Dr. Catherine Rwamba Githuku

Dr. Catherine Rwamba Githuku

Senior Lecturer & Chair

Department of Civil Engineering

Area of Specialization: Civil and Environmental Engineering

Qualifications

  • Doctorate: Doctorate in Civil Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa (specializing in constructed wetlands and heavy metal pollution mitigation)
  • Master's: Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management from JKUAT
  • Bachelor's: Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from McGill University, Canada

Biography

Dr. Catherine Rwamba Githuku is a seasoned Civil and Environmental Engineering academic, researcher, and institutional leader with over 35 years of experience in engineering education, water resources, wastewater management, and sustainable construction materials. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and pioneer Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Embu, where she has played a leading role in establishing and implementing the university's Civil Engineering programme.

Her academic background includes a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, specializing in constructed wetlands and heavy metal pollution mitigation, a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management from JKUAT, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from McGill University, Canada.

Dr. Catherine's expertise spans water and wastewater engineering, structural engineering, environmental sustainability, and non-conventional construction materials. Her research focuses on sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, climate-responsive construction materials, heavy metal remediation, and environmentally friendly engineering solutions. She has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and has led international collaborative research projects with institutions in Estonia on carbon-negative construction materials and ecological restoration technologies.

Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in developing and accrediting engineering curricula and establishing engineering departments, laboratories, and workshops at institutions including Kenyatta University, Kenya Water Institute, and the University of Embu. She previously served as the pioneer Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering at Kenyatta University and contributed significantly to the development of several engineering programmes, including Civil, Petroleum, Aerospace, and Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering.

Beyond academia, Dr. Catherine is actively engaged in mentorship, professional consultancy, community development, and engineering policy support. She has served on various educational boards and national technical committees, supervised postgraduate research, reviewed international journals, and participated in major capacity-building initiatives in the water and engineering sectors.

Her career reflects a strong commitment to engineering education, research innovation, environmental sustainability, institutional development, and mentorship of future engineers.

Research Interests

Dr. Catherine's research focuses on:

  • Sustainable wastewater treatment technologies
  • Climate-responsive construction materials
  • Heavy metal remediation
  • Constructed wetlands and ecological restoration
  • Carbon-negative construction materials
  • Environmental sustainability in engineering

Research and Publications

  • Published widely in peer-reviewed journals on wastewater treatment and environmental engineering
  • International collaborative research projects with institutions in Estonia on carbon-negative construction materials
  • Ecological restoration technologies research
  • Heavy metal pollution mitigation studies
Eng. (Dr.) Isaiah Bosire Omosa

Eng. (Dr.) Isaiah Bosire Omosa, PE

Senior Lecturer & Examination Coordinator

Department of Civil Engineering

Area of Specialization: Civil Engineering (Environmental Science and Engineering)

Qualifications

  • 2013: Doctor of Engineering degree (Environmental Science & Engineering)
  • Doctor of Engineering certificate (Environmental Management and Sustainable Development)
  • UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development
  • Tongji University, Shanghai, China

Biography

Eng. (Dr.) Isaiah Bosire Omosa is a distinguished Kenyan academic and professional engineer with over two decades of experience in civil and environmental engineering. He holds a Doctor of Engineering degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from Tongji University in Shanghai, as well as both Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi.

He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Embu and is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Machakos University. Over the years, he has lectured at Kenyatta University and gained extensive experience in both academia and industry, including professional roles at the Ministry of Public Works and Masosa Construction Ltd.

Dr. Omosa's career is marked by notable achievements, including the accreditation of civil engineering programs across several universities, the establishment of engineering laboratories and workshops, and leadership roles such as Associate Dean in the School of Engineering and Architecture at Kenyatta University.

He is a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya and a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya. His work has contributed significantly to curriculum development and national engineering education standards.

A prolific researcher, Dr. Omosa has published widely in areas such as wastewater treatment, renewable energy, hydropower, and environmental sustainability. He has also authored a book on tertiary wastewater treatment. His dedication to teaching is reflected in excellent student evaluations and extensive supervision of MSc and PhD students across multiple institutions.

Beyond academia, he has consulted on numerous hydrological, hydraulic, and environmental engineering projects in Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and internationally. He is also actively involved in community service, contributing to education boards and curriculum reviews.

Dr. Omosa has received recognition from institutions such as Tongji University and Kenyatta University, and continues to collaborate with organizations including UN-Habitat, UNEP, and Tongji University through the China-Africa Environment Forum. His career reflects a strong blend of academic excellence, professional expertise, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement.

Research Interests

Dr. Omosa's research focuses on:

  • Wastewater treatment and water quality management
  • Renewable energy and biogas systems
  • Hydropower development
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Resource recovery and circular economy approaches

Selected Refereed Journal Publications

  • Assessment of the Biological Treatability of Black Tea Processing Effluent (2007)
  • Sustainable Tertiary Wastewater Treatment for Pollution Control in Africa (2012)
  • Ecosystem Protection and Integrated Water Management in Africa (2012)
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment in Africa – Practices and Challenges (2013)
  • Biological Phosphorous Removal in Oxidation Ditch Systems (2012)
  • Kenya's Water Resources: Scarcity or Mismanagement? (2016)
  • Groundwater Pollution Assessment in Kenya (2019)
  • Catchment Conservation in Community Water Supply (2020)
  • Biomethanation of Urban Food Waste (2021)
  • Biogas Upgrading System Optimization (2023)
  • Chromium Removal from Industrial Wastewater (2023)
  • Renewable Energy and Rural Energy Needs Studies (2023–2024)
  • Food Waste Characterization for Energy Production (2025)
Ms. Ann Njuguna

Ms. Ann Njuguna

Administrative Assistant

Department of Civil Engineering

Area of Specialization: Accounting & Administration

Qualifications

  • Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Option) from Kaimosi Friends University

Biography

Ms. Ann Njuguna is a highly organized, diligent, and resourceful Administrative Assistant in the Department of Civil Engineering at University of Embu. She possesses a demonstrated history of excellence in administrative work, showcasing strong professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional interpersonal skills in supporting departmental operations and academic activities.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Accounting Option) from Kaimosi Friends University, which has equipped her with solid financial, organizational, and managerial competencies. Ms. Njuguna is known for embracing creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, and innovativeness in today's dynamic and fast-evolving work environment. Her commitment to excellence, teamwork, and effective communication enables her to contribute positively to institutional growth and service delivery.

Beyond her administrative responsibilities, she is actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives, reflecting her compassionate, community-oriented, and service-driven personality. Her dedication, reliability, and proactive approach continue to make her a valuable asset to the Department of Civil Engineering and the wider university community.

Key Competencies

  • Financial management and accounting
  • Organizational and managerial competencies
  • Administrative operations support
  • Attention to detail and adaptability
  • Teamwork and effective communication
  • Corporate social responsibility initiatives

Professional Attributes

  • Creativity and innovativeness in administration
  • Reliability and proactive approach
  • Compassionate and community-oriented service
  • Strong professionalism and efficiency