Professional Bio:

Catherine Muhatia is an accomplished academic, PhD Candidate, and seasoned broadcast journalist with over 15 years of industry experience. Her career spans mainstream media and higher education, allowing her to integrate professional excellence with rigorous academic theory.

As a Lecturer in the Faculty of Media and Communication, Catherine specializes in the intersection of gender, health, and emerging technologies. In addition to her teaching and research, she serves as the Faculty Coordinator for Industrial Attachment, where she facilitates the transition of students from the classroom to the professional world by fostering strong partnerships with industry leaders. She manages institutional partnerships with media houses, and ensures that the attachment process meets both academic standards and industry requirements.

Academic Qualification:

1. Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication Studies, Multimedia University of Kenya (Ongoing).
2. Master of Arts in Communication Studies, University of Nairobi (2010)
3. Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Sociology (2007)

Professional Qualification:

1. Diploma in Mass Communication from Kenya Institute of Mass Communication:

           Specialization: Television and Radio Production Techniques

2. International Course: Facts and Formats TV from Radio Netherlands Training Centre

Membership of Professional Bodies or Associations:

1. Member AMWIK (Association for Media Women in Kenya).
2. Association of Professional Broadcasters (APB)
3. East African Communication Association (EACA)

Research Interests:

1. Audience Studies: Analyzing consumption patterns in a digital-first environment.
2. Women in Media & Women’s Health: Exploring representation and the impact of communication on health outcomes.
3. New Media & Communication Theories: Applying traditional frameworks to emerging digital platforms.

Awards:

Lifetime Achievement Award- Annual Media Excellence Awards 2026

Recent Publications:

1. Muhatia, C. & Kigatiira, K. K. (2024). Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the training of broadcast news production in Private universities in Kenya. East Africa Communication Association Conference, 28^th-30th August 2024, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
2. Muhatia, C. & Kigatiira, K. K. (2023). Digital Journalism in News Production Training in Public Universities in Kenya: Trends and Challenges. The African Humanities Conference, 13th-15th September 2023, University of Dar es Salaam
3. Muhatia C. & Kigatiira, K. K. (2023). Online Trolling and Female Journalists’ Mental Health in Kenya. East Africa Communication Association Conference, 29^th-31^st August 2023, Lemigo Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda.

Contribution to Book Chapters:

Muhatia, C. & Kigatiira, K. K. (2024). Digital Journalism in News Production Training in Public Universities in Kenya: Trends and Challenges. In Amutabi, M. N. (Ed.). Contemporary Research on Development in Africa (pp. 234-250), Centre for Democracy, Research and Development (CEDRED).

Contacts:

Email Address: cmuhatia@mmu.ac.ke or cmuhatia@gmail.com