The Department of Geography and Development Studies is one of the first departments established in the School of Arts and Social Sciences. This department fosters a vibrant academic environment, prioritizing a healthy and positive work atmosphere essential for teaching, learning and conduct of cutting-edge research. Central goal of the department is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive circle where every member is valued and treated with respect, ensuring all members have a rewarding experience with equal opportunities. Diverse perspectives are respected, particularly recognizing the societal impacts of research produced from such diversity, while valuing work that supports a healthy relationship with the environment. For this reason, the department gives credit to perspectives that pursue excellence and academic integrity through world-class research, ground-breaking thought and instruction that prepares students for successful careers. The department recognizes that diversity in scholarly opinion, builds community through recognizing the value of diverse academic backgrounds and the potential for unique collaborations. This recognition acknowledges that academic pursuits are not exclusively individual endeavour but emphasizes the importance of presence, constructive critique and respect for informed, divergent opinion. In line with this, the department sees the place of conferences, fieldwork and seminars as vital avenues for its members. The academic programmes offered in the department include but are not limited to:

Dr. Charles W. Recha is a climatologist with research interests in climate variability, seasonal climate forecasts, soil water conservation, livelihoods, and socio-cultural contexts of climate change. He is a Senior Lecturer of Geography and Head of Quality Assurance and Data Management at Bomet University College, Kenya. Prior to this, Dr. Recha was a lecturer (2011-2021), Director of International Linkages and Career Services (2019-2021) and Chairperson Geography Department (2014-2019) at Egerton University, Kenya. Dr. Recha is a recipient of research projects and awards that include a C.V Raman Visiting Fellow at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India (2018); a post-doctoral Fellow at Lund University, Sweden (2016); Australia Africa Award Fellow, University of Queensland (2014- 2015), Young Researchers Grant of International Foundation for Science (2012) and a doctoral research fellow with the Africa Climate Change Fellowship Programme (ACCFP) (ICRISAT-Mali) (2009/2010). Dr. Recha has published peer reviewed short communications (2), book chapters (4) and journal articles (30). According to google scholar, he has beencited 503 times with and i10-index of 10 as of July 2024. Since 2013, Dr. Recha has supervised to completion ten (10) postgraduate students (4 PhDs, 6 masters) and he’s a member of the Kenya Meteorological Society. Dr Recha is an active peer reviewer of manuscripts for journals and has been involved in various short course trainings andworkshops. He has on occasions been appointed an external examiner by various Universities in East Af rica. A full profile can be found on Charles SW Recha - Web of Science Core Collection OR https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0002-9256-1854

Dr. Tiberius Barasa is Head of The Department of Geography and Development Studies. He is experienced and driven Policy Researcher and Analyst with an impressive background of managing policy research and advocacy while providing teaching and learning support within research institutions and universities. He has worked to address public problems and develop successful policies and programs. He has over 18 years’ experience in designing and executing research, policy analysis and training programs. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Maseno University, an MBA from ESAMI and Maastricht School of Management, MPS from Universities of Fort Hare and Zimbabwe, a BA (Hons.) from University of Zimbabwe. His research interests are in public policy particularly in governance, health, education, human rights, and energy. He has been a guest lecturer in a number of universities in Africa including the University of Botswana (Botswana), University of Joss (Nigeria), and Egerton University (Kenya). He has published several books and journals with leading publishers including International Journal of Recent Research in Social Sciences and Humanities (IJRRSSH) (2017); Focus 2017; Edward Elgar, UK and USA (2014); CODESRIA, GLASCSO and IDEAs (2014); Routledge, London and New York (2013); UNESCO and IIEP (2011); and Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (2006-2010). He has written several teaching and learning materials including e-cases, role-plays and simulation scripts used across African Universities particularly for teaching and learning of collaborative Master of Research and Public Policy (MRPP) program and Ph.D. in Public Policy program.

Dr. Monica Oloo Oluoch Holds a PhD in Linguistics from Maseno University, Kenya, a Master of Philosophy inLinguistics from Moi University, Kenya and Bachelor of Education (Arts) in English and Literature from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Research interests lie in the fields of Critical Discourse Analysis, Semantics, Pragmatics and the role of language in peacebuilding. Served with TSC as a graduate teacher for 21 years, has done part time teaching in Mount Kenya University, Moi University and University of Eldoret. Has been a lecturer at Africa Nazarene University. She has also worked as a Christian Missionary in Moshi, Tanzania.

Dr. Maritim is a seasoned scholar of Literature, with particular interest in the African, Caribbean and African-American literary expressions. He also has substantial interest in the modern and the classical Japanese literature.While his root interest is located within the discipline of Literature, his research reach is interdisciplinary, cutting across the fields of music, history, sociology as well as anthropology, and how all these mat, especially in the contemporary age as mediated by the advancements in the information and communication technology. The attendant age's marginality for the Global South, specifically for the sub-Sahara Africa and its representations in the literary art and the computer-mediated spaces, vis-à-vis the dynamics of race and gender, particularly interest him.

Dr. Obala Musumba is a lecturer of Literature and Theatre Arts at The School of Arts and Social Sciences at Bomet University College. Obala holds a PhD in African Literature from Humboldt University of Berlin in Germany. He has vast experience in teaching at the university, mentoring students, and research. He recently co-edited a critical book entitled: Emerging Trends in Eastern African Literature and Cultures. Glienicke: Galda Verlag (2020). His other publications include a “Review of Reading Nuruddin Farah: the Individual, the Novel and the Idea of Home” by Fiona Moolla published in the Journal of Eastern African Literary and Cultural Studies (JEALCS) (2017), co-authored a chapter: “The Promise in Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s Speeches: The Struggle for Independence, the Political Journey and Beyond the Presidency” in Critical Readings on Eastern African Autobiography edited by Jairus Omuteche and Tanui Kesero (2016). His current research interest revolves around the reconstruction of the subjectivities with albinism in Kiswahili fiction.