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.