I first joined the University of Nairobi’s Department and Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies (DAGAS) as a student, later becoming a member of its faculty. Today, I have the great honour of serving as its Chair and Director for the next three years, beginning on 3 March 2026.
I am privileged to take on this role in a department with a rich intellectual heritage and a community of scholars, students, and partners whose work has shaped DAGAS into a leading centre of scholarship since its establishment in 1970.
For over five decades, DAGAS has been a vibrant space for critical inquiry into the social, cultural, and political dynamics shaping Africa and its global connections. Today, as societies across Kenya, Africa, and the wider world confront rapid and often complex change, the disciplines of anthropology, gender studies, and African studies are more vital than ever. From the social and economic implications of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence to the realities of climate change, evolving health systems, and governance challenges, these fields help societies understand the forces shaping how we live. Equally important, they generate the insights and evidence needed to respond effectively to these challenges.
As Department Chair, my primary vision is to strengthen DAGAS’s role as a dynamic hub for research, teaching, and collaboration—connecting rigorous scholarship with real-world impact. A key priority will be deepening our commitment to graduate training and mentorship by modernising our curriculum so that it responds to emerging areas such as digital culture, climate change, and health. Through this, we aim to nurture a new generation of scholars who are globally competitive while remaining closely connected to the communities that inspire their work. In doing so, DAGAS can ensure that the research produced contributes meaningfully to policy, public debate, and social innovation.
Achieving this vision will require partnership. DAGAS has long benefited from strong collaborations, which we will continue to nurture and expand. We warmly welcome scholars, institutions, and communities across Kenya and around the world to collaborate with us.
I look forward to working with our entire community to advance the mission of DAGAS and to strengthen its contribution to African scholarship and global conversations in the years to come.
PREVIOUS CHAIR OF DEPARTMENT
Prof. Onyango-Ouma
The Department of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies (formerly Institute of African Studies), situated inside the National Museums of Kenya compound, is one of the oldest Institutes within the Faculty of Social Sciences. It started as a cultural division of the Institute for Development Studies in 1967. In 1970 the Institute became full fledged and moved to its current location inside the National Museums of Kenya compound. In addition, the Institute is the custodian of the historic Chiromo Mansion (which was declared a National Monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Act – Gazette Notice No. 1427 of 9th March 2001), where it houses its material culture section.
Since its inception, the Department has expanded its academic programmes. Currently the following programmes are offered:·
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology·
Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies
· Master of Arts Degree in Anthropology
· Master of Arts Degree in Gender and Development Studies
· Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology
Doctor of Philosophy in Gender and Development Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in African Women Studies
Milestones
1983 Bachelor of arts in Anthropology Programme launched
1986 Master of Arts in Anthropology programme Launched
1986 Doctor of Philosophy programme Launched
2001 Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies launched
2001 Master of Arts in Gender and Development Studies launched
We are currently working on our latest programme which will receive initial support from the World Health Organization.
Faculty at the Institute are involved in various exciting research projects. Over the years we have been involved in research on documenting socio-cultural issues of Kenyan communities resulting in the "District Socio-Cultural Profile Publications." Other projects in which the Institute and faculty have been actively involved in include:
The Kenya Danish Health Research Project (1993 to 2003) with financial support from DANIDA and involving DBL – Institute for Health Research and Development as its principle partner.
· Reproductive Health of Needs of Men with financial support from USAID through Population Council.
· Governance Project with financial support from UNDP.
· Research Capacity Strengthening (RCSPlus) with financial support from World Health Organization.
· Cystercercosis in Eastern and Southern Africa (CESA) Project with financial support from DANIDA.
· REACT Project (2005 – 2010) with financial support from the European Union.