Prof. Catherine Gakii Murungi

Name: Prof. Catherine Gakii Murungi Title/Qualifications: Ph.D (Education: Early Childhood Studies), M.Ed (Early Childhood Education), B.Ed (Early Childhood Education) Honours Department/Unit/Section: Department of Early Childhood Studies. Contact Address: Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Position: Associate Professor Area of Specialization: Early Childhood Education Research Interests: Early Childhood Education Enrolment Trends, Health Education and Health Practices, Teacher Child Relationships,Parental Provision of Children’s Basic Needs, Parental Perspective in Children Education, Teachers Perceptions and Attitude, Child Nutrition,Leadership and Mentorship in ECE,Technology in Early Childhood Education,E-learning innovations Research Gate | Google scholar | Linkedln |  Kenyatta University Faculty Profile | Amazon | IGI GLOBAL | docgo.net | ORCID ID | Scopus Author ID | Download CV

PUBLICATIONS
Referred Journals

• Ouko, H. O., Murungi, C. G., & Ng’azike, T. J. (2025). Support-systems for smooth transitions of children from home to school: A policy dilemma in Kenya. Global Scientific Journals, 13(7), 260–289.
•  Begi, N., Mwoma, T., & Murungi, C. (2023). Quality of Physical Environment in Preschools in Informal Settlements in Nairobi City County in Kenya: Implications on Children’s Development and Education. Magistra Ladertina, 18(1), 72-92.
• Opinde J.A., & Murungi, C. G. (2022). Are there language barriers experienced by pre-school teachers in the teaching and learning process?" Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO
• Murungi, C. G ., Mwoma, T., & Begi, N. (2021). Children’s safety and security in non formal pre-primary schools: The intervention measures. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn) https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v15i4.20287
• Murungi, C. G. (2020). What is Household Crowding? And how does it Affect Children’s Enrolment Rates in the Early Year’s Education (EYE): The Case of Kenya in the Covid Era. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 8, Issue 4, pp: (76-80)
• Murungi, C. G. (2020). Covid-19 and Home learning: The case of Meru County Kenya. International Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities (IJRSS) ISSN: 2582-6220, 1(3), 47–55. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47505/IJAGRI.2020.9130
• Mwoma, T., Begi, N., & Murungi, C. G. (2018). Safety and security in preschools: A challenge in informal settlements. Issues in Educational Research, 28(3), 720–736.
• Murungi, C. G. (2013a). Parents’ Child Preference for Education in Imenti North County, Kenya. In International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences. https://garph.co.uk/IJARMSS/Feb2013/5.pdf
• Murungi, C.G., (2013b) Reasons for Low Enrolments in Early Childhood Education in Kenya: The parental perspective. International Journal of Education and Research. 1(5) 1-10
• Murungi, C. G. (2012a). Children Health needs and it’s Influence on Pre-School Education Enrolments. International Researcher, 1(1), 8–15.
• Murungi, C. G. (2012b). Early Childhood Education for the Pre-School Age Going Children: The Issue of Low Enrolments in Kenya. Journal of Education and Practice, 3(6), 47–52.
• Murungi, C. G. (2012c). Number of Meals Consumed by the Pre-School Age Going Children and Its Relationship to the Status of Pre-School Attendance in Kenya. Journal of Education and Practice, 3(9), 76–82.
• Murungi, C. G. (2012d). Underweight Children and their Enrolment in Pre-School Education in Kenya. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 1(2), 253–261.
• Murungi, C. G. (2012e). Wasting in Children and Participation in the Pre-school Education in the Urban / Rural Kenyan set up. Journal of Education and Practice, 3(7), 47–53.
• Murungi, C. G. (2012f). Stunting and children’s attendance in early childhood education in Kenya. Prime Journal of Social Science (PJSS), 1(1), 6–10.
• Murungi, C.G., (2012) A Fathers Duty in Shaping his Children’s Education and Development. Artcles base.com
• Murungi, C.G., (2012) Research on Early Childhood Education in Kenya. Articles base.com

Student Co-authored Publications

• Ashiono, B., Mwoma, T., & Murungi, C. G. (2018). Does the use of ICT empower teachers to teach mathematics better? A case of lower primary teachers in Mombasa. Matters of Behaviour, 2(1), 10–20. https://doi.org/10.26455/mob.v2i1.7
• Ashiono, B., Murungi, C. G., & Mwoma, T. (2018). Supporting teachers in their use of ICT in teaching mathematics: What kind of support is necessary and when is it required? International Journal of Pregnancy & Child Birth, 4(6), 247–251. https://doi.org/10.15406/ipcb.2018.04.00135
• Birgen, D. C., & Murungi, C. G. (2018). Introduction of life skills curriculum and the influence of teacher-related factors on its implementation in pre-primary schools in Ainamoi Division, Kericho County, Kenya. International Researchers, 7(2).
• Kiarie, J. K., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). Relationship between preschool teachers’ training and their preparation of teaching instruments: The case of Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. International Researchers, 6(1).
• Kiarie, J. K., Murungi, C. G., & Wamalwa, J. (2017). Relationship between preschool teachers’ job satisfaction and their preparation of teaching instruments. International Researchers, 6(2).
• Kiarie, J. K., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). Influence of preschool teachers’ supervision on preparation of teaching instruments. International Researchers, 6(2).
• Maina, H., Jessina, M., & Murungi, C. G. (2018). Determinants of graduation readiness for learners with intellectual disability in Nakuru County, Kenya. Journal of Culture, Society and Development, 38.http://iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JCSD/article/view/41108
• Nabwire, C. O., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). Influence of instructional strategies on preschool children’s transition to lower primary school: A case of Kiambu County, Kenya. International Journal of Law, Humanities & Social Science, 2521-0793.
• Njue, V. M., & Murungi, C. G. (2025). Parent-guided competency-based take home assignments: Implication on grade three learners’ skills development in Embu County, Kenya. International Academic Journal of Social Sciences and Education, 2(4), 205–222. https://iajournals.org/articles/iajsse_v2_i4_205_222.pdf
• Njoroge, A. F. G., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). Games: Can they be used in teaching mathematics? The case of Kajiado County, Kenya. International Researchers, 6(2).
• Njoroge, A. F. G., Murungi, C. G., & Waithaka, E. N. (2017). Extent to which preschool teachers use games and activities in teaching mathematics. International Researchers, 6(2).
• Njoroge, A. F. G., & Murungi, C. G. (2018). Do learning facilities in a preschool set-up influence the use of games in teaching mathematical concepts? Child Development Research Journal (CDRJ). [Accepted for publication].
• Njoroge, A. F. G., & Murungi, C. G. (2018). Does teacher–pupil ratio influence teaching of mathematics in preschools? Child Development Research Journal (CDRJ). [Accepted for publication].
•  Nzisa, A. M., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). How frequently do teachers use teaching aids to facilitate teaching and learning? International Researchers, 6(1).
• Nzisa, A. M., Murungi, C. G., & Begi, N. (2017). What factors influence teachers’ use of teaching aids to enhance teaching and learning in preschools? International Researchers, 6(1).
• Nzisa, A. M., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). Strategies that can be used to enhance teachers’ use of teaching aids in teaching and learning. International Researchers, 6(2).
• Ogetange, T. B., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). Class size and acquisition of reading skills amongst Grade III pupils in Kenyenya Sub-County, Kenya. International Researchers, 6(3).
• Ogetange, T. B., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). Schools’ strategies for promoting pupils’ acquisition of reading skills among Grade III pupils in Kenya. International Researchers, 6(2).
• Opinde, J. A., & Murungi, C. G. (2017). Language-related barriers experienced by children when teachers are not conversant with the child’s catchment language. International Researchers, 6(3).
• Ashiono, B., Murungi, C. G., & Mwoma, T. (2018). Supporting teachers in their use of ICT in teaching mathematics: What kind of support is necessary and when is it required? International Journal of Pregnancy & Child Birth, 4(6), 247–251. https://doi.org/10.15406/ipcb.2018.04.00135
• Wambua, M. M., Murungi, C. G., & Mutwiri, C. (2018). Physical facilities and strategies used by teachers to improve pupils’ performance in social studies in Makueni County, Kenya. International Journal of Pregnancy & Child Birth, 4(6), 241–245. https://doi.org/10.15406/ipcb.2018.04.00134
• Wambua, M. M., & Murungi, C. G. (2018). Teaching and learning materials, teacher–pupil ratio and its influence on pupils’ performance in social studies: The case of Kibwezi Zone, Kenya. International Researchers, 7(2).
• Wanyora, K. L., Murungi, C. G., & Waithaka, E. N. (2017). Teachers’ training, teachers’ attitude towards use of school homework as a method of teaching and parents’ demands in early years education. International Researchers, 6(1).
•  Wanyora, K. L., Murungi, C. G., & Waithaka, E. N. (2017). Type of school, teachers’ professional qualifications and teachers’ teaching experience in Pre-Primary One (PP1) and Pre-Primary Two (PP2). International Researchers, 6(1).
• Wanyora, K. L., Murungi, C. G., & Njeri, E. (2017). To what extent do teachers use school homework as a method of teaching and learning in pre-primary schools? International Researchers, 6(3).

University-level scholarly books

• Murungi C.G., (2018). Contributor to the volume: Bundy, D.A.P., N. de Silva, S. Horton, D.T. Jamison, and G.C. Patton, editors. 2017. Child and Adolescent Health and Development.  Disease Control Priorities (third edition), Volume 8. Washington, DC: World Bank. (Through the African Round table)

Books

• Murungi, C. G., & Opinde, J. (2018). Language Related Barriers and Teacher-Child Interactions in Preschool: Opinde, Judith, Murungi, Catherine Gakii: 9783659978685: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.Com.
• Murungi, C. G., & Nzisa, A. (2017). com: Pre-Primary School Teachers’ Use of Teaching Aids in Instruction (9783330027145): Nzisa, Agnes, Murungi, Catherine Gakii: Books. Amazon.Com. ‌
• Murungi, C. G., & Njoroge, A. F. G. (2018). com: Games as a Medium for Teaching Mathematical Concepts (9783659897955): Gitau Njoroge, Antony Fredrick, Murungi, Catherine Gakii: Books. Amazon.Com. ‌
• Murungi, C. G., Makau, M. W., & Begi, S. (2017). Class Learning Environment on Grade 1-3 Performance in Social studies: Makau, Mathias Wambua, Murungi, Catherine Gakii, Begi, Seth: 9783659698767: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.Com.
• Murungi, C. G., & Manyara, C. O. (2017). Play as a medium of instruction: Manyara, Chrisanto Omwenga, Murungi, Catherine Gakii: 9783659897863: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.Com.
• Murungi, C. G., & Kiarie, J. T. (2018). Preparation of Teaching Instruments in Preschools: Kiarie, Jonah Thuo, Murungi, Catherine Gakii: 9783659902147: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.Com.
• Murungi, C. G., & Wanyore, L. K. (2018). School Homework as a Method of Teaching and Learning: Kinuthia Wanyore, Lucy, Murungi, Catherine Gakii: 9783330018440: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.Com.
• Murungi, C. G., Maina, H. N., & Muthee, J. (2019). Curriculum and transition for the Intellectually Challenged learners: Effects of Curriculum on transition to the world of work of learners with Intellectual Disability from Special schools: Maina, Hannah Njeri, Muthee, Jessinah, Murungi, Catherine: 9786138837848: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.Com.
• Murungi, C. G. (2010). Children’s Basic Needs and Enrolment in Early Childhood Education: Pre-school Education: Murungi, Catherine: 9783639273779: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.Com

Book Chapters

• Murungi, C. G., & Muthee, J. M. (2018). Relationship among Intelligence, Achievement Motivation, Type of School, and Academic Performance of Kenyan Urban Primary School Pupils. In M. K.-P. D.B.2018 (Ed.), Advanced Methodologies and Technologies in Modern Education Delivery. IGI Global.
• Murungi, C. G., & Muthee, J. M. (2017). Relationship among Intelligence, Achievement Motivation, Type of School, and Academic Performance of Kenyan Urban Primary School Pupils. In Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, Fourth Edition. IGI-global.com.
• Murungi, C. G., & Gitonga, R. K. (2015a). Active Learning with Technology Tools in the Blended/Hybrid Classes. In Handbook of Research on Educational Technology Integration and Active Learning. IGI Global.
• Murungi, C. G., & Gitonga, R. K. (2015b). Web 2.0 Technology Use by Students in Higher Education: A Case of Kenyan Universities. In Advancing Higher Education with Mobile Learning Technologies: Cases, Trends, and Inquiry-Based Methods. IGI Global.

Consultancy and Project Reports

• Meru County report on the social pillar, which entails; Education, Youth, Culture, Health and Environment issues in the file.

Other Publications

•  Ischebeck, von J. (2020, September 8). Introducing Blended Learning into Africa’s Recipe of Educational Success. Distance Education Guide Africa. https://distance-education-guide-africa.com/blended-learning/ (Featured; Dr. Murungi, C.G., expert opinion)
• Murungi, C.G., (2016, November 6). 5th November, 2016. Slideshare.Net. https://www.slideshare.net/CatherineGakiiMurung/5th-november-2016
• Mukanzi, C. (2016, February 26). Parents beware: Children are increasingly being exposed to sexual content at an early age and in turn experiment with it. The People Daily: Lifestyle Magazine (Featured; Dr. Murungi, C.G., Expert Opinion).
• Murungi, C. G. (2015, March 10). https://mediamaxnetwork.co.ke/people-daily/how-to-discipline-step-kids-171614/ (interview by B. Muindi) [Interview]. In Mediamax. https://mediamaxnetwork.co.ke/people-daily/how-to-discipline-step-kids-171614/
• Murungi, C. G. (2014, July 26). Couples with daughters only are more likely to divorce, claims new study (interview by J. W. Muraya) [Interview]. In The Standard. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/lifestyle/article/2000129563/couples-with-daughters-only-are-more-likely-to-divorce-claims-new-study
• Kathure, G. (2013, October 23). ‘Family Equation: New family structure is redefining how pupils learn’’ This was published as an extra cover story. Standard Newspaper (Featured; Dr. Murungi, C.G., Expert Opinion ).
• CitizenTV, K. (2013). Monday Special Interview 28th Oct 2013 [YouTube Video (Featured; Dr. Murungi, C.G., expert opinion)]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJt7oS1NR5I&t=808s
• Muindi, B. (2013, November 8). Saying farewell to the family bed: getting your child from the family bed can be challenging especially after they have grown. The Peoples Daily Newspaper (Featured; Dr. Murungi, C.G., Expert Opinion).
• Murungi, C.G., (2012). A Fathers Duty in Shaping his Children’s Education and Development. Articles base.com
• Murungi, C.G., (2012). Research on Early Childhood Education in Kenya. Articles base.com

 Scholarly Presentations at Conferences

• Murungi C.G., Josephine M., Kumar A., James N.O., Josephine M., (2025). Governance, Finance, and Accountability in Early Childhood Development. Plenary panel presentation at the 6^th National ECD Stakeholders conference held at the Palm Oasis Hotel, Garissa County on July 15^th -17^th 2025
• Murungi C.G., James N.O., Steven R., Kumar A., Josephine M., (2025). STEAM Education in Early Years Education: A Pathway to Innovation and Quality Learning. Breakout Panel presentation at the 6^th National ECD Stakeholders conference held at the Palm Oasis Hotel, Garissa County on July 15^th -17^th 2025
• Murungi C.G., Kumar A., James N.O., Steven R., Fridah K.n., Josephine N.A., (2025).Understanding AI in Early Childhood Education: Opportunities and Considerations for the Kenyan Context. A poster presentation. Poster presentation at the 6^th National ECD Stakeholders conference held at the Palm Oasis Hotel, Garissa County on July 15^th -17^th 2025
• Murungi C.G., James N.O., Josephine M., Steven R., Kumar A., Christine W.N., Cleniece M., (2025). How to Build Climate-Resilient Models in Early Childhood Development: A Regional Perspective. Breakout Panel presentation at the 6^th National ECD Stakeholders conference held at the Palm Oasis Hotel, Garissa County on July 15^th -17^th 2025
• Ong’anga H. O., & Murungi, C.G. (2023). A perspective of inclusive practices among primary schools management in Kenya. Paper presented at the School of Education and Life Long Learning 9^thInternational Annual Conference held at Kenyatta University Kenya on 3^rd-4^th October 2023.
• Murungi, C.G., Nyakwara B., & Teresa M. Quality of Physical Environment in Preschools in the Informal Settlements in Nairobi City County, Kenya: Implications on Children’s Development and Education. Paper presented 7^th International  European Conference on Social sciences, held on April 22-24, 2022 / Antalya, Türkiye
• Murungi, C.G., Teresa M., & Nyakwara B. Paper presented at the AfECN International Conference on Early Childhood Development, Nairobi Kenya…. ‘Stunting and participation in Early Childhood Education’ Safari Park Hotel Nairobi, Kenya. 16^th -19^th October, 2018
• Teresa B., & Murungi C. G. Paper presented at the 5^th Annual conference to be held on 4^th to 5^th October, 2018… Class Size and the Acquisition of Reading Skills Among Grade Three Pupils in Kenyenya Sub-County, Kenya. KUCC, Held on 4^th -5^th October, 2018
• Teresa M., Murungi, C.G., & Nyakwara B. Childhood Development Stakeholders’ Conference. Accelerating ECD Impact through Partnerships. Kenyatta University BSSC, Nairobi, Kenya. 25^th –2 6^th  July, 2018

• Murungi, C.G., Ogetange. T & Wanjohi K. Influence of school literacy environment on acquisition of reading skills among standard three children in Kisii County. Kenyatta University BSSC, Nairobi Kenya. 5^th – 6^th October, 2017
• Murungi, C.G., Teresa M., & Nyakwara B. Safety and security, a challenge in pre-schools in informal settlements in Nairobi City County Kenya: breaking the poverty circle through education. Kenyatta University BSSC, Nairobi Kenya. 5^th – 6^th October, 2017
• Murungi, C.G., Bernard A., & Teresa M. Does the use of ICT empower teachers to teach mathematics better? A case of lower primary teachers in Mombasa County. Kenyatta University BSSC, Nairobi Kenya. 5^th – 6^th October, 2017
• Teresa M., Murungi, C.G., & Begi N. Safety and Security Measures in pre-schools in informal settlement: A case of Nairobi city county Kenya. Kenyatta University BSSC, Nairobi Kenya. 26^th May, 2017
• Murungi, C.G. Meru we Want Workshop 2: identifying challenges and opportunities in health, education and youthin Meru County. Methodist Guest House and Conference Centre (Lavington, Nairobi). 5^th November, 2016
• Murungi, C.G. Early Childhood Development: Gaps, Interventions and policy Implications on Health and Nutrition of pre-school Children. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 7^th - 8^th March, 2016
• Murungi, C.G. Child and Adolescent Development; The Kenyan Experience, Paper Presented at the African Union Commission Headquarters, Small Conference Hall 1 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 7^th - 8^th March, 2016
• Murungi, C.G. Learning in the digital Age of Choice, What Is the Perception for Lecturers and Students in the Kenyan Universities? Kenya Methodist University, Meru, Kenya27^th – 29^th, 2014
• Murungi, C.G. Web 2.0 Technologies Use by Students in Kenyan Universities. Nairobi, Kenya. 29-30thJuly, 2013
• Murungi, C.G. Are Lectures and Students in Kenyan Universities Interacting With Technology in the Blended/Hybrid Classes? Nairobi, Kenya. 29-30^th July, 2013
• Murungi, C.G. Management of students’ records in Kenyan Universities: The Lecturers perception. Nairobi, Kenya. 12^th July, 2013
• Murungi, C.G. Web 2.0 Technologies in e-teaching classes by lecturers in the Kenyan Universities. Nairobi, Kenya. 11^th July, 2013
• Murungi, C.G. what are the Students’ Perceptions to digitalizing their personal Records? Nairobi, Kenya. 10^th July, 2013
• Murungi, C.G. Web 2.0 Technologies in e-learning classes among the Kenyan Universities. Nairobi, Kenya. 11^th July, 2013

Consulting for International /National boards

• Appointed then as a committee member in the social pillar of the big four agenda for the county government. The social pillar focuses on Education, health, housing, environment, culture, gender, the disadvantaged and religion. An appointment which will run for three years from February, 2018 to February, 2021. https://web.facebook.com/TheStarKenya/videos/1864751903570034/?t=10
• Consulted in the year 2018 by Ahadi Kenya to do a documentary on Character education: Importance of value based education in Kenya and how parents and teachers can help children to integrate values http://charactermaters.or.ke/documentary/https://youtu. be/PvjT5bT1o0c
• Consulted by World Bank, in the year 2017 to World Bank Group’s Women, Business and the Law (WBL) project that surveys written legislation and regulations influencing women’s capacities and decisions to participate in the workforce and start businesses. My contribution to WBL was on examining legislation on early childhood development and education.

Consulting for Organizations /Institutions

• Social pillar committee member (Meru County)
• Teacher professional development (TPD) program facilitator for Tigania Central Sub-county
• Sunburst Media from 2012- 2016 Reviewing the ESL Book for Child Development.

Membership to Academic and professional bodies

• Member of Early Childhood Professional Association Kenya (ECPAK)
• Editor in Prime Journal of social sciences
• Member of Women Educational Researchers in Kenya (WERK) from 2011 to Date

Any other (Editorship/peer review, external examiner etc

• Deputy Editor in chief in the African Journal of education and Technology from January 2013 to 2016
• Guest speaker at the 2^nd Meru we want workshop

Administrative and Responsibilities

• Recognized University Administration Positions
• Dean's Appointment to a committee on expansion of KU Academy
• Vice Chancellors re-Appointment to Alumni re-Union Planning Committee, Kenyatta University for the year 2016
• Vice Chancellors Appointment to Board member of Kenyatta University Baby Care Centre from March 2015 to March 2018
• Vice Chancellors Appointment to Alumni re-Union Planning Committee, Kenyatta University for the year 2015
• DVC Academic Appointment as a staff mentor in the year 2017/2018 and 2018/2019
• Appointment as a Member of the School Board of Post Graduate Studies, by         the Dean School of Education Kenyatta University from 24th September 2014 to January 2025. It was to last for three years, but up to date I actively attend board meetings as a board member and deliberate on the matters of the school board.
• DVC Academic Appointment as an exam coordinator 2024 to 2026
• Deans Appointment to SOEL Committee on Establishment of an Assessment Centre (2025)
• Deans Appointment to SOEL World Teachers Day planning Committee (2025)
• Deans Appointment to SOEL International Annual Conference planning Committee (2025)

Other Responsibilities in the University

• DVC, Research Innovation and Outreach Appointment to a Proposal Writing Committee
• VCs Appointment to stand in for the chairman as he proceeds to Annual leave
• Chairman’s Appointment as Departmental Blended Learning Coordinator
• Chairman’s Appointment to Curriculum review sub-committees
• Chairman’s Appointment: ISO co-ordinator, departmental level January (2 years)
• E-learning Co-ordinator at the Department level
• Internal examiner in the department of ECS
• Departmental post graduate co-ordinator
• Chaired the departmental committee for reviewing the certificate program for the department of ECS between (July-August, 2018)
• Chairman’s Appointment to Curriculum review Committee (2025/2026)
• Chairman’s Appointment to Departmental QMS Committee (2025/2026)
• Chairman’s Appointment to Departmental Curriculum review Committee (2025/2026)
• Chairman’s Appointment to Departmental Curriculum development Committee (2025/2026)