Full CV - Kenyatta University

CURRICULUM VITAE
1.0 Personal Details
Name
:
KATOLA Michael Thyaka
Date of Birth
:
18th May, 1961
Marital Status
:
Married
Nationality
:
Kenyan
Religion
:
Christianity
Address
:
Kenyatta University
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
P.O. BOX 438444 Nairobi – Kenya
Telephone
:
(Office) 254-020-8710901 EXT. 57461
Mobile No
:
0722989973
E-mail
:
[email protected]
2.0 Academic Qualifications

Ph.D (Religious studies) Kenyatta University.
Title of Thesis “Morality Among the Akamba A Case Study of Youth in Central
Division of Kitui District.1996-1990

M.A (Religious Studies) Kenyatta University.
Title
of
Thesis
“The
Akamba
Concept
of
Taboo
with
Particular
Reference
Machakos District 1989-1985.

BEd Upper Second Class (Hons)(Kenyatta University college), University of Nairobi.
1
to
Subject studied: Education, PRS, Kiswahili 1985-1981
3.0 Employment History

January 2002 - to present: Senior Lecturer:
Kenyatta University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

February 1992 – Dec. 2001: Lecturer:
Kenyatta University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

September 1988 – Jan. 1992: Tutorial Fellow:
Kenyatta University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

September 1985- June 1985 Graduate Teacher Ndagene Secondary School, Meru
University Courses Taught
a) Religious Studies

Introduction to African Religion and Culture

Belief systems in Kenya

Sources of African Religion

Sociology of Religion

The Church in Africa

Church History

Christian Response to Contemporary Issues

Ecumenical Movement

Comparative Religion
b) Philosophy

African Ethics and Morality

Phenomenology of Religion
2

Philosophy of Religion.

African Religious Philosophy
4.0 Post Graduate Supervision
4.1 Ongoing Supervision
1. C50/CE/14539/2009 Onserio Nyang’au. The influence of the Catholic Theology of Sexuality on
Teenage Girls in Njoro Deanary Nakuru County Kenya(MA Thesis)
2. C82/21935/2010
Bernard Gechiko Nyabwari. Holistic Christian Education for Character
Formation in Seventh-Day Adventist Church Sponsored Secondary Schools in Nyamira County,
Kenya.
3. C50/CE/11446/2008
Evans Aiko Mogire. The Response of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church
to the Belief and Practice of Witchcraft Among the Abagusii of Marani District, Kisii County.
4. C50/CE/22298/2011, Dominic Kinyua Njagi. Continuity and Change in the Religious Functions
of Njuri Njeke in the Life of Ameru of Kenya.
5. C50/CE/14548/2009, Jelagat Arusei. The Influence of Christianity on Traditional Marriage
Symbols and Rituals Among the Nandi of Nandi North District, Kenya.
6. C50/CE/21641/2011, Loice Omote. The Seventh-Day Adventist Teaching on Sexual Morality
and its Effects on Youth in Rigoma District, Nyamira Conference, Kenya.
7. C82/24699/2011, Fredrick Otieno Amolo, Holistic Approach to Cross – Border Conflict
Resolution Between the Luo and Kalenjin Communities Along Muhoroni – Tinderet
Constituency, Kenya.
8. C50/CE/2584/2011, Justine Nyarinda Nyakweba, The Role of the P.C.E.A. in Controlling Illicit
Brews in Mukurwei-ini District, Nyeri County, Kenya.
9. C82/CE/22298/2011, Joy Nsabirye. Sexual Morality in Anglican Church Founded Schools in
Jinja District, Uganda.
10. Angeline Kanake, The Church Response to Enviromental Degradation in Kenya:The case of
Nyeri County.(Chuka University)
4.2 Successful Supervision of Students at Kenyatta University
1. Alex Kamwaria (2014). Integration of Indigenous Healing Approaches into Psycho-Social mode of
Trauma Healing for the Dinka Victims of Armed Conflict in South Sudan. PhD Thesis.
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2. Patrick G. M. Mungai (2009) Evangelizing Executives. A Case Study of Club Members in Nairobi
Kenya. PhD Thesis.
3. Nahashon Gitonga (2005). The process of Inculturation of Christianity in Kenya. A Case Study of
Kaaga Methodist Synod, Meru. PhD Thesis.
4. Miriam A. C. Nwoye (2005). Transitional Ceremonies in Igbo Religion. The Case of Nri and Ihiala
people of Anambra State of Nigeria. PhD Thesis.
5. Margaret Gecaga (2004). A Study of the Controversy Surrounding the Introduction of Family Life
Education in Kenyan Schools PhD. Thesis.
6.
Cyprian Kavivya(2003). The policy of the Catholic Church on Family Planning. A Case Study of
the Akamba of Kangundo Division of Machakos District PhD Thesis.
7. Josephine Gitome (2003). African Indigenous Guidance and counseling Techniques and their
Application in selected Nairobi Churches PhD Thesis.
8. Serah Ngila (2012). The Persistence of Iweto marriage Among the Akamba Christians of Kangudo
District. MA Thesis.
9. Bernard Nyabwari (2010). Inculturation of the Concept of God in the Traditional Religion of the
Abagusii of Western Kenya. MA Thesis.
10. Angeline Kariithi (2001). Continuity and change in the Practice of Cliteridectomy. A Case Study of
the Atharaka of Meru East District. MA Thesis.
11. Janet Kassilly (2001) Penetration of Islam Among the Ababukusu of Bungoma District up to 1998.
MA Thesis.
12. Abdi Siyat (1999). Family Planning among the Somali Muslims of Garissa District. MA Thesis.
4.3 Successful Supervision of Students Outside Kenyatta University
1. J. A. Ireneo (2010). Effect of Armed Conflict in Performance and Discipline in Senior Secondary
Schools in Wau town, Southern Sudan MA Thesis MIAS, St Marys University,Minessota.
2. Epimark M.Mkenda (2008). The Role of Elders in Moral formation. A Case Study of the
Agikuyu of Kiambu, Kenya MA Thesis MIAS, St Marys University,Minessota...
3. Timothy Gachanga (2007). An Exploration of how Primary School Teachers Employ Indigenous
Peace Knowledge in Building Peace in Schools. A Case Study of Primary Schools in Kariobangi
and Korogocho, Nairobi Kenya MA Thesis( Thesis reader) ) MIAS, St Marys
University,Minessota.
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4. Michael Boni Bazza (2001). The Notion of Community Involvement in African Indigenous
Marriage. A case Study of Nairobi 1997 – 2000 MA Thesis ( Thesis Reader) MIAS, St Marys
University,Minessota.
5.0 Administrative Responsibilities

Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as Acting Director, Teaching Practice Centre, Kenyatta
University from 16 December 2013 – 14 January 2014

Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as the Acting Director, Teaching Practice Centre 15 August-9
September 2013

Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as Acting Director, Teaching Practice Centre December 2012January 2013

Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman Department of Religious Studies 2001 – 2003

Appointed Acting Chairman, Department of Religious Studies ( Various times 1998-2001)

Appointed Teaching Practice Coordinator, Machakos, Makueni and Kitui Districts 1997

Appointed Teaching Practice Coordinator, Machakos, Makueni and Kitui Counties 2005 – to
date.
5.1 Renewal of Term of Office as Chairman of Department.

Reappointed as Chairman, Department of Religious Studies for a further period of two years
with effect from 31st January, 2003 (see attachment).
6.0 Membership of University Standing or Ad-hoc Committee

Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as a member, University shortlisting Committee, 18th
September, 2014.

Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as a Committee Member on Launching Teacher-Student
Mentorship Programme January 2014 (see attachment).

Appointed by the DVC (Academic) as a Member of a Committee Investigating Theft at the Moi
Library 1997.
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
Appointed by the Director Teaching Practicum and Assessment Centre as the chairman and
convener of an oversight committee to examine zonal classroom observation reports.

Appointed by the Director, Teaching Practice Centre as a member of a Pilot Study Committee on
Student-Teacher Mentorship Programme.
7.0 Departmental and School Responsibilities
1
Departmental co-ordinator of Programmes, ODel, Regular and IBP 2005 – 2014.
2
Member, Departmental Executive Committee 2001-2014.
3
Chairperson, Departmental Verification Committee 2013-2014.
4
Chairperson, Departmental e-Learning Committee 2014.
5
Member, Institute of Police and Security Science Curriculum in the School of Humanities and
Social Science 2004.
6
Departmental Examinations Officer 1990-1994.
8.0 Conferences, Workshops and Seminars Attended and Papers Presented

Teacher-Mentor Induction Workshop, Kenyatta University. Paper Presented – The Relationship
between Mentors and University Supervisors KUCC February 24th -25th 2014.

Curriculum Development for Undergraduate Courses. Workshop leader at St. Pauls University
(Requested by the University to facilitate the workshop).

11th Hekima College Symposium on Theology and Peace Building. Paper Presented “The Role
of African Cultural Values in Educating for Development, Peace Building and Good
Governance”. March 14th – 15th. and Cultures of Kenya”. August 4th 2011

Institute of Spirituality and Religious Formation Symposium. Paper presented – Forms of
accomplishment in Traditional African Cultures. Feb. 5th -7th 2
Institute of Spirituality and
Religious Formation Symposium. Tangaza College. Paper presented- The Reality of Divination
and Healing in African Traditional Culture- A response. February 6th.2007

Regional Conference on Challenges of Muslims in Eastern and Horn of Africa. AVU Main Hall,
Kenyatta University. August 1st – 4th 2006(Member of the organizing committee).

Christian Brothers Karibu Programme. Loreto Mary ward Centre, Nairobi. Paper presented
“African Traditional Religion and Spirituality”. July 24th – 31st 2006

Kenya Association of Vocation Animators National Assembly Dimese Retreat Centre. Paper
presented – Witchcraft and Evil Spirits in candidates and Religious life. October 23rd – 28th 2005
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
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai’s of Kenya Seminar. Paper Presented “Strategies for
Interfaith Activities in Kenya”. October 16th. 2003

N.C.C.K. Interfaith Consultation on Conflict management and Peace Building. April 2003 KCB
Management Centre, Karen, Paper presented – Building a culture of Peace through
Reconciliation from an African Traditional Religion’s Perspective.

Association of Theological Institutions in Eastern Africa. Sokoine University, Tanzania.

The Association for the Study of Religions (AASR) Conference. Theme: Religions of the World
in the Age of Globalization. Amani Conference Centre, Nairobi. August 27th – 31st 2000
(Member of the organizing committee).

Bahai Faith Seminar. Grand Regency Hotel, Nairobi. 17 June 1998.

The Akamba. A paper presented during Kenyatta University Culture Week. June 1998

Association of Theological Institutions in Eastern Africa. J. J. Mcarthy Centre, Nairobi. Theme:
The Mission of the Church in the 21st Century. April 19th – 23th 1995 (Departmental
representative)
9.0 Convening and Coordinating conferences

Member of the organizing committee, The Association for the study of Religions(AASR)
conference.Amani Conference Centre.Theme Religions of the world in the Age of
Globilization August 27-31 1999..

Member of the technical Committee,Regional conference on Islam in Eastern Africa
10.0 Research and Publications
10.1 Books and Modules
1. Serah Ngila, Nasimiyu-wasike, Michael T. Katola. The persistence of Iweto Marriage Among the
Akamba Christians of Kangundo District. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing 2012
2. Bernard G. Nyabwari, Michael T. Katola. Inculturation of the Gusii Traditional Concept of God Lap
Lambert Academic Publishing 2012
3. Michael T. Katola and Zablon Nthamburi Sociology of Religion Module.Kenyatta University Press
10.2 Book Chapter
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Michael T. Katola, Building a culture of Peace through Reconciliation from an African Traditional
Religious Perspective.In Getui M and Musyoni W. Overcoming Violence A Faith Based
Response.Nairobi NCCK pp37-50, 2003
10.3 Articles in Refereed Journals
1. Michael T. Katola and Alex N. Kamwaria. Community Integration for Psychological well-being:
Building Sustainable Peace and Strengthening Identity through Story-Telling in the South Sudan.
Journal of Educational Policy and Entrepreneurial Research, 2015 pp 81-90
2. Michael T. Katola and Johnston S. Shisanya. Intergrating African Values into the
Institutionalized Education and its implications for the youth in Kenya. Scholars Journal of Arts,
Humanities and Social Sciences, 2015 3 (1A) 24-28 ISSN 2347-5374.
3. Michael T. Katola. Incorporation of Tradition African Values in the Formal Education system
for Development of Peace Building and Good Governance. European Journal of Research in
Social Sciences vol 2 No 3 2014 ISSN 2056-5429 P31-39.
4. Michael T. Katola and Bernard Nyabwari Constraints and Prospects of Inculturation in Kenya.
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences Vol 4 No 2 2014 pp
282-6990.
5. Michael T. Katola, Josephine Gitome and Bernard Nyabwari. Correlation between students’
Discipline and Performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. In International
Journal of Education and Research Vol. 1 No 8, 2013 PP 125-134.
6. Michael T. Katola and Alex Kamwaria. Reconciliation and Healing in a Post-accord Nation.
Exploring Popular Perceptions of Responsiveness of Truth Justice and Reconciliation
Commission in Kenya. In the Cradle of Knowledge. African Journal of Educational and Social
Science Research Vol. 1 2013 pp 18-29.
7. Michael T. Katola, Daniel Muindi and Benard Nyabwari; Holistic Christian Education for
Character formation in Seventh-day Adventist Church Sponsored Secondary
a. Schools in Nyamira County, Kenya. In International Journal of Academic Research in
Progressive Education and Development Vol. 2 No. 1, 2013 pp 244-256.
8. Michael T. Katola and Bernard Nyabwari. Mission of the Church in Overcoming Poverty in
Africa. In Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 2. No 4, Nov. 2013 PP 274-280.
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9. Michael T. Katola and Bernard Nyabwari. The Leadership style of Jesus Christ in the New
Testament and its Relevance in Africa. International Journal of Political Science, Law and
International Relations vol 3 Issue 2 June 2013 1-8 ISSN 2278-8832.
10. Michael T. Katola and Alex Kamwaria. The role of African Traditional Culture and Word view
in Context of Post-war Healing Among the Dinka of Southern Sudan. In International Journal of
Humanities and Social Science Vol. 2 No 1, Nov. 2012 PP49-55.
11. Michael T. Katola. Ethnicity in Contemporary African Society with Particular Reference to
Kenya. In all Africa Journal of Theology Vol. 1. No. 1, 2001 PP 30-38.
12. Michael T. Katola. The Refugees and the Displaced in Africa. A Challenge to Christians. In
African Journal of Evangelical Theology Vol. 17th February, 1998 pp 141-151.
10.4Articles in other Journals
1. Michael T. Katola Church Leaders and Politics in Kenya. In the Christian Educator. Journal of
Religious Education Vol. 12 No. 1, 1998 pp 8-12
2. Michael T. Katola Child Care in African Society. In Eastern African Journal of Historical and
Social Science Research Vol. 2 No. 1 2000 pp 1-13
10.5 Other Research Activities
1 .Actively involved in fund raising through group proposal writing at St. John’s Community Centre
(see attachment)
2. The influence of Religious Education on Primary School Children in Pumwani Division
, Nairobi
Kenya (ongoing-self sponsored)
11.0 Fellowships
Awarded two year scholarship by Kenyatta University to study for Master of Arts degree at the
University.
12.0 Developing Programmes External to Kenyatta University.

Appointed as a Resource person for several Programmes at the Commission for Higher
Education (Now Commission for University Education) since 2002

Appointed by the Commission for Higher Education to site inspections of various universities in
collaboration with the Curriculum accreditation committee.
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
Resource Person, Curriculum and Teaching Methodology for St. Paul’s University, Faculty of
Theology Staff and their Affiliated Diploma Colleges. January 6th, 2010.

Appointed as External Subject Advisor for Religious Studies, Kigali Institute of Education.
October 1st, 2007 (see attachment).
13.0 Community Service and Recognition

Appointed by the Ministry of Education as Board Member, Thomeandu Boys Secondary School
2008 - to date.

Appointed by the ACK Diocese of Nairobi as Chairman of the Board, St. John Community
Centre, Pumwani Nairobi. 2013-todate.

Appointed by the ACK Diocese of Nairobi as Board Member, St. Johns Community Centre,
Pumwani Nairobi. 2011 – 2013.

Appointed by the ACK Diocese of Nairobi as Synod Member.2011-todate

Appointed by UPEACE Africa programme as overseer UPEACE-IDRC award agreement signed
between Alex Kamwaria and UPEACE.

Appointed by the Overseas Ministries Study Centre as liaison coordinator of the Dictionary of
African Christian Biography at Kenyatta University
13.1 External Examination

2002 – 2014: Catholic University of Eastern Africa: Examined courses in Religious
Studies, Theology and Critical Thinking.

2011 – 2013: Kenya Methodist University. Examined M.A Theses.

2010 – 2013: Christ The Teacher Institute for Education: Examined courses in
Theology, Religious Studies and Methods of Teaching

2009 – 2012: Marist International University College Examined courses in
Religious Studies, theology and Critical Thinking

2005 – 2009: University of Nairobi: Examined courses in Religious Studies and Critical
Thinking.

2003 – 2005: Kenya Methodist University: Examined courses in Theology and
Religious Studies.

2003 – 2004: Daystar University: Examined courses in Theology.
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14.0 Membership

Member, Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians (EATWOT)

Member,Psychological Society of Kenya.

Member, Organisation of Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA)
15.0 Quality Teaching, Performance and Commitment to Duty
Evaluated by students and awarded grade A (see attachment)
16.0 Academic Leadership

Revised the old Curriculum at the Department in my tenure as Chairman and forwarded them to
the school of Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum Committee

Represented the department in a consultative workshop on the teaching of Religious Studies in
the National Universities held at Brachenhurst Baptist Conference Centre on 8th -9th November
1996.I effected many of the recommendations during my tenure as Chairman of department.
17.0 Research Interest

Religion and Society

Sociology of Religion

African Religo-cultural values

Religious Education in Kenya
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18.0 Academic Referees
Prof. Jude Ongong’a
Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Kenyatta University
P.O. Box 43844-00100
NAIROBI.
Prof. Robert Murungi
Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Kenyatta University
P.O. Box 43844-00100
NAIROBI.
Prof. Augustine Karugu
Department of Educational Foundations
Kenyatta University
P.O. Box 43844-00100
NAIROBI.
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