Winner. Scientist of the Year 2021

Josephine Khaoma Ngaira

Academic title, degree: Professor, Ph.D. in Geography (Climatology)
Fields of science: Physical Geography, Climatology
Research interest: Climate Change Education and Sustainable Development
Institution: Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Position: Professor of Geography
Country: Kenya

Josephine Ngaira is a Full Professor of Geography (Climatology) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Prof. Dr. Josephine Ngaira is also the Chairperson of Professors Forum, Fellow of Kenya National Academy of Sciences (FKNAS), Full Member of the Scientific Research Honors Society SIGMA XI, President/Chairperson of the International Geographic Union (IGU) Kenya Chapter, Former DVC Academic Affairs, and Founding Director of the School of Environment and Earth Sciences (SEES) of Maseno University.

She earned her MSc and Ph.D. from Moi University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nairobi.

Prof. Josephine Ngaira has been a university Lecturer and Professor for 27 years, published 4 university-level books, 7 book chapters, 65 journal articles, given 15 keynote lectures, and presented 42 papers in the areas of Climate Change, Environmental Science, and Geography. She is a member of 8 Professional Bodies including XI, KNAS, IGU; a Board Member on many University and College Management Boards. She organized over 15 International conferences; supervised to completion of 31 postgraduate students, developed 7 Bachelor's and 4 Master’s degree programs. She is an Expert Reviewer to the 5th and 6th IPCC Assessment Reports; Head Department of Geography (2002-2004); Chief-editor of Maseno University journal of Education Arts and Science (MJEAS); Chairperson of Maseno University Tender and Procurement Committee for 6 years; Founding Dean School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University (2005-2012); Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs at Masinde Muliro University (2013-2018); Chairperson Board of Governors at Sang'alo Institute of Science and Technology for 5 years; Chairperson, Universities Joint Students Admission Board-Gender Affirmative Action for 3 years.

She was Visiting Professor in GIS and Geography at Darlana University, Sweden (2009), Invited Examiner in Geography and GIS at Stockholm University, Sweden (2004).

She is listed on the IAP website www.inteacademies.org among the authors and readers of the book "The Grand Challenge of Water Security in Africa" Recommendations to Policymakers-2011. Prof. Ngaira is listed among "15 African Women in Science Who are Setting an Example for Young Girls" available at www.africanvibes.com for her achievement as a member of the SIGMA Xi Scientific Research Honor Society and International Geographical Union.

In 2014-2016, Prof. Josephine Ngaira successfully wrote and developed 11 key academic policies and strategies for university academic sector management which are being used in many public Universities in Kenya: “The Research policy”, “The conference funding policy”, “The examination retake policy for students”, “The talent scholarship policy”, “The examination invigilation policy”, “The Chaplaincy policy”, etc.

Publications of Prof. Ngaira have been cited a total of 1414 times by researchers and authors. She was the first scholar in Kenya to graduate with a Ph.D. degree in Climatology in 1999; she has supervised to completion of 3 Ph.D. and 4 Masters in Climatology.

Professor Josephine Ngaira is an internationally recognized authority on Climatology and Climate Change. She is listed on the IAP website as an Expert author on Climate Change and Health in Africa.

Prof. Josephine Ngaira was the 1st scholar in Kenya to write and publish a textbook on "Concepts in Contemporary Climatology".

Prof. Dr. Ngaira is a climate expert on the Inter-Academy Partnership (IAP) Project on "Climate Change and Health in Africa" (2019-2021), where she researched and authored the listed chapters: (1) Climate Change and Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa, (2) Effects of Droughts on Health in Africa, (3) Impact of Climate Caused Locust Invasion on Food Security in Kenya, (4) Hydro-meteorological Disaster Impacts on Eastern Africa. These chapters formed a discussion topic at COP 26 in Glasgow in 2021.

In 2020, Prof. Ngaira after a rigorous competition was listed on the "African Scientists Directory” available at africanscientists.africa. Her publications were globally recognized, and Prof. Josephine Ngaira was awarded the prestigious ORCID ID Number - https://orcid.org/0000-0004-0135/7880.

In 2019, Prof. Josephine Ngaira represented Africa as an Expert Climate Change panelist at the 22nd United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development - Geneva. Her topic was "The role of science, technology, and innovation in building resilient communities, including through the contribution of citizen science".

In May 2021, Prof. Ngaira successfully competed for the position of "Fellow of Kenya National Academy of Sciences" FKNAS. She is the Chairperson of Professors Forum at MMUST.

In November 2021, Professor Josephine Ngaira was a keynote speaker on the theme "Climate Change Education: the Road to Sustainable Development" during the Virtual International STEMIC Conference. She is a member of the "University Management Board", and the Honorary Treasurer and Executive at the Governing Council Member of Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS).

Prof. Josephine Ngaira has received 23 awards in form of Recognition Certificates in research, in Conference Organization, in Environmental Conservation, in Disaster Risk Mitigation, and in Academic Excellence. She is recognized as "One of Africa's Leading Voices for Women in Science".