Article Index

Prof. Speranza Ndege

Title/Qualifications: Associate Professor
Department: Humanities
Contact Address: University of Embu P.O Box 6 - 60100, Embu - Kenya
Telephone:+254722830019
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Position: Director, Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) University of Embu
Profession: Educationalist, Trainer, Researcher, Consultant in e-Learning, Distance Learning, ICT, Digital Programs and Environment

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SUMMARY OF KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
Prof. Ndege is a Fellow of Higher Education Academy (UK) having graduated from St. Yorks University (UK). She holds a PhD from Ghent University, Belgium; an MSC in Computer Based Information System from the University of Sunderland, UK; a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from University of Nairobi, Kenya. She has a Professional Certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Auditing (EA) (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Kenya). She also has a Postgraduate Diploma in e- Teaching (Agder University, Norway & Global Virtual University) and a  diploma in  Professional Tour Operation [e-Tourism] (ICM, UK). Prof. Ndege has received much training in Information Communication Technology and e-Learning (including Electronic Document Management and Website Design) and Instructional Design. She is a CISCO Academy Instructor and an Online Tutor at Kenyatta University.
Prof. Ndege has practical experience and expertise in ICT, e-learning, distance learning, training, and research. She is also a Consultant in Environmental Impact Assessment/Audit, e-Content authoring, Online Tutoring, and Instructional Design. She reviews and evaluates academics programmes for institutions of Higher Learning.
Prof. Ndege is a Fellow of Higher Education Academy (UK) having graduated from St. Yorks University (UK). She holds a PhD from Ghent University, Belgium; an MSC in Computer Based Information System from University of Sunderland, UK; a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from University of Nairobi, Kenya. She has a Professional Certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Auditing (EA) (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Kenya). She also has a Postgraduate Diploma in e- Teaching (Agder University, Norway & Global Virtual University) and a  diploma  in  Professional Tour Operation [e-Tourism] (ICM, UK). Prof. Ndege has received much training in Information Communication Technology and e-Learning (including Electronic Document Management and Website Design) and Instructional Design. She is a CISCO Academy Instructor and an Online Tutor at Kenyatta University.
In August 2013, the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education appointed Prof. Ndege into the Technical and Planning Committee for establishment of the National Open University of Kenya (NOUK). Once established, the new University will enroll local and international students from all over the world to study from the comfort of their homes and work places. The students will utilize modern technology (ICT/e-Learning) to access education.
In 2010, Prof. Ndege was appointed a Commissioner of the Broadband Commission for Digital Development a position she held for five years (2015). In 2015, Prof. Ndege was re-appointed in the Commission for Sustainable Digital Development  as commissioner for a  further two years. In 2017, Dr Ndege’s commitment and hard work in the Commission earned her an additional two years, making it nine years of consecutive service in this esteemed International Commission. The establishment of the Commission was a joint initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Commission has high-level representation from industry leaders, senior policy-makers and governments and international agencies, academia and organizations that are concerned with sustainable development.
Prof. Ndege is nicknamed 'e-Learning Champion in Central and Eastern Africa’. In 2003, she boldly championed the first online programmes in an institution of higher learning in Kenya, by piloting the joint phase 2 AVU-KU diploma and degree programmes with two external universities, the Royal Melbourne University of Technology (RMIT), Australia for Applied Computer Science and Curtain University, Australia for Business Administration. The success of these external online programmes led to the launch of the first e-Learning programmes in Kenya on 14th June 2005. In November 2005, while attending the ICWE e-Learning Conference in Berlin, Germany, Prof. Ndege met the ICWE Conference Organizers and lobbied for the 2nd e-Learning Conference to be held in Kenya after the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Conference of 2006. In the same year 2006, ICWE appointed Prof. Ndege a member of the Advisory Board for e-Learning Africa & ICT Conferences. In 2007, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Kenya appointed Prof. Ndege into the Planning Committee that organized the 2nd e-Learning Africa Conference, held in Nairobi the same year. This Conference was a turning point for e-Learning development in Kenya and East Africa. Tertiary institutions in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, and some secondary schools started e-Learning programmes. In addition, Prof. Ndege initiated the use of Moodle Open Source e-Learning Management Software in Kenya in 2007 when she implemented it at Kenyatta University. Today, most institutions in Eastern Africa are using the Moodle Software for online learning. During her tenure as Director of the Institute of Open, Distance & e-Learning (ODeL) at Kenyatta University, Prof. Ndege trained 73,134 university students in online learning, trained 695 university lecturers in online facilitation and digitized 801 online courses. It is now compulsory that all newly admitted students into the Distance learning programme at Kenyatta University be issued with free mobile gadgets (Tablets) at the beginning of the semester to support their online learning. Other institutions in Kenya have applauded the use of mobile gadgets in enhancement of e-Learning.

Prof. Ndege started teaching at the University of Embu on 21st January 2020 (although her official working date was 27th January 2020).
Administratively, Prof.Ndege is currently the Director Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) at University of Embu. She was appointed in March 2020.
Prof. Ndege had held similar positions of Director at Kenyatta University for 13 years continuously as follows:

  • 2014 May-July 2017, Director, Kenyatta University Television & Radio Services (KUTV-RS)
    (she established the first TelEVision Station for Kenyatta UNIVersity)
  • 2009- April 2014-Director, Institute of Open Distance & e-Learning (ODeL) (she streamlined the existing distance learning programmes and introduced the e-Learning component)
  • 2007-2008 - Director, e-Learning Coordinating Centre (e-LCC) (she started the first
    e-Learning programmes at Kenyatta UnIVersity. These were the first e-Learning programmes in Kenya as well as East and Central Africa)
  • 2003-2006 – Director, the African Virtual University (AVU) Learning Centre at Kenyatta University (she started the first online programmes in Kenya with two Australian Universities)

From July 2017-2019, Prof. Ndege was mentoring students in digital programs in the Department of Literature. She also consults in e-Learning, Distance Education, Digital/ICT Programs and Environmental Impact Assessment. As part of community outreach programmes, she is actively involved in rural community development projects to conserve the environment most recent ones being in Muranga, Chuka, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri and Kiambu.


PUBLICATIONS
Published in Conference Book of Proceedings & Book of Abstracts

  • 2014 - Ndege, Speranza, Using Technology to Improve Teaching and Learning of Literature in Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions, paper presented in a workshop at Pwani University 11th – 13th December 2014
  • 2014 - Ndege,  Speranza,  A  Demonstration  of  Oral  NarratIVes  as  Cultural  Performance, paper presented in a workshop at Pwani University 11th – 13th December 2014
  • 2011 - Ndege, Speranza, How Technology is Transforming Education & Benefits of e- Learning and Distance Education to distant learners, paper presented at the London Conference on Cyberspace, UK, on 1-2nd November 2011
  • 2009 - Ndege, Speranza, ‘e-Learning: Addressing Major Pedagogical Approaches within Virtual Learning Environments’ paper presented at the Education Technology Conference held at Kenyatta University on 14th-16th July 2009.
  • Ndege, Speranza, Good Practices in e-Learning in African Universities, paper presented at the 4th International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training An Annual Event for Developing eLearning Capacities in Africa, Dakar, Senegal, May 27 – 29, 2009
  • Ndege, Speranza, ‘Managing an e-UnIVErsity: applying best practices learnt from Multimedia UnIVErsity to the Kenyan Context’ Paper presented in the   1st Regional e-Learning Conference held at Kenyatta University from 18th – 20th November 2009.
  • Ndege, Speranza, & Mbogua Wallace, ‘Secondary and Higher Education: Institutionalizing e-Learning for Optimal Benefits’ Paper presented in the 1st Regional e-Learning Conference held at Kenyatta University from 18th – 20th November 2009.
  • 2008 - Ndege, Speranza, Delivering eLearning in Institutions of Higher Learning: Important Pedagogical Issues and Approaches, paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training An Annual Event for Developing eLearning Capacities in Africa, Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana, May 28 – 30, 2008
  • Ndege, Speranza, ‘Delivering e-Learning In Institutions of Higher Learning: Important Pedagogical Issues And Approaches’ presentation made at the 3rd International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training: An Annual Event for Developing eLearning Capacities in Africa, Accra, Ghana on 28th – 31st May 2008
  • Ndege, Speranza,‘e-Learning and its benefits to the Distance Learner in an Institution of Higher Learning: Designing an interactiVe course’ paper presented in Amazing e-Learning II International Conference and Workshop, e-Learning Strategies: Edutainment 2008, Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand, 7th – 9th, March 2008
  • 2006 - Ndege, Speranza, ‘The practicability of conducting eLearning in African Institutions of Higher Learning: The Case of Kenyatta University in Kenya’. Presentation made at the 12th International Conference on Technology supported learning and training for online EDUCA Berlin, a Conference held from November 29th  – 1st  December 2006 at the Hotel Intercontinental, Berlin.
  • Ndege, Speranza ‘Quality Assurance in e-Learning’: paper presented in a workshop on electronic transactions which was held at White Sands Hotel, Mombasa, Kenya on 13th – 15th November 2006.
  • Ndege, Speranza, & Masinjila Emily, ‘ICT Education in Kenya: a ‘Tool’ to strengthen university education’, a paper presented in the first international conference on ICT for development, education and training, UNCC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 24th – 26th 2006.
  • 2005 - Ndege, Speranza,‘Language, Communication, Thought and DEVElopment in the 21st  Century’ paper presented in a conference on InnOVations and challenges in Education,  ENVironment & Natural Resources Management and Communication & DEVElopment in the 21st Century at Moi University, Eldoret on 14th –17th February,
  • 2003 - Ndege, Speranza, ‘Ethnopoetics: A New Approach to the Study of Oral narratIVE in Africa and Its Application’ paper presented in the Fourth International Conference of the  Association of  Third  Studies  (ATWS),  Disparities in  Developing  Countries: Type,   Challenges and the   Way   Forwards at   Kenyatta   University,   Nairobi, September 17th – 19th 2003.

Published in Books & Referred Journals
Published with PhD Students

  • Rebecca Wambua, Christopher Gakuu, Harriet Kidombo, Speranza Ndege, (2019), Learner support system and academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities. Teacher Education Through Flexible Learning, 2019 Vol. 1, No.1, University of Pretoria.
  • Rebecca Wambua, Christopher Gakuu, Harriet Kidombo, Speranza Ndege, (2018), Learners’ self efficacy and academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222- 1735 (Paper), ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol.9, No.32
  • Rebecca Wambua, Christopher Gakuu, Harriet Kidombo, Speranza Ndege, (2018), Curriculum resources and academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org, ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper), ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol.9, No.32
  • Speranza Ndege, Moses Kiura (2016), A Demonstration of Meru and Mbeere Oral Narratives as Cultural Performance In Saut Multi-Disciplinary, Journal of Education, Vol. 1 (1) Pg 42. ISSN 1821-1885.

Published Individually/Colleagues

  • Rukunga P.M., Ndege S. (2020) Tenets of Myths of Origin in the Tigania Community. Nairobi Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (March 2020) ISSN: 2520-4009
  • Ndege, S., & Makokha, J. (2019). Ideology and Subversion in Feminist Short Stories from Africa. Hybrid Journal of Literary and Culture Studies, 1(1), 30-44. (December 2019) ISSN 2707-2169
  • Ndege, S., Mwai, W., & Mbugua, W. (2019). The Language of Kikuyu Popular Artists as “Community Spokespersons” On Ethnic Cleansing in Kenya. Journal of African Studies and Ethnographic Research, 1(1), 5- (December 2019) ISSN 2707-2150
  • Ndege S., (2019) The Significance of Ethnopoetics in the Study of Performance: The Case of Meru Oral Narrative. Saut Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Education Vol. 1 (2) (November 2019) ISSN 2714-2086
  • Ndege S.M., Kiura M.K., (2019) Demystifying Controversies in Meru Myth of Origin through the Oral Narrative Tradition. Saut Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Education Vol. 1 (2) (November 2019) ISSN 2714-2086
  • Ndege, S (2013) Creating Awareness on Safe Migration from Analogue to Digital: The Case of Kenya, Journal of Engineering Technologies (JET) in Malawi, First Issue. 2013 (Non-Referred Journal)
  • Ndege S; Alakonya A, Ejobi F, Resto, M. (2008) Antibacterial activity of extracts from plants growing in the Lake Victoria basin. African Journal of Environment Studies and Development (ISSN 1995-1329) 1: 63-69
  • Ejobi F., R.D.Mosha, S. Ndege and D. Kamoga (2007) Ethno-Veterinary Medicinal Plants of the  Lake  Victoria  Basin:  A  Bio-prospection.  Journal  of  Animal  and Veterinary Advances 6 (2): 257-261
  • Moses M. Tenywa1 Charles Muyanja1, Sam Oketch1, George Chemining’wa2, Florence Olubayo, Samuel Mwonga, Mary Ambula, Speranza ndege4, Gitonga nkanata etal. (2007) Rethinking Agricultural Higher Education In Public Institutions Of Sub- Saharan Africa (online journal) University of Nairobi Digital Repository
  • Ndege, Speranza, ‘Ethnopoetics: A new Approach to the Study of Oral narratIVE in Africa and Its Application (2004) in  Disparities in  Developing Countries, Types, Challenges and Way Forward, Vol.1, ATWS Kenya Chapter, ISBN9966-9969-18.
  • Levi Akundabweni1, Geoffrey Muluvi2, Speranza Ndege3 (2004) Diagnosis of Postgraduate Training Needs in Agriculture and Food via Open and Distance Learning (PG-ODL) in Eastern and Southern Africa. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
  • Ndege, S.M (2002) ‘Myth’ as the Historical Basis of the Meru Folktales’ in Maja Boskovic-Stulli, Lauri Honko, Toshio Ozawa, Uther and Ward (eds) Fabula: Journal of Folktale Studies. New York/Berlin: Walter de Gruyter.

Published in Book Chapter

  • Ndege S.M (2004) Ethnopoetics: A new approach to the study of Oral Narrative in Africa and its  Application’,  in  ATWS-Kenya  Chapter,  Disparities  In  Developing Countries,   Types,   Challenges and the   Way  Forward.   Nairobi.  Oakland   Media Services Ltd.Pp.60-74
  • Ndege, S.M, (1997) ‘Gender and the Oral narrative Among the Ameru’ article, in Kabira,W.; Masingila M,; Obote M. (eds) Contesting The Social Death, Essays on Gender and Culture Pp. 153-169. Nairobi: KOLA
  • Ndege, S.M., (1994) ‘The Use of Audio-Visual Aids teaching Oral Literature in the Primary and Secondary Schools’ in A. Bukenya, W. Kabira & O. Okombo (eds) Understanding Oral Literature, 70-77. Nairobi: Nairobi University Press.

Books Published

  • Ndege S.M (2016) Networking and Data Communication in an Institution of Higher Learning. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, ISBN 978-3-659-95705-5 (University and Middle Colleges Level [Tertiary Level)
  • Ndege S.M (2012) ORELT Open Resources for English Language Teaching: Module 3 - Success in Reading, Vancouver, Canada, Common Wealth of Learning ISBN:978-1-894975-46-9 (High School Level)
  • Ndege,S.M. Bukenya, Mpesha (1991) ‘Theory and Methods in Oral Literature, Nairobi University Press. (Module – University Level)

Publications with Broadband International Experts (ITU/UNESCO)

  • Ndege S.M. et.al (2018) The State of Broadband 2018: Broadband Catalyzing Sustainable Development. ITU/UNESCO. International Telecommunication Union Place des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland. Geneva. 2018. ISBN 978-92-61-26421-5.
  • Ndege S.M. et.al (2017) The State of Broadband 2017: Broadband Catalyzing Sustainable Development. ITU/UNESCO International Telecommunication Union Place des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland.2017. ISBN 978-92-61-25411-7.
  • Ndege S.M. et.al (2016) The State of Broadband 2016: Broadband Catalyzing Sustainable Development. ITU/UNESCO. International Telecommunication Union Place des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland.. Printed in Switzerland, Geneva, 2016. ISBN 978-92-61-21771-6;
  • Ndege S.M. et.al (2015) The State of Broadband 2015: Broadband as a Foundation for Sustainable Development. ITU/UNESCO. International Telecommunication Union Place des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland. Printed in Switzerland, Geneva, 2015. ISBN 978-92-61-16051-7.

 CONFERENCES/INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS ATTENDED

  • 2019 - ‘Social Media: The Role of Social Media in Teaching and Learning’, Paper presented at the 6th International Annual October Conference on Education and Lifelong Learning (2018) 3rd – 4th October 2019, held at Kenyatta University.
  • 2018 - ‘Empowering Women Through Information Communication Technology (ICTs)’, paper presented at the 5th International Annual October Conference on Education and Lifelong Learning (2018) 4th – 5th October 2018, held at Kenyatta University.
  • 2018 - Broadband Commission for Digital Sustainable Development Meeting held in New York, September 2018.
  • 2018   - Broadband Commission for Digital Sustainable Development Meeting held in Rwanda, May 2018.
  • 2017  -  ‘Real-Time Course Delivery: Teaching Online Through Television’ 4th International Annual October Conference on Education and Lifelong Learning (2017) 5th – 6th October, 2017, held at Kenyatta University
  • 2017 - Broadband Commission for Digital Sustainable Development Meeting held in New York, September, 2017
  • 2017 - Broadband Commission for Digital Sustainable Development Meeting held in Hong Kong, China, March, 2017
  • 2016 - Broadband Commission for Digital Sustainable Development Meeting held in Dubai, February, 2016
  • 2016 - Broadband Commission for Digital Sustainable Development Meeting held in New York, September, 2016
  • 2015  - Broadband Commission for Digital Sustainable Development Meeting held in New York, September, 2015
  • 2015- Broadband Commission for Sustainable Digital Development Meeting held in Paris, March 2015
  • 2014 - Presented a paper at the First International Conference on Researching African Literature in the 21st Century: Historiographies, Theories, Practices, Methodologies, held at Pwani University on 11th-12th December 2014
  • 2014 - Broadband Commission for Digital Development Meeting held in New York, September, 2014
  • 2014 - Gems-Education Skills Conference held in Dubai March, 2014
  • 2013 - Broadband Commission for Digital Development Meeting held in New York September, 2013
  • 2013 - Broadband Commission for Digital Development Meeting held in Geneva, 2013
  • 2012 - Presented a paper on ‘Creating Awareness on Safe Migration from Analogue to Digital: The Case of Kenya’ Conference held at the Great Hall, Chancellor College, the University of Malawi 10th-13th December 2012
  • 2011 - Contributor: The London Conference on Cyberspace, United Kingdom 1-2nd November 2011
  • 2011 - Presented a paper at the Broadband Commission for Digital Development Meeting held in Kigali, 7th-8th September, 2011
  • 2011 - Broadband Commission for Digital Development Meeting held in Paris, 5th-6th June, 2011.
  • 2011 - Facilitator, e-Learning Best Practices, eLearning Africa 2011, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, May 25 – 27, 2011,
  • 2010 - Broadband Commission for Digital Development Meeting held in Geneva, May 2010.
  • 2009 - Facilitator in a workshop on ECBcheck workshop: 4th International Conference On ICT for Development, Education and Training: An Annual Event for Developing eLearning Capacities in Africa, Dakar, Senegal on 27th – 29th May
  • 2009 - Presented a paper in the Education Technology Conference held at Kenyatta University on 14th-16th July 2009.
  • 2009 - Participated in the African Council for Distance Education Conference held in Nairobi, at Hilton Hotel on 22nd August 2009.
  • 2009 - Participated in the Kenya Educational Network (KENET) Conference held at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on 11th - 12th August 2009.
  • 2008  - 3rd International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training: An Annual Event for Developing eLearning Capacities in Africa, Accra, Ghana on 28th – 31st May 2008
  • 2008 - Presented a paper on ‘e-Learning and its benefits to the Distance Learner in an Institution of Higher Learning: Designing an interactive course’ presentation made in Amazing e-Learning II International Conference and Workshop, e-Learning Strategies: Edutainment 2008, Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand, 7th – 9th March 2008
  • 2006 - Presented a paper on ‘The practicability of conducting eLearning in African Institutions of Higher Learning: The Case of Kenyatta University in Kenya.’ A paper presented at the 12th International Conference on Technology supported learning and training for online EDUCA Berlin, a Conference held from November 29th – 1st December 2006 at the Hotel Intercontinental, Berlin.
  • 2006 - Presented a paper on ICT Education in Kenya: a “tool” to strengthen university education, a paper presented in the first international conference on ICT for development, education and training, UNCC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 24th – 26th 2006.
  • 2006  - A National Information and Communication Technology Conference organized by Ministry of Information and Communication held at Safari Park Hotel Nairobi, March 2006.
  • 2005 - Presented a paper on ‘Language, Communication, Thought and Development in the 21st Century’ in a conference on InnoVations and challenges in Education, ENVironment & Natural Resources Management and Communication & Development in the 21st Century at Moi University, Eldoret on 14th –17th February,
  • 2004 - Victoria Research (VICRES)– Annual General Meeting on Lake Victoria Research Held in Njinja, Uganda on 5th –8th May 2004.
  • 2004 - Consultative Forum for Developing Policy on Open Learning and Distance Education conference held at Windsor hotel in Nairobi on 12th – 15th September 2004
  • 2003 - Presented a  paper on  ‘Ethnopoetics:  A  New  Approach to the  Study of  Oral narrative in Africa and Its Application’ in the Fourth International Conference of the Association of  Third  Studies  (ATWS),  Disparities in  Developing  Countries:  Type, Challenges and the Way Forwards at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, September 17th– 19th 2003.
  • 2003 - Fourth International Conference of the Association of Third Studies (ATWS), Disparities in Developing Countries: Type, Challenges and the Way  Forwards held at Nairobi, September 17th – 19th 2003.
  • 2000 - Regional Conference on “Good practices towards eliminating violence against women and girls in Africa.
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  • National, Regional and International Conferences Organized

    2008    1st Regional E-Learning Conference was held between 18th– 20th November 2008: e-Learning, Increased Access to Education, and Diversity in Application Management.

    2007    Member of the Planning Committee for the 2nd International e-Learning Conference, Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Kenya. The Conference was held at Safari Park Hotel in May 2007

    2004        Member of the Planning Committee National Conference for Open, Distance & e-Learning, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Kenya.
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Master Programmes

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Ph.D Programmes

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