The New FHSS Dean

Who Is Dr. Kyalo Wa Ngula, the New FHSS Dean?

By Blaise Gitonga

Dr. Kyalo Wa Ngula has been elected Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at Chuka University, marking a new chapter in the institution’s academic leadership. A seasoned scholar and media expert, an Assossiate Professor , Dr. Kyalo currently serves as a senior lecturer in the Department of Humanities, where he specializes in mass communication and journalism.

With over two decades of experience in higher education and media consultancy, Dr. Kyalo brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Since 2019, he has taught mass communication and journalism at Chuka University. Prior to this, he lectured at Africa Nazarene University (ANU) in Nairobi from 2010 to 2019, where he also served as a communication consultant between 2010 and 2012. His administrative roles at ANU included Examination Officer (2014–2019) and Secretary of the Mass Communication Department (2014).

Dr. Kyalo's academic journey also includes adjunct faculty service at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2008–2017), part-time lecturing at Daystar University (2009–2013), and research assistance at Daystar’s Research and Publications Directorate (2008–2009).

His educational background reflects a strong foundation in communication studies. He earned his Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2012–2015), a Postgraduate Certificate in Pedagogy from Africa Nazarene University and York St John University (2011–2013), a Master of Arts in Development Communication from Daystar University (2006–2008), and a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Communication from the same institution (2001–2005).

Dr. Kyalo has led and contributed to several key research projects, including a 2018–2019 communication audit for the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics ahead of the national census. He was a co-recipient of the Franklin Research Grant (KES 600,000) from the American Philosophical Society for a study on church contextual factors and HIV prevention among youth in Nairobi. In 2010, he collaborated on a University of Central Florida-funded study (KES 750,000) exploring Kenyan religious leaders’ perspectives on HIV and sexuality communication.

Earlier projects include a 2007–2008 Daystar University grant (KES 250,000) for research on the role of East African communication scholars, and a 2005–2006 grant (KES 200,000) for developing vernacular radio edutainment programming aimed at HIV/AIDS prevention among young women in Machakos District.

Dr. Kyalo has published numerous scholarly works and supervised postgraduate research topics, underscoring his commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.