Highlights
Dr. Tom Abuom: Position: Senior LecturerDepartment: Special SurgeriesContact Address: P.O. Box 43844-00100, N
Mr. Stephen Njuguna Githuku:   Name: Stephen Njuguna Githuku Title/Qualification: Mr. Department: Medical Surgical Nursi
KU-UPEI Collaborative Project for the Canadian Que: Kenyatta University (KU) and University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), in Canada, are partnering in a th
KU-UPEI Collaborative Project for the Canadian Que: Kenyatta University (KU) and University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), in Canada, are partnering in a th
Dr. Robert Murithi Mugo: Name: DR. ROBERT M. MUGOTitle/Qualification: PAEDIATRIC SURGEONDepartment: SURGERYDesignation/P
ACK Canon Hesbon Parish Sports Day Held at KU Spor: On 27th April 2025, Kenyatta University’s Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science
Kenyatta University Marks World Physical Activity : On April 6, 2025, Kenyatta University joined the global community in celebrating World Physical Activity
Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Sports Scienc: IntroductionDoctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Sports Science PhD (ESS) at Kenyatta University is a cou
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Laboratory Science: IntroductionThe Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Laboratory Science (PhD. MLS) programme at Kenyatta Unive
Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (M: IntroductionThe Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MSc. MLS) is designed to address societa

Position: Senior Lecturer
Department: Special Surgeries
Contact Address: P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Professional Summary
Dr Tom Abuom is a Clinical Linguist and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Special Surgeries, School of Health Sciences at Kenyatta University, specializing in Speech-Language Pathology. He is an accomplished academic and researcher with extensive experience in teaching, research, and administration. His scholarly work focuses on clinical assessment and intervention for communication disorders in bilingual and multilingual contexts, with particular expertise in child language impairments, Aphasiology and Neurolinguistics. Dr. Abuom has also demonstrated strong academic leadership, contributing to curricula development, professional training, postgraduate supervision, and mentorship. Through these efforts, he has played a key role in advancing speech-language therapy practice in Kenya and across other African countries. He is the kind of academic who not only thrives in scholarly work but also applies it to improve lives—particularly among populations often overlooked in clinical and educational research as well as in service provision—by addressing critical gaps in therapy services and professional training.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Ouma I.A, & Abuom, T. (2025). Exploring The Acquisition and Application of Counseling Skills by Speech Therapists in Communication Disorder Interventions: Perspectives of Speech Therapists, Clients and Caregivers. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 30(5), 09-14. e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org
  • Ndiema, Dalphine, T., Abuom, M., Karia & F. Robinson (2025). A Cross-Sectional Study on Interprofessional Practice of Health Professionals in Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Management among Acute-Care Inpatients in a Kenyan Level – Six, Research Hospital. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. Vol XII, Issue XV. 1378-1396. ISSN: 2321 – 2705. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1215000113P
  • Gakii Linda & T. Abuom, G. Waruingi (2024). Collaboration-Inclusion Model: Stakeholders Perception of Its Impediments as A Socio-Communication Skill Deficit Intervention Strategy in Learners with Autism in Nairobi County, Kenya. European Journal of Special Education Research.10 (7), 1-15. ISSN: 2501 - 2428 ISSN-L: 2501 – 2428. http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v10i7.5606.
  • Kebebe W. P., Muthee, J. & Abuom, T. (2024). Influence of Teaching Strategies on Reading Comprehension of Learners with Learning Disabilities in Selected Public Primary Schools in Kyuso Sub-County, Kenya. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. Vol XI, Issue V, 1175-1185. ISSN: 2321 – 2705. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2024.1105079

  • Maureen Stephanie Ndinda, T. Abuom, M. Karia (2024) Phonological Disorders as a Determinant of Speech Intelligibility Among Learners with Down Syndrome in Public Primary Schools, Nairobi County, Kenya. European Journal of Special Education Research.10, 147-164. ISSN: 2501 - 2428 ISSN-L: 2501 – 2428.

  • Mutuiri Caroline Mwende & Abuom, T. (2024). Exploring Therapy-Related Constraints in the Delivery ff Speech and Language Therapy Services to Children with Cerebral Palsy in Kibera Slums, Nairobi City County, Kenya. European Journal of Special Education Research, Volume 10 Issue 3, 1-17. ISSN: 2501 – 2428, ISSN-L: 2501 – 2428.

  • Ndiema, Dalphine, T., Abuom & M., Karia. (2024). The Status of Health Professionals’ Knowledge of Complications of Impaired Deglutition among Acute-Care Inpatients in a Kenyan Referral Hospital. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science. IX. 195-205. 10.51584/IJRIAS.2024.905017.

  • Ndiema, Dalphine, T., Abuom & Mathew, Karia. (2024). Health Professionals’ Identification Levels of Risk Factors: In View of the Management of In-Patients Admitted with Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Swallowing Disorders in a Kenyan National Hospital. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 11. 740-751. 10.51244/IJRSI.2024.1103052.

  • Ndiema, Dalphine, Abuom, T & Mathew, Karia. (2024). Health Professionals' Awareness of Signs and Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia among inpatients at a Level -Six Referral Hospital in Kenya. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 11. 369-380. 10.51244/IJRSI.2024.1103026.

  • Licandro, U., Abuom, T. & Omari, D. (2023). Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Children with Language Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa – Approaches to Service Delivery. In: Lüdtke, U.M., Kija, E., Karia, M.K. (eds) Handbook of Speech-Language Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Springer Publishers, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04504-2_22
  • Thiga, E., Awuori B. & Abuom, T. (2023). Perceptions on Hearing Aid Use and Its Influence on Self-Esteem of Learners with Hearing Impairment in Integrated Settings in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Journal of Education and Training, Macrothink Institute, Vol. 10 (1), p. 100- 123, ISSN 2330-9709.
    Oogo, C., Abuom, T. & Otube, N. (2022). Relationship between Vocal Hygiene Awareness and Voice Function among Teachers in Selected Public Primary Schools in Migori County, Kenya. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 27, Issue 7, Series 2 (July. 2022) 01-10 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org
  • Obunge, L. , Abuom, T, & Muthee, J. (2022). Parental and Health Professionals’ Awareness and their Roles in Speech-Language Therapy for Effective Intervention among Children with Communication Disorders in Selected Hospitals, Mwanza City, Tanzania. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, Vol 05, Issue 09, p.2310-2325 ISSN(print): 2643-9840, ISSN(online): 2643-9875.
  • Bundi I. G., Karia M. & Abuom, T. (2021). Effects of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency on Quality of Life of Adults with Repaired Cleft Palate in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Journal of Humanities and Social Science, Volume 26, Issue 9, Series 6, 47-57 e-ISSN: 2279- 0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org
  • Araka S. G, Abuom, T. & , Karia, M. (2021). Assessment of Effects of Post Laryngeal Cancer Treatment on Voice Function and Communication of Laryngeal Cancer Survivors at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. Journal of Humanities and Social Science, volume 26, Issue 10, Series 4, 13-21 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845.
  • Abong’o A. P, Abuom, T. & Muthee, J. (2021). Voice Disorders and Their Psychosocial Impact on Laryngeal Cancer Patients and Their Families: A Case of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi City County– Kenya. Journal of Humanities and Social Science,volume 26, Issue 6, Series 14, 39-45. e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845.
  • Owaga, B., Nzoka S. & Abuom, T. (2019). Psychological Dispositions of Depression and Academic Performance of Learners with Visual Impairment in Selected Special Primary Schools in Kenya. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI),6, 187-192. ISSN 2321–2705
  • Munyi, A., Abuom, T. & Karia, M. (2018). The Extent of Knowledge Possessed by Teachers to Enhance Communication Skills of Learners with Speech and Language Disorders, A Case of Joy Town, Kiambu County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 6, 343-352. ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
  • Obure, S.O., Karia, M. & Abuom, T.O. (2018). Caregivers’ Extent of Involvement in Early Intervention for Children with Speech and Language Disorders in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 6, 13-21. ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
  • Obure, S.O., Abuom, T.O. & Karia, M. (2018). Caregivers’ Needs for Involvement in Early Intervention for Children with Speech and Language Disorders in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 6, 6-12). ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
  • Abuom, T.O. (2013). Verb and word order deficits in Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic speakers. (Doctoral Dissertation, University of Groningen). Groningen Dissertations in Linguistics (GRODIL),119. ISBN: 978-90-367-6264-9
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R. (2013). Sentence Production in Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic speakers. Aphasiology, 27, 921-937.
  • Abuom, T., Bastiaanse, R. & Shah, E. (2013). Sentence Comprehension in Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic speakers. Journal of Clinical linguistics & Phonetics, 27, 355-370.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R. (2013). Production and Comprehension of Reference of Time in Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic speakers. Aphasiology, 27, 157-177.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R. (2012). Effects of brain damage on sentence comprehension: Evidence from Swahili-English bilinguals with Agrammatic Broca's aphasia. Stem-, Spraak- en Taalpathologie (Journal of Voice-, Speech- and Language pathology) 17, 11-14.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R (2012). Asyntactic Comprehension in Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic speakers.In proceedings of the NeuroPsychoLinguistic Perspectives on Aphasia (NPL) Conference. Toulouse: University of Toulouse.pp.107-109.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse,R. (2012). Characteristics of Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic Spontaneous speech & the consequences for understanding agrammatic aphasia. Journal of Neurolinguistics 25, 276-293.

  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse,R. (2011). Time reference deficits in Swahili-English agrammatic speakers.In proceedings of the 12th Science of Aphasia Conference. Barcelona: University of Barcelona. pp.14-17.

  • Abuom, T., Obler, L.& Bastiaanse, R (2011). Using Swahili and English to test explanations of Agrammatism. Aphasiology 25 (5), 559-575.

Seminar/Conference Presentations

  • Abuom, Tom (2024). Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Pathology Curriculum. Presentation at a 3-day Curriculum Development Workshop Sponsored by Starkey Hearing Technologies in collaboration with Kenyatta University held at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Nairobi-Kenya, 30th July-1st August 2024.
  • Abuom, T. & Cheruiyot, C. (2017). The Production of Word Order and Bound Grammatical Morphemes in Swahili Agrammatic Speakers. PAGEL Workshop on Multiple Disorders and Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Kenyatta University, Nairobi-Kenya, June 5-9.
  • Obure, E., Karia, M. & Abuom, T. (2017). Caregivers Involvement for Effective Early Intervention for Children with Speech/language Disorders in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County. Proceeding of the 6th East African International Conference on Communication Disability held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi-Kenya on 10th -11th February, 2017.
  • Munyi, A., Abuom, T. & Karia. M. (2017). Teacher Involvement in Enhancing Communication Skills of Children with Speech and Language Disorders in Joy Town Primary School in Kiambu-Kenya. Proceedings of the 6th East African International Conference on Communication Disability held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi-Kenya on 10th -11th February, 2017.
  • Munyoki, P. C., Karia. M. & Abuom, T. (2017). Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Quality of Life among the Kenya Defence Forces. Proceeding of the 6th East African International Conference on Communication Disability held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi-Kenya on 10th -11th February, 2017.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R (2013). Production of Word Orders in Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic speakers. Presentation at the 11th International Symposium of Psycholinguistics, Tenerife,Canary Islands-Spain, March 20-23.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R. (2012). Effects of brain damage on sentence comprehension: Evidence from Swahili-English bilinguals with Broca's aphasia. Presentation at the 13th International Science of Aphasia Conference, Groningen,The Netherlands, September 7-12.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R (2012). Asyntactic Comprehension in Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic speakers. Presentation at the NPL-Aphasia Conference, Toulouse, France, June 21-23.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R. (2012). Effects of brain damage on sentence comprehension: Evidence from Swahili-English bilinguals with Broca's aphasia. Poster presented at the Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences' (BCN) New Year meeting, Groningen,The Netherlands, February 2.
  • Abuom, T., Bastiaanse, R & Shah, E. (2012). Asyntactic Comprehension in Swahili-English bilinguals with Broca's aphasia. Talk given at the 4th East African Speech & Language Therapy Conference, Kampala, Uganda, January 12-15.
  • Abuom, T. & Bastiaanse, R. (2011). Time reference deficits in Swahili-English agrammatic speakers.Talk given at the 12th International Science of Aphasia Conference, Barcelona, Spain, September 1-5.
  • Abuom, T., Obler, L.& Bastiaanse, R. (2011). The processing of time reference in bilingual Individuals with broca's aphasia.Talk given at TABU DAG Conference, Groningen,The Netherlands, June 17-18.
  • Abuom, T., Obler, L.& Bastiaanse, R. (2011). Time reference deficits in Swahili-English bilinguals with broca's aphasia.Talk given at the Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences' (BCN) Retreat, Odoorn,The Netherlands, March 17-18.
  • Abuom, T., Obler, L.& Bastiaanse, R. (2011). Time reference in Swahili-English bilingual agrammatic speakers. Presentation at the Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences' (BCN) New Year meeting, Groningen,The Netherlands, February 17.
  • Abuom, T., Obler, L.& Bastiaanse, R. (2010). Using Swahili and English to test explanations of Agrammatism. Presentation at the 11th International Science of Aphasia Conference, Potsdam, Germany, August 27-31.

SEMINAR / WORKSHOPS ATTENDED

  • International Annual Conference on Education and Life Long Learning, Kenyatta University, Nairobi-Kenya, October 6-7, 2021
  • PAGEL Workshop on Multiple Disorders and Augmentative and Alternative Communication held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi-Kenya on 5-9 June, 2017.
  • Management and Administration of a Speech Clinic: Interface of SLP Practice, Training and Research. PAGEL Workshop held at Leibniz University of Hannover (LUH) - Germany from 16th September – 2nd October, 2016.
  • CARTA Supervisors workshop on supporting and improving research training among promising fellows in the partner institutions, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 22-28, 2015
  • Epidemiology and applied statistics workshop by Prof. H.M. Boezen, Graduate School for Drug Exploration, University Medical Center Groningen, November 5-16, 2012.
  • Project management workshop by Prof. Paul Luten and Prof. Menno Gerkema, Graduate School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Groningen, May 15-16, 2012.
  • Publishing in English (Academic writing) by Dr. D.M. Black, Graduate School of Medical Science, University Medical Center Groningen, February 3- April 8, 2012.
  • Aphasia Bank workshop by Prof. Brian MacWhinney, 8-9 June, Groningen, The Netherlands 2010.
  • Tabu Dag Linguistic International conference, 3-4 June, Groningen, The Netherlands 2010
  • International PhD workshop on Grammar and Aphasia, 18-19 September, Groningen, The Netherlands 2009.
  • Seminar, Clinical Neurology and Rehabilitation for Clinical Linguists, by Stephan Bamborschke MD, 21-23 April, Brandenburg Clinic, Bernau, Germany 2008.
  • Seminar, Agrammatism: Evidence and Theory, Dr. Loraine Obler, the City University of New York Bilingual Aphasia, Dr. Shyamala Chengappa, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Language Impairments in Children and Adolescents, Dr. Dorit Ravid, Tel Aviv University June 1 – 30, Potsdam, Germany 2008.
  • International PhD workshop on Cross-linguistic Aspects of Aphasia July 4‐5, Campus Griebnitzsee, Potsdam, Germany 2008.
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