Dr. Joseph K. Muriithi

Title/Qualifications: PhD Department/Unit/Section: Environmental Studies & Community Development Contact Address: P.O. Box 10097-00200, Nairobi Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Position: Senior Lecturer Area of Research and Teaching Interest: Nature-based tourism/Ecotourism; Environmental Conservation and Sustainability, Urban greening; Environmental Governance and Advocacy; Community Livelihoods; Participatory Development; Climate Change and Public Health Google Scholar | ORCID ID Download CV

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

Papers/Publications in Refereed Journal 

• Mandić, A., Beraldo Souza, T., Spenceley, A., Bricker, K., Eagles, P. F. J., Epler Wood, M., Green, R., Haggar, K., Hvenegaard, G., Lemieux, C. J., Leung, Y.-F., McCool, S. F., Muriithi, J. K., Ritchie, C., Rogers, P., Rushton, B., Sano, J., & Turner, D. (2025). Strengthening sustainable tourism’s role in biodiversity conservation and community resilience, IUCN WCPA Issues Paper Series No. 07.
• Kimario Fidelcastor, Hubert Job and Muriithi, J.K (2025). Cross-national Analysis of territorial protection in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, Nature and Landscape-100 Jahrgang, Germany.
• Musyoki, J. K., Ming’ate, L. F. M., Muriithi, J.K, Musingo, M. T. E., & Kagombe, J. (2024). Factors Impacting Benefits of Participatory Forest Management in Upper Imenti Forest, Meru County, Kenya. Open Journal of Forestry, 14, 183-196.
• Muriithi, J.K. (2024). Dynamics Shaping Rural Transformation in Rapidly Urbanising Rural Areas in Central Kenya. People, Place and Policy, Early View, pp. 1-25
• Muriithi JK and Ngare IO (2023) Transitioning circular economy from policy to practice in Kenya. Front. Sustain. 4:1190470. doi: 10.3389/frsus.2023.1190470
• Ireri, P., Muriithi, J.K.., Kung’u, J.B. (2023). A review of Kenya’s policy on local community participation in tourism, The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social and Community Studies.
• Musyoka, J.K., Ming’ate F.L.M., Muriithi, J.K (2022). Factors determining household membership to Community Forest Association for participation in management of Upper Imenti Forest, Meru County, Kenya, Journal of Sustainable Forestry
• Ireri, P., Kung‟u, J.B. & Muriithi, J.K. (2020). Distribution of the Benefits of Ngare Ndare Forest Trust and Il Ngwesi Group Ranch Ecotourism Enterprises in Kenya. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 9(5):1178-1192
• Mutua B, Muriithi, J.K, Omwoyo O. (2014): Farmers awareness levels on the effects of pathenium weed (Partheniumhyterophorus L.) on agricultural production and its control in Nyando, Kenya, International Journal of Agriculture, Vol 125(305-310).
• Muriithi, J.K. (2013): Eco-certification and Insertion of Socioeconomic and Cultural Best Practices in Ecotourism Operations in Kenya, International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Vol. 3 No. 5; March 2013
• Muriithi, J.K. (2013): Ecotourism Ideals, Contradictory Actors Practices and Environmental Conservation in Kenya‟s Tourism Destinations, Resources and Environment 2013, 3(2): 24-34 DOI: 10.5923/j.re.20130302.03
• Wangai P, Muriithi, J.K and Andreas Koenig A. (2013): Drought Related Impacts on Local People‟s Socioeconomic Life and Biodiversity Conservation at Kuku Group Ranch, Southern Kenya ,International Journal of Ecosystems 2013, 3(1): 1-6 DOI: 10.5923/j.ije.20130301.01
• Muriithi, J.K. (2007): „Continuity and Change in Tourism Practices in Kenya‟ in Mambo, Volume VI, n° 2; 2007, French Institute of Research in Africa, Nairobi, pp. 1-6.
• Muriithi, J. K. (2007): „Vested Interests and Natural Resource Governance in Kenya in L’Afriqueorientaleannuaire (eds) Charton, H et Médard, C. L‟Harmattan, Paris, pp. 165-198.
• Muriithi, J.K. (2006): „Common Heritage, Diverse Interests: Deforestation and Conservation Alternatives for Mt. Kenya‟ in Les Cahier D’Outre-Mer, Afrique de L‟Est: Montagnes, Numéro 235 Vol. 59. Presses Universitaires de Bordeaux, pp. 307-332.
• Muriithi, J.K. (2006): „Embracing Community-Based Ecotourism: Tourism Initiatives and Practices around Mt. Kenya National Reserve ‟(2006), in Les Cahiers d'Afrique de l'est, N° 28, pp. 31-49.
• Muriithi, J.K. (2005): „Towards Co-management of Forests: Dynamics of Collaborative Forest Governance Around Mount Kenya‟, in Les Cahier d’Afrique de l’est N° 26, French Institute for Research in Africa, Nairobi, pp 1-38.

Other Publications

Refereed Book Chapters

• Joseph K. Muriithi & Philip Ireri ( 2024). "Ecotourism Principles, Responsible Travel, and Building a Sustainable Post-pandemic Destination Kenya," Springer Books, in: Shem Wambugu Maingi & Vanessa GB Gowreesunkar & Maximiliano E Korstanje (ed.), Tourist Behaviour and the New Normal, Volume II, chapter 11, pages 195-220, Springer Nature.
• Muriithi, J. K., 2022.. Role of conservancy-based tourism in the management of natural ecosystem services in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. In Management of Tourism Ecosystem Services in a Post Pandemic Context(pp. 11-29). Routledge, London.
• Muriithi, J. K., 2022., Sustainability Perspectives of the Wildlife Conservancy–Based Tourism Model in a Post-Pandemic Context in Kenya. In Tourism through Troubled Times: Challenges and opportunities of the tourism industry in 21st century, (pp. 181–202). Emerald Publishing, London.
• Muriithi, J.K. (2017): Towards Sustainable Urban Green Development in Nairobi: Policy Options in _Devolution and Development in Kenya: Selected Issues, Challenges and Remedies_ Nsemia Plc, Canada, Mwenzwa and Thuranira (eds)
• Muriithi, J.K. (2016): Mountain Tourism in Dynamic Settings: Challenges and Efforts to Align Tourism to Emerging Realities in Mt Kenya Area, In East African Mountain Dynamics, edited by François Bart, Mkuki na Nyota, Dar el Salaam,
• Muriithi, J.K. (2014): The Role of Certification in Enhancing Achievement of Sustainable Ecotourism Development in Kenya, In Beyond Safari: The Third Cycle of Tourism Revolution in Kenya, L‟Harmattan, Paris, edited by Jean Rieucau

Book

• Karienye D, Ochola S, and Muriithi J.K. (2012): Impacts of Climate Variability on Rural Livelihoods in Nyeri County, Kenya Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrucken, Germany

Conference /Workshop/Symposium Papers

• December 4th, 2018: Workshop paper presentation at the Delft Institute for Water Innovations, The Netherlands titled, “Managing water scarcity in contexts of competing stakeholders visions”
• 9th -10th March 2018: Resource person at a conference on “Socioeconomic considerations on risk assessment of Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) organized by the Kenya Bio-safety Authority at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies.
• October 26-30th 2015: Participated and presented a paper on “Capacity Building for Action Research in Kenya” at University of Michigan, African Studies Centers‟ Partnership, Publication & Funding Workshop Agenda
• September 21-25th 2015: Participated and presented a paper entitled, “socioeconomic Impacts and Monitoring of Kenya’s two models of Protected Areas (National parks and Game Reserves), at a conference at the University of Wuerzburg, Germany.
• 8th - 10th July 2014: Participated and presented a paper at the Green Economy in the South conference in Dodoma, Tanzania. Paper was titled, “Certification in ecotourism: Review of experiences and impacts of using “Green credentials” in Kenya.
• 05-10 March 2012: Participant at the Implementation Research Proposal Development workshop organized by the World Health Organisation at Serena Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, 05-10 March 2012. July 3rd –July 9th 2011: Facilitator and discussant at the “Mountain and Small Cities” Conference at the Green Hill Hotel, Nyeri; July 3rd –July 9th 2011.
• 22/23/24 September 2010: Presented a paper at the conference on “Public Understanding of Science in Africa” titled, “Ecotourism and Interactions of Experts and Local People in Conservation Efforts in Kenya”, at the British Institute for Research in Africa-Nairobi, 22/23/24 September 2010.
• 17 November 2009, Degrading paradise: Eco-tourism Ideals and Contradictory Actors‟ Practices in Kenya‟s protected areas, research seminar paper given to the Political Ecology Group, University of Cambridge, UK 17 November 2009.
• 15th September 2009: Resource person and discussant in the workshop “Proficiency Standardization and Validation of Tourism Training by the Catering and Tourism Development Levy (CTDLT), 15th September 2009, Silver Spring Hotel, Nairobi.
• 3rd to 14th July 2006: Training in Research Methods with special emphasis on qualitative, qualitative, spatial analyses and field work, organised by the National Centre for Scientific Research-Paris, Institute for Research and Development Paris, 3rd to 14th July 2006, Nairobi.
• 24th/25th/26th November, 2005: Impacts of Tourism on Nature: The Management of Mt. Kenya. Paper Presented at the International colloquium on governance stakes and sustainable tourism development in protected areas held on 24th/25th/26th November, 2005, Nice, France.
• 21st-26th August, 2004: Community Based Forest Management in Kenya: the case of mount Kenya area”, Seminar presentation made during the National Centre for Competence in Research, East African Review Workshop between 21st-26th August, 2004, Sportsman‟s Arms, Nanyuki, Kenya.

Professional/Consulting

Networking

• 2017: Initiated a research networking MOU between Kenyatta University and University of Michigan which has contributed to undertaking collaborative research activities with researchers based at the University of Michigan, USA.

Review of a periodical/journal

• Subject editor and Reviewer: Conservation and Society Journal

Appointment to National/Regional or International Board as a Consultant

1. 2018: Appointed as a Socio-economic bio-safety expert/reviewer with the Kenya National Bio-safety Authority.
2. 2021: Re-appointment as a Socio-economic bio-safety expert/reviewer with the Kenya National Bio-safety Authority.

Professional Consultancy

• 2023-2025: Co-PI as the Social-Ecological Expert in the Climate Change and Public Health in the Dryland (Maasai Mara Ecosystem) Project funded by the Centre for Global Health and Equity, Michigan, USA. 
• 2018-2021: Appointed as a Socio-economic and Bio-Safety Expert and Reviewer of risk assessment reports on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) applications in Kenya by the Kenya National Bio-safety Authority. 
• 2018: Co-PI in the project “People’s Environmental History of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem. Project Funded by The African Studies Centre, University of Michigan, Ann Abor, USA. 
• May 2017-2018: Research Consultant in Urban Africa Risk and Knowledge Project with ARUP consulting group, UK), the component dealing on socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts of huge Infrastructural Projects in Kenya ((Thika Superhighway and Two Rivers Mall).
• 2017- 2018: Consultant and team leader with Civotech Associates for Environmental and Social safeguards Compliance Audit of the Kenya Municipal Programme (KMP) for cluster II towns of Nakuru, Eldoret, Kakamega and Kericho.
• 2013-2014: Consultant sociologist and mixed methodologies expert on the Columbia University project examining community-based child protection mechanisms in Kenya (Kilifi, Mombasa, Kisii and Nyamira).
• 2012 February: Implementation Research training, World Health Organisation, Kampala, Uganda.
• 2011: Researcher on the project “Mountains and Small cities in East Africa” in collaboration with University of Bordeaux, January-July 2011.
• 2010: Sociologist with EGIS Bceom team for the preparation of the Resettlement Action Plan for the Kibwezi-Isiolo road, Kenya, June-November 2010.
• 2010: Sociologist with EGIS Bceom team for the preparation of the Resettlement Action Plan for the Kaya-Yei-Juba road, Southern Sudan, June-October, 2010.
• 2010: e-content developer on “Qualitative Data Management and Analysis” for the project, Partnership for Higher Education in Africa‟s Educational Technology Initiative (PHEA-ETI), Kenyatta University, September-November, 2010.
• 2005: Research assistant with the World Science Project that focused on scientific communication among scientists (Kenya universities and Kenya Agricultural Research Institutes (KARI) centres), Department of Sociology, University of Nairobi, 2005.

External Examiner for undergraduate and post graduate programmes

• 2019: Appointed to serve as an external examiner for the School of Environment and Agriculture, Machakos University, Kenya
• 2022: Re-appointed to serve as an external examiner for the School of Environment and Agriculture, Machakos University, Kenya

 External Examination of Thesis

• 2018: Served as an external examiner for a PhD thesis proposal at the IHE-Delft Institute of Water Innovations‟, The Netherlands.

Administration and Responsibilities

Recognized University administrative positions

• 2016-2020-Two terms: Served as Chairman of the Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development, Kenyatta University.
• 2016-2018: Served as Acting Dean of the School of Environmental Studies on several occasions.
• 2015-2019: Trained students in the Student Entrepreneurship Promotion Trainer in Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu on Entrepreneurship.
• 2014: Member of the University Committee working on the development of the curriculum for the degree programme of Environmental Journalism of Kenyatta University.
• 2013-Present: Have served as Staff –Student Mentor, Kenyatta University
• 2013 April: Member of the committee in charge of development of strategic plan for the School of Environmental Studies.
• 2013 March: Member of the committee in charge of development of the university environmental policy.
• 2013 March: Member of the committee in charge of preparation of Geo-spatial Conference on the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) in teaching and research in Institutions of higher learning in Eastern Africa.
• 2011-2013: I served as acting chairman of Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development on several occasions.
• 2012 May: Served in the deans committee on the preparation of Kenyatta University-Esri eastern Africa MOU on provision of Campus wide GIS and Geospatial training.
• 2012 April: Member of the dean’s committee on standardisation of School of Environmental Studies thesis writing format.
• 2012-2015: Chair, of the departmental Post Graduate Studies Committee. v 2013-2015: Chairman of the School of Environmental Studies Board of Post Graduate Studies.
• 2012-2015: Member of the school of Environmental Studies Board of Post Graduate Studies (BPS). 2011 September-2012 January: Appointed by Vice-Chancellor to the Committee on development of a curriculum on Monitoring and Evaluation course for the entire university.
• 2010-2015: Departmental coordinator, Intellectual property (IP) matters.
• 2010-2015: Departmental coordinator, quality management (ISO 9001:2008) matters.

Other Responsibilities in the university

• July 2023-Present: Appointed as a member of the Committee in charge of the development and implementation of the common university course UCU 310: Community Service Learning
• 2022: Appointed by chairman as Departmental Curriculum Review and Development Committee
• 2014-Present: Appointment as Lecturer-Student mentor at Kenyatta University Mentorship Programme
• 2022-Appointment as lecturer-student mentor
• 2019-Appointment as lecturer-student mentor
• 2017-Appointment as lecturer-student mentor
• 2015- Appointment as lecturer-student mentor
• 2014: School Post graduate Committee chairman
• 2013. Department Post graduate Committee Chairman
• 2014. University Environmental Policy Development member

Community Engagement and Other Contributions

Research Funding

• 2023: Co-PI in the Center for Global Health Equity grant. Public Health, Climate Change in the Drylands project.
• 2021: PI in the Kenyatta University VC Research Grant, “Developing an Entrepreneurial Model for Livelihoods Enhancement Amongst Poor Trees Farmers in Nairobi City County, Kenya
• 2018-2019: Co-PI (Prof. Bilal Butt) in the African Heritage Initiative Research Grant, 2018 Collaborative Faculty Seed Grant from the African Studies Centre, University of Michigan for the project, “A People’s Environmental Conservation History of the Maasai Mara, Kenya”
• Research Equipment Transfer where two HD LED Projectors were transfer to the university from the Project: A peoples ENVIRONMENTAL History of the Maasai Mara, Kenya funded by the African Study Center of the University of Michigan, USA.
• Research grants by the French Embassy, Nairobi for scientific exchange in France between 4th -23rd December, 2010.
• Visiting fellowship, University of Cambridge, Wolfson College and the Centre of African Studies on the theme, Public Understanding of Science in Africa, 2009- 2010.
• French Government Scholarship for PhD studies at the University of Bordeaux III, French Embassy, Nairobi, 2005-2009.
• PhD Fieldwork grants from the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA), Nairobi, 2005-2008. Master studies (at the university of Nairobi) scholarship by the National Centre for Competence in Research North-South (NCCR-NS), Research Partnership Programme for Mitigating Syndromes of Global Change, Switzerland, 2002- 2004.

Community Service and Outreach

• 2022: Re-Appointed Board of Management (BOM) Member, Karundas Secondary School, Nyeri County for a period of three (3) years.
• 2021: Organised a Departmental Community Outreach activities with support from the Kenyatta University (Registrar, Corporate Affairs) at Kiriko Primary School in Kirinyaga County and at Karundas Secondary School in Nyeri County.
• 2018: Appointed Board of Management (BOM) Member, Karundas Secondary School, Nyeri County.
• Trustee and secretary to the board of the Double Gee Educational trust
• Staff-Student Mentor at Kenyatta University
• Ecotourism Kenya (EK), member

Recognition, Awards and Honours

• 2021: Appreciation for servicing as an elected Parents Association Member at Baricho Boys High School, Kirinyaga County for four years (2017-2021).
• 2021: Appreciation and offer of gratitude for Online training for Entrepreneurial Promotion for Youth Programme in Busia and Bungoma on the topics-Registering a business and Overcoming Barriers and Networking.
• 2020: Appreciation and offer of gratitude for Online training for Entrepreneurial Promotion for Youth Programme on the topic Registering a Business-Legal Issues.
• 2019: Appreciation and offer of gratitude for Online training for Entrepreneurial Promotion for Youth Programme on the topic Registering a Business-Legal Issues.
• 2017: Appreciation and offer of gratitude for Online training for Entrepreneurial Promotion for Youth Programme in Kisumu.
• 2012: Vice Chancellor’s Certificate of merit for extra-mile performance in my duties (teaching excellence, research, student mentorship and Community Service) at the university.
• 2011: Rated best overall lecturer in my department (number 32 in the whole university) in Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Performance Contracting (PC) evaluations.

Membership to academic/professional bodies

• American Sociological Association (Also a member of its Environmental Sociology Section). 
• Association of French Alumni in Kenya (Afraken)
• Ecotourism Kenya
• British Institute for Eastern Africa
• French Institute for Research in Africa
• IUCN-World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group (TAPAS)
• Biodiversity Working Group of TAPAS

OTHER TRAINING, CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS PARTICIPATION

• 19^th May 2022: Participated in a training on New Research Management System (KENRIS) and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Mainstreaming held virtually.
• 7^th October 2021: Participated in the International Conference on Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa, covering the “Entrepreneurial Universities in Kenya” Held at Mwai KIBAKI convention Centre, Mount Kenya University
• 2^nd –3^rd November 2021: Successfully completed the Pre-conference Workshop on Emerging Trends in Biotechnology and Biosafety Regulations during the 10^th Annual Biosafety Conference.
• 17-18 November 2021: Participated in the Conference “Crisis Response and Recovery: Nature Based Tourism, Biodiversity, and Livelihoods
• 10 December 2021: Participated in a round table of the Agriculture Sector in Developing Economies in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic Project at Kenyatta University.
• January 2020: Trainer of Trainer Course in the Student Training for Entrepreneurship Promotion, University of Luephana, Germany and Kenyatta University.
• 26 January 2018: Participated in the Staff Mentors Seminar organised by Kenyatta University Mentoring Programme at Kenyatta University.
• 8^th and 9^th January 2018: Successfully completed a course on: Role of Chairpersons of Departments in the Implementation of University
• (2013: Training and Teaching Methodology Evaluation course, Kenyatta University
• 2012: Implementation Research standards training, World Health Organisation, Kampala, Uganda
• 2011: ISO 9001: 2008 Certification System (Quality Management Training, Kenya Bureau of Standards)
• 2009-2010: Visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge, UK- Centre of African Studies (Fellowship focused on Public Understanding of Science in Africa).
• 2006: Quantitative, Qualitative and Spatial Analysis Techniques, Institute for Research and Development (Paris) and French Institute for Research in Africa (Nairobi).