Physical Education, Exercise And Sport Science

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, conditioning and rehabilitation after injury, based on sound scientific principles.

Moreover, Kenya is experiencing rapid life-style changes resulting in unhealthy dietary 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, are becoming the leading health problems in the country.

The exercise programmes in the department will prepare experts in preventing and managing people with such conditions. A section of the Department dealing with adapted physical activity 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.

The Department has taken steps to ensure that all of our programs are in line with the new Physical Education and Sports Policy for Basic Education (2021) which outlines the Ministry’s commitment to the realization of effective P.E. and sports programs in learning institutions. It is also aligned to the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) system of education which recognises P.E. as an important areas learning, and sport science as one of the career pathways.

Development and teaching of a common unit in physical literacy and sports literacy for all BEd teacher trainees in the University also demonstrates the commitment of the department in contributing towards healthy, informed, engaged and empowered citizenry.

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:

Partnership in Sports and Development for Tomorrow at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya on 3rd March 2020, Co-hosted by KU together with Japan Society for Promotion of Science and TIAS of University of Tsukuba, Japan.
World Under 18 Athletics Championships Pre-Games Symposium at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, from 7^th – 8^th July, 2017
2^nd 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
17^th Biennial International conference of the International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport (ISCPES) held at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, from 6^th 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 center of the departments’ main teaching and learning facilities, as well as research and community service. The Gym has undergone infrastructural expansion for improving quality and scope of the services we provided. The renovated, expanded gymnasium and the fitness programmes have 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.

New Athletics Tartan Track

Built as one of legacies for hosting games village during U18 and U20 World Athletics championships, the New Athletics Tartan Track will go a long way in enhancing training and research in the field of athletics for Kenyatta University and the country at large.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND REFLECTIONS ON THE FITNESS TRIP FEEDBACK FROM HILLCREST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

We are grateful to receive such positive feedback from the participants of the recent fitness trip to Kenyatta University by hillcrest international school. The appreciation and detailed accounts shared by the students highlight the success and impact of the event. Here's a summary of the feedback:

Franco lauded the informative nature of the trip, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience with various testing equipment and the accommodating staff, which enhanced their learning and report-writing skills.
ess V. expressed enjoyment and admiration for the unique lab facilities at Kenyatta University, noting the challenging yet supportive environment provided by the university team.
Max Haysom appreciated the organization and hospitality of the facilitators, emphasizing the contribution of the fitness testing to his coursework and the joy of learning alongside peers.
Nyles reflected on the educational and bonding aspects of the trip, valuing the opportunity to expand his knowledge in fitness testing.
Ivan found the experience memorable and encouraging, highlighting the mix of fun and effort involved in the fitness tests.
Tasha enjoyed the learning and bonding opportunities the trip provided, suggesting it as a beneficial experience for future students to learn about themselves and their classmates.

The feedback underscores Kenyatta University's commitment to providing an enriching and supportive environment for learning and personal growth. We cherish this acknowledgment and look forward to fostering more such rewarding experiences in the future.

LOCATION
The department office is located in Main Campus, Moi Library Building, First Floor, Room 13 and 14. Telephone: +254-02-8701901, x4146

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:

Athletics Tartan Track
Campsite
Gymnasium
Human Performance Laboratory
Recreation, Health and Fitness Centers
Sports Playing fields and pitches
Squash Courts
Swimming pool
Tennis Courts

STAFF

Academic Staff

The department has a team of highly qualified and vibrant academic staff. They comprise of:

2 Associate Professors
2 Senior lecturers
1 Tutorial Fellow
3 External Part-Time lectures

The department engages approved part-time from time to time when need arises.

Non-Academic Staff

1 Departmental Secretary
1 Laboratory Technician
1 Gym manager
13 Fitness instructors
1Gym attendants
1 Swimming Pool Technician

Bachelor of Education (Physical Education)

Master of Science (Physical Education)

Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Physical Education)

Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)

Masters of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)

Doctor of Philosophy (Exercise and Sports 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

RP-Department of Physical and Health Education

Service Charter

SERVICE RENDERED	REQUIREMENTS	CHARGES	TIME LINE	INCHARGE
Response to Inquires	· Clarify the request or wish and full disclosure of what is required	Free	Immediately	Secretary Chairman
Units Registration/Adjustment	· Student unit registration form · Department registration book	Free	Per University Policy	Academic Advisor Secretary Chairman
Teaching	· Unit allocation · Course outlines · Teaching timetable · Registered students · Learning materials · Syllabus coverage forms · Class attendance register · Exam timetable	Free	35 Hours Per Semester	Chairman Lecturer Allocated
Timetable Clash	· Request letter · Request letter based on the provisional exam timetable	Free	3 Days	Exams Coordinator Departmental Timetabler Unit Lecturer Chairman
Examination Administration	· Examination card · Student ID · Name on the E10 form	Free	Per University Policy	Student Lecturer Allocated Unit
Examination Results Queries	· Request letter	Free	2 Days	Exams Coordinator Chairman
Introduction/Recommendation Letter	· Request letter	Free	2 Days	Secretary Chairman
Processing of Postgraduate Application Forms	· Fulfillment of all requirements	Free	2 Days	Postgraduate Coordinator Chairman
Allocation of Postgraduate Supervisor	· Student should have attended at least three post-graduate seminars · Successful concept paper presentation	Free	2 Weeks	Departmental Postgraduate Seminar /Meeting
Students Supervision Feedback	· Submission of Concept/Proposal/ Project or Thesis to Supervisor · Supervision monitoring forms	Free	Quarterly	Student Supervisor
Postgraduate Proposal Departmental Presentation Seminar	· Registration by the Student at the Chairman’s office · Document to be presented must be cleared by supervisors by signing · Turn it in Report ≤16% · 4 copies of Thesis Proposal	Free	Submitted on or before 2^nd day of the Month	Secretary Postgraduate Coordinator Chairman
Processing and Submission of Proposal to Graduate School for approval to Collect Data	· Nil fee balance · Minutes of seminar presentation · Turn it in report ≤16% · 3 copies of signed research proposal · Declaration of originality form and plagiarism clearance certificate · Transcripts – Masters	Free	Submitted on or before 2^nd of the Month	Chairman’s Office
Processing of Notice of Submission of Thesis to School Board	· Nil fee statement · Copy of abstract · Notice of submission form · Turn it in report ≤16% · Declaration of originality form and plagiarism clearance certificate · Progress tracking forms · Transcripts -Masters	Free	Submitted on or before 2^nd of the Month	Postgraduate Committee Chairman’s Office
Processing and Submission of Research Thesis to Graduate School for Examination	· Nil Fee Statement · Cleared by Supervisors by signing · Turn it in Report ≤16% · Declaration of originality form · Plagiarism clearance certificate · Progress tracking forms · Spiral Bound 5 copies of research thesis · Research Thesis/Project registered online · Transcripts- Masters · Soft copy of the thesis/Project in a compact disc (CD)	Free	2 Days	Chairman
Processing and submission of Bound Thesis for Graduation	· Evidence of Publication: At least 2 articles for Ph.D. and 1for Masters in referred journal or accepted manuscripts for publication · Turn it in Report ≤16% · Signed Certificate of Correction · Signed Final Hard Bound copies of Thesis/Project · Passport size photograph · 2 soft copies of the thesis/Project in compact discs (CD)	Free	5 Days	Chairman
Students Clearance after Completion	· University Clearance form	Free	1 Day	Stores Clerk Secretary
Gym membership Registration	· Student I.D/ Staff P.F No /National I.D · Cash deposit slip (National bank account no: 01003059150800) · Passport-size photograph to be affixed to the membership card. · Duly filled and signed gym subscription check-off form (staff only).	Payment subject member category & duration of subscription	1 Day	Gym manager
Gym subscription renewal	· Valid Gym membership card. · Cash deposit slip (National bank account no: 01003059150800) · Duly filled and signed gym subscription check-off form (staff only).	Payment subject member category & duration of subscription	1 Day	Gym manager
Replacement of gym membership card	· Cash deposit slip (National bank account no: 01003059150800) · Up to date gym subscription	300kshs	1 Day	Gym manager

Prof Danladi Ibrahim Musa,

Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Kogi State University, P.M.B. 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria.

Exercise and Sports Science Program

Dr. Dirk Lund Christensen,

University of Copenhagen

Section of Global health,

Denmark

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Other External Examiners Contacted mostly for Postgraduate

Prof. Jimoh Shehu

Department of Physical Education, Health & Recreation, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana

Prof. Constance

Constance Adron Nakayiza Nsibambi

Department of Sport science, Faculty of Science,

Kyambogo University,

P.O. Box 1 Kyambogo,

Kampala Uganda

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.