Name: Dr. Elizaphan Muuro Maina
Title/Qualifications: PhD. CS, Msc. IS, PGD.CS, (UoNb, Kenya), BEd. Hons. (KU, Kenya)
Department/Unit/Section:  Computing and Information Science
Contact Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Position: Senior lecturer and Executive Dean, Digital School
Area of Specialization: Artificial intelligent systems
Research Interests: Artificial intelligent systems
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qoiJ20cAAAAJ&hl=en 
ORCID ID: ORCID: 0000-0003-1917-9760 
Download Full CV

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

Articles in refereed journals

Other Publications
Book Chapter

 Refereed Learning Modules

  • Developed open learning modules for SIT 111/012: Introduction to Database,
  • SIT 202: Database Management Systems,
  • SIT 302: Information System Security,
  • SIT 408: Decision Support systems and
  • SIT 411: Distributed Systems

 Reviewed Conference Papers

  • Cheserem, E., Maina, E., Kihoro, J., & Mwaura, J. (2022, August). A Conceptual Framework for Automatic Generation of Examinations Using Machine Learning Algorithms in Learning Management Systems. In IFIP World Conference on Computers in Education (pp. 441-450). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-43393-1_41
  • Kamunya, S., Mirirti, E., Oboko, R., & Maina, E. (2020, May). An Adaptive Gamification Model for E-Learning. In 2020 IST-Africa Conference (IST-Africa) (pp. 1-10). IEEE.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9144043
  • Kamunya, S., Maina, E., & Oboko, R. (2019, May). A Gamification Model For E-Learning Platforms. In 2019 IST-Africa Week Conference (IST-Africa) (pp. 1-9). IEEE. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8764879
  • ARAKA, E., MAINA, E., GITONGA, R., & OBOKO, R. (2019, May). A conceptual model for measuring and supporting self-regulated learning using educational data mining on learning management systems. In 2019 IST-Africa Week Conference (IST-Africa) (pp. 1-11).IEEE.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8764852
  • Maina, E. M., Oboko, R. O., & Waiganjo, P. W. (2017, September). Extending moodle grouping functionality using artificial intelligent techniques. In AFRICON, 2017 IEEE (pp.55-58). IEEE.http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8095455/
  • Njenga, S. T., Oboko, R. O., Omwenga, E. I., & Muuro, E. M. (2017, September). Regulating group cognitive conflicts using intelligent agents in collaborative M-learning. In AFRICON, 2017 IEEE (pp. 38-43). IEEE.http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8095452/
  • Maina, E. M., & Kihoro, J. M. (2017, May). Learner experience of e-learning mode in institutions of higher learning: A case of Kenyan Universities. In IST-Africa Week Conference (IST-Africa), 2017 (pp. 1-9). IEEE.http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8102397/
  • Oboko, R. O., Maina, E. M., Waiganjo, P. W., Omwenga, E. I., & Wario, R. D. (2016, May). Designing adaptive learning support through machine learning techniques. In ISTAfrica Week Conference, 2016 (pp. 1-9). IEEE. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7530676/
  • Gitonga, R., Muuro, M., & Onyango, G. (2016, May). Technology integration in the classroom: A case of students experiences in using Edmodo to support learning in a blended classroom in a Kenyan University. In IST-Africa Week Conference, 2016 (pp. 1-8). IEEE.http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7530591/
  • Maina, E. M., Njoroge, R. W., Waiganjo, P. W., & Gitonga, R. (2015, May). Use of tablets in blended learning: A case study of an Institution of Higher Learning in Kenya. In ISTAfrica Conference, 2015 (pp. 1-8). IEEE.http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=7190593&tag=1
  • Gitonga, R., Muuro, M., & Nzuki, D. (2014, May). Student’s experiences of using Wiki spaces to support collaborative learning in a blended classroom: A case of Kenyatta and KCA universities in Kenya. In IST-Africa Conference Proceedings, 2014 (pp. 1-10). IEEE.http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=6880606
  • Maina E. Muuro, Manderick, B. and P.W. Wagacha, (2005) On Support Vector and Relevance Vector Machines, Proceedings of the 17th Belgium-Netherlands Conference on Artificial Intelligence (Pg 297-304), BNAIC.
  • Kamau, G., Boore, C., Maina, E., & Njenga, S. (2018, May). Blockchain Technology: Is this the Solution to EMR Interoperability and Security Issues in Developing Countries?. In 2018 IST-Africa Week Conference (IST-Africa). IEEE.
  • Njenga, S., Oboko, R., Omwenga, E., & Maina, E. (2018, May). Facilitating Group Learner Participation using Intelligent Agents in Collaborative M-Learning. In 2018 IST-Africa Week Conference (IST-Africa). IEEE.

 Scholarly Presentation at Conferences/Workshops

  • Cheserem, E., Maina, E., Kihoro, J., & Mwaura, J. (2022, August). A Conceptual Framework for Automatic Generation of Examinations Using Machine Learning Algorithms in Learning Management Systems. In IFIP World Conference on Computers in Springer Nature Switzerland: Virtually done
  • Maina, E. M., Oboko, R. O., & Waiganjo, P. W. (2017, September). Extending Moodle grouping functionality using artificial intelligent techniques. IEEE AFRICON 2017 Conference , 18 - 20 September 2017, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Njenga, S. T., Oboko, R. O., Omwenga, E. I., & Muuro, E. M. (2017, September).Regulating group cognitive conflicts using intelligent agents in collaborative M-learning. IEEE AFRICON 2017 Conference , 18 - 20 September 2017, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Maina, E. M., John Kihoro. (2017, May). Learner Experience of E-learning Mode in Institutions of Higher Learning: A Case of Kenyan Universities. IST-Africa Conference, 31st May -3rd June 2017, Windhoek, Namibia
  • John Kihoro, Maina (2016). Transforming Examinations processing and Management at Universities: An ICT Solution. 1st Biennial Conference on the State of Higher Education In Kenya. 22nd – 25th August 2016, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Oboko, E. Maina and P. Wagacha, E. Omwenga (2016). Designing Adaptive Learning Support through Machine Learning Techniques. IST-Africa Conference, 11th-13th May 2016, Durban, South Africa
  • Muuro, R. Oboko and P. Wagacha, (2015). Intelligent Support in Group Formation in an Online Collaborative Learning Environment. Pan African Conference on Science,Computing and Telecommunications (PACT), Kampala, Uganda 2015
  • Maina, E. M., Njoroge, R. W., Waiganjo, P. W., & Gitonga, R. (2015, May). Use of tablets in blended learning: A case study of an Institution of Higher Learning in Kenya. IST-Africa Conference, 5th-9th May 2015, Lilongwe, Malawi.
  • Gitonga, R., Muuro, M., & Nzuki, D. (2015, May). Student’s Experiences in Using Chat Rooms as Virtual Classrooms: A Case of Kenyatta University Distant Learning Students. IST-Africa Conference, 5th-9th May 2015, Lilongwe, Malawi.
  • Muuro, P. Wagacha and R.Oboko (2014) Intelligent Grouping Based on Collaboration Competence Level (IGCCL). 2014 International eLearning Innovations Conference & Expo: 29-31 July 2014, Safari Park Nairobi, Kenya
  • Gitonga, R., Muuro, M., & Nzuki, D. (2014, May). Student’s experiences of using Wiki spaces to support collaborative learning in a blended classroom: A case of Kenyatta and KCA Universities in Kenya. IST-Africa Conference, 6th-10th May 2014, Mauritius
  • Muuro, P. Wagacha and R.Oboko (2013) Students’ Perceived Challenges in an Online Collaborative Learning Environment: A Case of higher learning institutions in Nairobi,Kenya. 2013 1st International Conference of the AVU, 20-22 November, Intercontinental Hotel; Nairobi, Kenya
  • Muuro, P. Wagacha and R.Oboko (2013) Intelligent Grouping Based on Collaboration Competence Level (IGCCL). 2013 International eLearning Innovations Conference & Expo: 29- 30 July 2013, Safari Park Nairobi, Kenya

QUALITY TEACHING AND LEARNING

Student Evaluations

  • Taught SCO 800: Research Methodology, SCO 806: Research Methods in Computing and SCO 811: Machine Learning with an evaluated scored above 95%
  • Mentored 5 Master Students in Msc Computer Science on proposal writing and successfully supervised 3 to completion and two are on field work
  • Mentored 6 PhD Students in Computer Science on proposal writing and successfully supervised 1 to completion and five  are on field work
  • Successfully examined internally three Msc project reports and guided students to do corrections

Training in higher education 

  • Trained in May 2023 on Active Learning Methodology: Kenyatta University & Rice360 Faculty Workshop on : Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies to Support Student Learning 6-10 March 2023 Safari Park Hotel along Thika Rd, Nairobi
  • Trained in teaching of Unified Modeling Language: IEEE workshop on in Kenyatta University, Kenya, 30th to 31st August 2106. 
  • Teaching Methodology: Administration of Examination, Marking and Analysis

PROFESSIONAL/CONSULTING

Networking and Collaborating with External Organization

  • January 2023 Initiated Collaboration with Huawei Academy to train Huawei Courses in IPTCC 
  • February 2022: Initiated Collaboration with ICDL Africa to train ICDL Courses in IPTCC
  • Collaboration with kodris Africa
  • February 2022: Initiated Collaboration with IBM Academy to train IBM Courses in IPTCC
  • April 2023: Initiated Collaboration with kodris Africa to Train teachers in Coding
  • December 2016: Collaboration with The Cooperative University of Kenya and University of Nairobi on a Multidisciplinary research for NRF
  • September 2016: A collaboration Between  London South Bank University and School of Engineering and Technology
  • June 2015: Collaboration between Kenyatta University and the Ministry of ICT
  • Collaborated with Catania University to organize a workshop on e-Infrastructures and Open Science In Support of Public Health (Sci-GaIA) on 8th February 2017 at Kenyatta University Conference Center (KUCC) https://agenda.ct.infn.it/event/1246/

Editorial Board and Reviewer

  • 17 Feb 2022: Invitation for Guest editor: Journal of Computer and Electrical Engineering in
  • Elsevier Publications "Intelligent High-Performance Computing (i-HPC) towards Sustainable Society".
  • August 2023: Reviewer Invitation from Online Learning and Educational Technology  Reviewer 
  •  January 2022: Reviewer for conference papers: IFIP TCE WCCE 2022 Conference 

Consulting for Organizations 

  • April 2023: Appointed as Training Consultant in Kodris Africa

Professional Membership 

  •  Member to IEEE:  Membership Number 93730111
  • Member to WG-3.4: Professional and Vocational Education in ICT representing kenya

External Academic Examiner

  • 29th August 2023: External examiner in KCA University for PhD Thesis entitled Bert-Based Model For Recommending Employability Profiles Of Information Technology Students In Unstable Developing Countries”
  • 21st  April 2021: External examiner in JKUAT for Msc. Thesis entitled A framework for Items
  • Recommendation Systems Using Hybrid Approach”
  • April 2021 –December 2022:  External Examiner in School of Computing and Informatics, UoN
  • May 2015- to December 2019:   External Examiner in Computer Science at St. Paul University

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES IN KENYATTA UNIVERSITY 

Administrative Positions

Head of Section or Unit

  • June 2024 to Date: Executive Dean Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning
  • January 2022 to May 2024: IPTCC Coordinator- ICT Professional Training and Certification Center (IPTCC), Kenyatta University
  • October 2018 to January 2022: e-learning Coordinator DSVOL, Kenyatta University
  • 2012 to Oct. 2016: Chairman, Department of Computing and Information Technology
  • 14th to 28th August 2016: Acting Dean School of Engineering and Technology
  • 8th to 12th December 2014: Acting Dean School of Engineering and Technology Appointments to University Committees
  • 14th September 2023: Committee to Steer the Roll Out of ICT Professional Courses at the Nakuru Campus
  • 8th January 2022: Committee on Increasing Number of 100% Online Courses 
  • 8th September 2021: A Committee to Develop Teaching Practicum tool for Competence Based Curriculum (CBC)
  • 25th February 2020: Chair Committee  for Research, Innovation and Projects in School of Engineering and Technology
  • 1st October 2019: A Committee to Guide on the Integration of Blended learning in the Regular Mode of Study
  • July 2018: A Committee to organize the 2019 Deep Learning INDABA in Kenyatta University
  • January 2018: A Committee to Develop a Common Learning Management System (LMS)
  • November 2017: A Committee to Investigate Fees Fraud and Emerging Cases of Tampering with Marks
  • April 2017 : A Committee on School of Engineering and Technology Programmes Accreditation 
  • March 2017: A Committee to develop Bill and Melinda Gates Proposal
  • January 2017: Committee to plan the hosting of public Health Gateways Open ScienceWorkshop in Kenyatta University
  • October 2016: A committee to develop a proposal for NRF
  • September 2016: Committee to develop A collaboration Between  London South Bank

University and School of Engineering and Technology 

  • April 2013 to Dec 2016: Appointed as Member of ICT Board, Kenyatta University

Other Responsibilities

  • January 2017 to May 2023: Head Postgraduate Board in School of Engineering and Technology  
  • January 2017 to May 2023: Head Postgraduate Board in Department of Computing and Information Technology
  • January 2022 to Date: Coordinator and Thematic leader PhD in Computer Science Program Department of Computing and Information Technology
  • August 2017-May 2018: Development of Master of Science degree in Computer Science and PhD in Computer Science programmes
  • 2017 to Date: Academic advisor for Postgraduate Programmees in Department of Computing and Information Technology

 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS 

Principal Investigators in Research grants

  • February 2024: Awarded Ksh. 1,500,000 research and innovation grant in educational technologies (GRANT NO.KENET/EDTECH/2024/1) for project entitled ―Supporting Active Learning and creativity in Computer Science Using a Large Language Model 
  • February 2024: Principal for SKIES project entitled ―Rapid Skills Job Readiness Programme ― worth Ksh. 5,937,261
  • May 2023: Worn Ksh. 200 Research Grant fromvIvE Catalytic Faculty Research grant for project entitled ―Machine Learning and IoT based Pre-eclampsia Prediction Model for Improving Pregnancy Outcomes 
  • April 2023: Obtained Ksh. 500,000 from kodris for training teacher in coding
  • January 2018: Worn Ksh. 19,263,000 Research Grant from NRF for Multidisciplinary

Research in ―Enhancing e-learning with AI

  • December 2017: Worn Ksh. 830,000 Research Grant from KU VC grant
  • January 2012: Worn Ksh. 1,185,000 PhD. Research grant from NACOSTI

Community Outreach

  • 2020 to Date: Member of BoM. St.John's High School, Pumwani and St Joseph Community Centre
  • 2016 to Date: Member of Church Council in ACK. St. Martin Kahawa Wendani parish
  • 2015 to Date: Member of BoM: Chairman of ACK. St. Martin Kahawa Wendani Academy 

  Professional affiliations

  • IEEE Member
  • WG-3.4: Professional and Vocational Education in ICT representing kenya

Chairperson

Dr. Charles Kamau Maina
Chairperson Department of Computing and Information Science

News and Events