Vice-Chancellor

DR. MARTIN KIMEMIA (PHD, MBA-Strategic Management, BED-Economics) GATHIRU

Academic Brief:

PhD Business Administration (Strategic Management) (Mount Kenya University, Kenya), MBA (Kenyatta University, Kenya), & B.ED (Egerton University, Kenya).

About
Dedicated and transformative lecturer and researcher, proficient in developing course materials, including syllabi, lesson and exams. Gifted in business development, strategy, management and leadership coaching.

With a comprehensive 360-degree understanding and hands-on experience in university management, I’ve held pivotal roles as Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research, Research Coordinator, and Lecturer. This journey has solidified my expertise in overseeing academic affairs, enhancing institutional autonomy, and achieving international accreditation for academic programs.
A High Performing Individual (HPI) with a competitive personal and professional skills matrix as well as demonstratable professional experience biased towards effective university leadership. Skills include Strategic Financial Planning; Operational Efficiency in University Management; Grant Acquisition and Management; Driving and Strategizing on Adherence to Regulatory Standards; Journal Publication Oversight; Conference Coordination; Stakeholder Relationship Management; Compliance with Educational Standards; and Optimization of Research Outputs. Further traits encompass Strategic Leadership, Innovative Vision, Superior Communication Skills, Cultural Sensitivity, and Conflict Resolution Abilities for fostering an inclusive environment.

Publications

Refereed Journal Articles

1. Achieng, A., & Gathiru, M. K. (2023). Influence of strategy formulation on financial performance of investment firms: a case of centum investments in Kenya. International Research Journal of Business and Strategic Management, 5(3), 141–150.

2. Gathiru, M. K., Khamah, A., & Nyakora, M. (2022). Influence of marketing turnaround strategies on performance of Uchumi supermarket in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting, 23(13), 96–104.

3. Gathiru, M. K., Khamah, M., & Nyakora, M. (2019). Relationship of human resources turnaround strategies and organizational performance in KCB bank and Uchumi supermarket in Kenya. The University Journal, 1(3), 81–106.

4. Kalisa, C., & Kimemia, M. (2023). Influence of capacity building on successful handover of projects to beneficiaries in Rwanda. The Strategic Journal of Business &Change Management, 10(4), 985–100.

5. Ndichu, M. W., & Kimemia, M. (2023). Influence of systems processes on performance of national social security fund in Kenya, case study of Kiambu County. International Research Journal of Business and Strategic Management, 5(3), 197–205.

6. Warui, S. K., Kimemia, M., Mungara, M., & Asuman, B. (2015). Organizational factors affecting the adoption of strategic planning in rural mission hospitals in Kenya. Social and Basic Sciences Research Review.

7. Warui, S. K., Kimemia, M., Mungara, M., Bateyo, A., & Njau, J. M. (2015). In-depth analysis of restructuring as a business transformation strategy. In Social and Busic science research review.

8. Warui, S. K., Mungara, M., Kimemia, M., & Misango, S. B. (2014). A critical analysis of the use of the merger strategy on government Parastatals in Kenya. European Journal of Business and Social Sciences, 3(6), 12–22.

Books

1. Kimemia, M. (2024). Essentials of research methodology; A handbook for African scholars. African Online School of Applied Research Skills.
2. Gathiru, M. K. (2023). Revive & thrive: Unveiling organizational turnaround strategies.
3. Kimemia, M. (2023). Essentials of scholarly writing and publishing; Crafting quality research work. African Online School of Applied Research Skills.

Conferences, Seminars & Workshops

1. IUCEA Quality Assurance Conference, September 5-8, 2023, Bujumbura, Burundi, organized by Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA); During this conference, I deepened my understanding of regional and international quality assurance standards, emphasizing collaboration and the commitment to continuous academic improvement.
2. African Continental Conference on Basic Sciences for Transformation, June 13-14, 2023, Kigali, Rwanda, organized by Mount Kigali University; During this conference, I explored the transformative potential of basic sciences within the African context, highlighting their pivotal role in societal and economic advancement.
3. Bloom Taxonomy Workshop: Setting Quality University Examinations, June 2023, Mount Kigali University, Rwanda; During this workshop, I honed my skills in crafting university examinations aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy, enhancing the quality and relevance of academic assessments.
4. Curricula Development, Review, and Validation Workshops, June and October 2023, Mount Kigali University, Rwanda; During these workshops, I collaborated with esteemed academic and industry professionals to refine our curricula, ensuring they remain contemporary and aligned with evolving educational paradigms.
5. Modular System Assessment and Evaluation Workshop, September 2023, Mount Kigali University, Rwanda; During this workshop, I gained insights into innovative approaches to modular education, focusing on designing assessments that cater to diverse learning styles and foster interdisciplinary growth.
6. Examination Administration Workshops, April and July 2023, Mount Kigali University, Rwanda; During these workshops, I fortified my expertise in examination administration, emphasizing fairness, security, and accuracy in assessments, aligning with a commitment to academic excellence and ethical standards.
7. NCST Strategic Plan 2023-2028 Validation Workshop, August 16, 2023, Rwanda, organized by National Council for Science and Technology (NCST); During this workshop, I collaborated with stakeholders to validate the NCST’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with regional science and technology objectives.

Community Service

1. Support for Imbuto Foundation’s Education Initiatives (March 2023); Facilitated a partnership between Mount Kigali University (MKUR) and the Imbuto Foundation, solidifying our commitment to education. This collaboration enabled a significant financial contribution to empower Rwandan girls, further emphasized by presenting a substantial cheque to the Imbuto Foundation’s Deputy Director General.
2. Women’s Well-being on International Women’s Day (March 2023); Organized an initiative to observe International Women’s Day, directing MKUR’s efforts towards Lycee Notre Dame de Citeaux students. Acknowledging the crucial role of menstrual hygiene in girls’ education, I facilitated a donation of over 1,000 sanitary pads, highlighting our dedication to women’s well-being and educational opportunities.
3. Educational Support: Textbooks Donation to Africa New Life Ministries (March 2023); Ensured MKUR’s commitment to education by orchestrating a significant donation of textbooks to Africa New Life Ministries. This initiative, aimed at enhancing educational resources, showcased our dedication to extending the transformative power of education beyond our campus.
4. Genocide Commemoration and Survivor Support (June 2023); I reaffirmed MKUR’s dedication to genocide commemoration and survivor support. Organizing a significant event in Kicukiro district, I ensured our participation in paying tribute to victims and providing support to a survivor, emphasizing our commitment to addressing the profound impacts of the genocide on Rwanda’s communities and history.
5. Empowering E-sports Community: Donation to Dream Team (November 2023); I underscored MKUR’s commitment to the e-sports community by facilitating a generous donation to the Dream Team. Recognizing the region’s growing interest in e-sports, this contribution aimed to foster its development and growth, showcasing our dedication to diverse community interests.
6. Community Engagement and Environmental Sustainability (November 2023); Led MKUR’s active participation in Umuganda, an initiative organized by Kigali city. Organizing our students and staff, especially from the School of Health Sciences, I emphasized tree planting for environmental sustainability, demonstrating our commitment to community engagement and eco-conscious initiatives.
7. Community Health Initiatives (November 2023); Organized MKUR’s School of Health Sciences to conduct strategic health outreach programs. Collaborating with local authorities and the Rwanda Diabetes Association, I facilitated NCD screenings at Kimironko and Rubavu markets, furthering our commitment to community health awareness and essential services.
8. Health Outreach Program in Joska, Machakos County, Kenya (2016-2020); Facilitated and led annual medical camps in collaboration with Gathering Church Kenya, Nguluni Health Centre, and Jordan International Aid. The primary goal was to deliver crucial healthcare services to underserved communities. Over the course of five years, these medical camps addressed more than 15,000 cases, not only meeting immediate medical needs but also fostering health education and awareness in the Joska community, Machakos County, Kenya.
9. Ongoing Annual Youth Mentorship Program in Joska, Machakos County, Kenya (2016 to Present); Initiated the Annual Youth Mentorship Program to recognize and address contemporary challenges faced by young individuals. The program, running since 2016, offers guidance on personal hygiene, reproductive health, sportsmanship, youth entrepreneurship, and overall personal and professional development. Covering topics crucial to today’s youth, such as career choices, leadership, and personal growth, the mentorship program empowers young minds and prepares them for success.
10. Sports for Jesus Ministry (Continuing), 2018 to Present; Led the “Sports for Jesus Ministry” under the theme “Preach, Pray, and Play,” which includes organizing a 16-football Team Tournament and swimming gala. This initiative aims to enhance the physical wellbeing of Joska, Machakos communities through teamwork and sportsmanship while promoting Christian values.
11. Street 11 Members Community Group Kasarani (2018 to Present); Initiated and currently serve as a Team Leader for environmental sustainability activities promoting eco-friendly practices in Kasarani Nairobi and Murang’a County. Engaged in community based activities such as tree planting drives, waste management awareness campaigns, and collaborations with local environmental organizations to address ecological concerns.
12. Motivational Program for High Schools in Kenya (2017-2019); Pioneered and actively participated in a literacy enhancement program focused on local high schools. This program involved providing reading materials, conducting literacy workshops, and establishing reading clubs. Topics covered included goal setting, drugs and substance abuse, alcoholism, study methods, and concentration.
13. Community Empowerment Workshops in Nairobi, Kenya (2019-2021); Organized a series of community empowerment workshops covering areas such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and skill development. These workshops were designed to equip community members with the knowledge and tools necessary for self-sufficiency and economic empowerment

Contacts:

Office of the Vice Chancellor,
Mount Kigali University, Kigali, Rwanda.
P.O Box 575, Kigali, Rwanda.
[email protected]
+250733346711

Download full curriculum Vitae