Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Science
About Us
The Department dates back to early 1970s when it started as the Department of Physical Education in the then Kenyatta University College, through 1985 when the institution gained a full University status. The Department of Physical and Health Education was, for a long time, the only department in the East and Central Africa region which prepared physical educations teachers and tutors for secondary/high school and Teacher Training College. Subsequent to increasing research and interest in the area, content in the academic discipline expanded world over. New knowledge, concepts and theories related to human performance and sports saw the establishment of related courses with distinct specialties. Over time it became evident that Kenya needed greater in-depth expertise in the area of Exercise and Sport Science. Consequently, the department has undergone continuous transformation aimed at addressing the ever growing divergent needs for human resource training in the field of physical education, exercise and sport. This saw the birth of a sister department dedicated to offering academic programmes in Exercise and Sport Science in the region in 2003. The two departments were merged in September 2018 to become the Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science.
The Department continues to be the leading institution offering training in Exercise and Sport Science as well as degree programmes for secondary school physical education teachers in Kenya. The Department offers courses from Bachelors to Doctoral levels in the areas of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science. The department also offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education. These programmes are geared towards preparing professionals in the technical areas of exercise, elite sports, Physical Education; as well as sports personnel who serve in Secondary Schools, Teachers Training Colleges and Kenyan private and public Universities as Teachers, Tutors, Lecturers, Professors and Games tutors. The programmes are particularly relevant and necessary in the modern world as Kenya has attained great heights in sports. To maintain their prowess, the athletes need specialized preparation, training and conditioning and rehabilitation after injury, based on sound scientific principles. On the other hand, Kenya is experiencing rapid life-style changes resulting in unhealthy eating habits and reduced physical activity. Hypokinetic and non-communicable conditions such as cardiac heart disease (CHD) obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, arthritis, low back pain (LBP), and several forms of cancer, all associated with unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity, are becoming the leading health problems in the country. The exercise programmes in the department will prepare experts in preventing and managing such people with such conditions. A whole section of the Department also prepares human resource and capacity towards addressing the needs of the people living with disabilities and special needs, a significant segment of the population which has been largely neglected.
Vision
To be excellent trainers and practitioners in Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Sciences as academic and professional disciplines, providing relevant knowledge and skills to impact and meet the fitness and sports needs of the society
Mission
To inculcate a solid theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Science amongst the trainees from undergraduate to post graduate level as an academic pursuit, applying scientific principles in coaching, training and rehabilitation as means to good health and as a professional career.
Achievements:
Conferences and symposia
The department has in the recent past organized and co-hosted a number of successful international conferences such as:
- World Under 18 Athletics Championships Pre-Games Symposium at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, from 7th – 8th July, 2017
- 2nd International Conference on Physical Activity and Sports for Health and Development in Africa (PASHDA) held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, from 21st to 23rd September, 2016
- 17th Biennial International conference of the International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport (ISCPES) held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, from 6th to8th June, 2010
Renovated Gymnasia
The Templer Barracks, now our Kahawa Barracks, were handed over to the Kenyan Government in 1965. Part of these barracks, was converted to Kenyatta College. Our main (students) gym was one of the facilities of the college. This gym has served and will continue to serve as the three departments’ main teaching facility and laboratory for specialized units. There was dire need for not only infrastructural expansion but also for improving the services we provided – equipment and diverse training modes. The renovation and expansion of the gymnasium, gives all our programmes a new lease of life. The gym’s fitness dimension has attracted very many students, faculty, non-teaching staff and neighboring community for health, fitness, rehabilitation, and for releasing stress. With the state of the art equipment, the rubberized floor, the expanded changing rooms and rearrangement of the stores with a serving window from outside, and the landscaping, we can confidently claim to have one of the best facilities in the region.
New Human Performance Laboratory
An ultra-modern Human Performance Laboratory for use in research and teaching of Exercise Science and Physical Therapy is near completion.
LOCATION
The department office is located in Main Campus, Moi Library Building, First Floor, Room 13 and 14. Telephone: +254-02-8701901, x4146
PROGRAMMES
The department offers/supports the following programs:
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)
MASTER OF SCIENCE (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE)
MASTER OF SCIENCE (EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE)
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE)
FACILITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT
The department utilizes several facilities for teaching and research purposes. An ultra-modern Human Performance Laboratory for use in research and teaching of Exercise Science and Physical Therapy is near completion. The available and well equipped gymnasium complex is used for teaching various practical courses. In addition, the department has a standard swimming pool that is utilized for teaching swimming and other aquatic activities. In order to enhance the teaching of outdoor education and leadership, the department collaborates with the department of Recreation and Sports Management in the use of their campsite within the university. The department also collaborates with the directorate of Sports and games in the use of the university sports facilities for teaching and research activities. The following is a list of facilities that support the operations of the department:
- Human Performance Laboratory
- Students’ Gymnasium
- Sports Playing fields and pitches
- Swimming pool
- Tennis Courts
- Squash Courts
- Campsite
- Recreation, Health and Fitness Centers
STAFF
Academic Staff
The department has a team of highly qualified and vibrant academic staff. They comprise of:
-3 Associate Professors,
-1 senior lecturer,
-7 Lecturers (6 of whom are PhD- holders and 1 Masters Holder),
-4 Tutorial Fellows.
The department also engages approved part-time lectures from time to time when need arises.
Non-Academic Staff
1 Laboratory technician
1 Gym manager
15 Fitness instructors
4 Gym attendants
Calender
DATE |
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
VENUE |
January 2019 Friday 4th
Wednesday 16th |
12:00pm
9:00am |
Fitness Instructors Meeting
Post graduate seminar |
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room |
February 2019 Wednesday 20th
Wednesday 6th |
9:00am
12:00pm |
Post graduate seminar
Fitness Instructors Meeting |
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room |
March 2019 Wednesday 20th
Friday 8th
Monday 4th |
9:00am
12:00pm
9:00am |
Post graduate seminar
Fitness Instructors Meeting
Non-Teaching Staff Meeting |
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room |
April 2019 Tuesday 2nd
Wednesday 17th |
12:00pm
9:00am |
Fitness Instructors Meeting
Post graduate seminar |
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room |
May 2019 Friday 3rd
Wednesday 15th
Thursday 30th |
10:00am
9:00am
9:00am |
Fitness Instructors Meeting
Non-Teaching Staff Meeting
Post graduate seminar
|
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room |
June 2019 Wednesday 19th
Friday 21st
Tuesday 25th |
9:00am
12:00pm
9am – 4pm |
Post graduate seminar
Fitness Instructors Meeting
Research symposium |
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room
BSCC |
July 2019 Friday 5th
Wednesday 17th
Tuesday 9th |
10:00am
9:00am
9:00am |
Fitness Instructors Meeting
Post graduate seminar
Non-Teaching Staff Meeting |
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room
P.E Common Room |
Collaboration
The department collaborates with local and international institutions and organizations in the areas of teaching, curriculum development, research, staff, student exchanges and community service. The academic staff has so far established very strong academic collaborations/linkages with numerous Universities, institutions and organizations in different parts of the world.
These include University of Manitoba and University of Ottawa (in Canada),West Virginia University (USA), Volda University, University of Bergen (in Norway), University of Helsinki, Haaga-Helia University Vierumaki (Finland), Tshwane University of Technology and University of Pretoria, University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town and University of Johannesburg (in South Africa), Makerere University and Kyambogo University (in Uganda), University of Dar-essalaam (in Tanzania) and many others in UK, USA and Germany.
The existing linkage with Volda University has continued to enable the best two of our undergraduate students to proceed to Norway (in the same University) on annual basis to complete their undergraduate courses there. The department also collaborates with the Kenya Medical Research Institute and other institutions in Kenya as well as and other international organizations that include IAAF and FIFA.
External Examiners
-Physical Education programs
Dr. Constance Adron Nakayiza Nsibambi, Kyambogo University, Uganda
-Exercise and Sports Science programs
Prof. Dirk Lund Christensen, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
The department also engages several other external examiners to examine postgraduate Theses.
Faculty Profiles
PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION
- DR. FRANCIS MUNDIA MWANGI
- PROF. MICHAEL K. BOIT
- PROF. VINCENT O. ONYWERA
- DR. JANE WANJIKU KAMAU
- DR.YASMIN GOODWIN
- DR. GITAHI THEURI
- DR. FESTUS K. KIPLAMAI
- DR. LUCY JOY WACHIRA
- DR. JULIAH WAMBUI GITHANG'A
- Dr. JANE WAIRIMU MWANGI
- MR.SIMON GATHUA MUHORO
- DR EDWIN KIPTOLO
- DR. WAIGANJO LUKA
- MR NDABIRI RICHARD KARANI
- MR. MUCHEKE CHARLES MUTHIAINE
Programmes
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)
MASTER OF SCIENCE (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE)
MASTER OF SCIENCE (EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE)
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE)
Mode of Study: Regular, Open Learning and Institutional Based
Total Unit Load:
BE.d (Physical Education) = 4+4+6+6 =20
M Sc (Physical Education) = 5+5=10 units + Thesis
Research
Ongoing Research Projects by Staff
Dr. Francis Mwangi Mundia and colleagues - Assessment of Foot Structure and Function in Relation to Selected Health and Performance Related Fitness Attributes among Children and Young Adults: A Comparative Study between Kenya and Japan. 2018 - 2020.
Prof. Vincent Onywera and colleagues - Building higher education and research capacity to address the physical activity and nutrition transition in Kenya: the Kenya-Finland education and research alliance (KENFIN-EDURA), 2017-2020.
Dr. Lucy-Joy Wachira and Dr Helen Muthomi - Outdoor Adventure Practice in the Afro-Alpine Mountain Areas in East Africa: Training, Certification, Competence and Standards in Injury Occurrence and Pre-Hospital Emergency Risk Management, 2016 – 2019.
Prof. Vincent Onywera -Active Cities as Catalysts for Well-Being In Africa: The Case Of Nairobi, Accra And Johannesburg, 2016-2017
Prof. Vincent Onywera - Assessment of physical activity and active transport among school children in eastern, western and southern regions of Africa: the case of Kenya, Mozambique and Nigeria, 2013-2017
Service Charter
2019/2020
Service |
Requirement |
Time Frame |
TEACHING |
||
Units on Offer |
Ø Unit allocation |
A month before commencement of semester |
Unit registration in the Department |
Ø Students should avail course registration forms for signature, stamping and write their names in the departmental registration books against each unit registering for |
1 month after commencement of a semester (regular) A week after commencement of a session (CEP) |
Teaching Timetable |
Looking for more hours for practical units in each area |
Two weeks after opening (Regular) A day after Exams (CEP) |
Two Third Rule |
Filled class attendance lists |
Weekly |
EXAMINATIONS |
||
Correcting examination timetables clashes |
Ø Letter to University Timetabler indicating clashes |
7 working days |
Handling examination missing mark requests from students |
Ø Complete Missing marks form to exams coordinator |
7 working days |
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES |
||
Processing postgraduate Concept for Departmental presentation |
Ø Record of attending post-graduate seminar ( for concept) Ø Register in the Departmental Concept Book |
Before the beginning of the month |
Processing postgraduate Proposal for Departmental Presentation |
Ø Four signed copies of proposal Ø Turn it in report |
Before the beginning of the month |
Processing postgraduate proposals to school Board |
Ø Four signed copies of proposal Ø Turn it in report Ø Nil fee balance Ø Transcripts |
Before the beginning of the month |
Forwarding thesis for examination |
Ø Submission of fee statement with nil fee balance Ø Turn it in report Ø 4 spiral bound copies of Supervisor approved Thesis documents Ø Filling of thesis submission form
|
7 working days |
Writing Letters of Introduction/Recommendation |
Ø Request letter from student /staff
|
4 working days |
HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTRE |
||
Service |
Requirement |
Time Frame |
Gym member’s Registration |
Ø Student I.D/ P.F NO /National I.D Ø National Bank account no: 01003059150800 cash deposit slip. Ø Client to provide passport-size photograph to be affixed to the membership card. Ø Duly filled and signed gym subscription check-off form (staff only).
|
1 Working day |
Gym subscription renewal |
Ø Valid Gym membership card. Ø National Bank account no: 01003059150800 cash deposit slip for payment of preferred subscription period. Ø Duly filled and signed gym subscription check-off form (staff only).
|
1 working day |
In case of complaints or compliments regarding the services offered please contact:
CHAIRMAN,
PHYSICAL EDUCATION, EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY, P.O BOX 43844-00100 NAIROBI,
TEL. (020)8710901, EXT: 4146
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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