biodiversity. DOI:10.1002/cbdv.202503741

45.        M. Karani, A., W. Kairu, A., N. Githaiga, M. et al. Congruence of detection probabilities and co-occurrence of threatened Afromontane damselflies with diverging functional traits (Odonata: Chlorocyphidae, Coenagrionidae). J Insect Conserv 30, 16 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-026-00750-7

46.       Rotich, B., Kipkulei, H., Ahmed, A. Lameck, A. S., Maket, I., Soi, B., ... & Boitt, M. Spatio-temporal variation of ecosystem service values in response to land use/land cover changes: the case of Baringo County, Kenya. Model. Earth Syst. Environ. 12, 81 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-026-02729-4

47.        Waweru, A.W., Kimani, N.M. & Omolo, J.O. Structural elucidation, molecular docking, and in silico ADMET assessment of antibacterial flavones from Dodonaea viscosa leaf extracts. Discov. Chem. 3, 61 (2026).

    https://doi.org/10.1007/s44371-026-00499-7

48.         Fontefrancesco, M. F., & Pili, M. (2026). Rural Tourism from a Comparative Perspective: Trends in Europe and Oceania. Encyclopedia, 6(2), 48. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6020048

49.       Maina E W, Kimani S T, Mwaura J (February 11, 2026) Sex Differences in Cardiometabolic Risk in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Attending a Regional Referral Hospital in Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 18(2):

    e103445. DOI 10.7759/cureus.103445

50. S. K.Kyalo, M.Kinyili, D. M.Kitavi, Z. M.Mburu, and G. K.Mutua, “Assessing the Role of Post-Secondary Education Level on Unemployment Menace in Kenya: A Mathematical Modeling Approach,” Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences (2026): 1–23, https://doi.org/10.1002/mma.70624

51.        Mukavi, J. W., Cal, M., Kaiser, M., Mäser, P., Kimani, N. M., Omosa, L. K., & Schmidt, T. J. (2026). Identification of Steroidal Alkaloids with In Vitro Antiprotozoal Activity from Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don. Molecules, 31(4), 733. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31040733

52.        Mukavi, J., Cal, M., Kaiser, M., Mäser, P., Kimani, N. M., Omosa, L. K., & Schmidt, T. J. (2026). Antiprotozoal aminosteroid alkaloids from Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don. Planta Medica, 92(03), EC3.  DOI:10.1055/s-0045-1814790

53.      Van de Broek, M., Stewart-Smith, F., Laub, M., Corbeels, M., Mucheru-Muna, M. W., Mugendi, D., Waswa, W., Vanlauwe, B., and Six, J.: Limited effect of organic matter addition on stabilised organic carbon in four tropical arable soils, SOIL, 12, 187–204, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-12-187-2026, 2026.

54.       Muriuki SW, Kambura A, Mugweru J, Wanjau K, Bautze D, Dubois T, et al. (2026) Long-term farming and cropping systems with contrasting nitrogen forms and input diversity influence soil prokaryotic diversity in the central highlands of Kenya. PLoS One 21(3): e0344418. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0344418

Book Chapters

1. Kitusa, N.K., Kiarii, E.M. (2025). Artificial Intelligence Application in Bioprocessing of Wastes to Energy. In: Tripathi, M., Kaur, S. (eds) Biotechnological Advancements in Biomass to Bioenergy Biotransformation. Clean Energy Production Technologies. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-9282-8_14
2.   Nthiga M., Kanjama C., Gavamukulya C., (2025).  Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in the Realization of Inter-Governmental Relations Disputes’ Resolution and Strengthened Sustainable Devolution. Journal of Conflict Management and Sustainable Development Volume 12 Issue 2 2025. https://journalofcmsd.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JCMSD-VOL-122-May-2025-S.pdf
3.  Kiluyi, J., Atitwa, E., Mugweru, J., Odhiambo, J., & Ngari, P. M. Integrated Determinants of Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes: A Comprehensive Analysis of Demographic, Clinical, and Behavioral Factors.  IAENG International Journal of Applied Mathematics, Volume 56, Issue 1, January 2026, Pages 426-444
4. 3. Wakhu, S. (2025). "From Human Rights to Human Security." The Rowman & Littlefield Handbook of Peace and Conflict Studies: Perspectives from the Global South. Ed. Siddharth Tripathi and Solveig Richter. New York, London, Dublin: Bloomsbury Academic, 2025. 461–478. Bloomsbury Handbooks. Bloomsbury Collections.https://www.bloomsburycollections.com/encyclopedia-chapter?docid=&tocid=b-9798881842390- chapter 23
5.   Noor, H., & Khaemba, S. W. (2025). Mobilizing Grievances: Postcolonial Legacies of Terrorism in Africa. The Rowman & Littlefield Handbook of Peace and Conflict Studies, 319.  Perspectives from the Global South. Ed. Siddharth Tripathi and Solveig Richter New York London Dublin: Bloomsbury Academic, 2025. 461–478. Bloomsbury Handbooks. Bloomsbury Collections. https://www.bloomsburycollections.com/encyclopedia-chapter?docid=&tocid=b-9798881842390- chapter15

Conceptual Paper

Khaemba, S. W. (2025). The role of social enterprise in preventing and countering violent extremism in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEPP-06-2024-0106

 Science, Technology, Research and Innovation Week4Society(STRI4SOCIETY), 2026 Photos

The University of Embu participated in the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Society (STRI4SOCIETY) Exhibition at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from Monday 18th May- Friday 22nd May, 2026.

Pedagogical Research and Development, Long-term and Synthesis Research Grants by British Ecological Society - Deadline is 11 September 2024.

https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/funding/pedagogical-research-and-development-grants/ 

International Merit-based Postgraduate Scholarships by University of Western Australia - Deadline is 31st October 2024.

https://researchdegrees.uwa.edu.au/scholarships?sc_view=1&id=8841#International%20Postgraduate%20Research%20Scholarships 

Dr. Dominic Kitavi, a senior Lecturer and Chairman of the Mathematics and Statistics Department at the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Embu, has received a ten-week travel grant from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan and the National Taipei University. Dr. Kitavi's expertise in Science and Technology has caught the attention of the College of Business, National Taipei University, where he will engage in lectures and academic exchange activities from June to September 2024 as a foreign professional.

This exclusive grant highlights Dr. Kitavi's international recognition and the fruitful cross-disciplinary collaboration with Prof. Lin Cai-Chuan from the Department of Statistics at National Taipei University. The University of Embu celebrates this remarkable achievement as Dr. Dominic Kitavi takes his expertise abroad, fostering global academic partnerships and knowledge exchange.

We anticipate the insightful contributions and knowledge-sharing that will emerge from this collaborative endeavor, amplifying University of Embu's presence on the global stage of science and technology.

Dr. Hezron Mogaka, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Embu's School of Agriculture, secures a groundbreaking grant totaling KES 31,877,404 from the National Research Fund (NRF). The grant will fund the innovative project "Biochar & Insect-Composed Organic Fertilizers in Kenya (BIO Kenya)" for two years starting in May 2024, showcasing University of Embu's commitment to cutting-edge agricultural research.