Professor Idah Gatwiri Muchunku-Mwenda is an accomplished Kenyan scholar, researcher, and communication expert with extensive experience in academia, leadership, and professional practice in media and communication studies. She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Mass Communication in the Faculty of Media and Communication and Director of Postgraduate Studies at Multimedia University of Kenya.

As Director of Postgraduate Studies, she provides strategic leadership in postgraduate education, overseeing postgraduate student admissions, research supervision and coordination, and thesis examination and defenses, while also teaching and supervising postgraduate students in the Faculty of Media and Communication. Prof. Muchunku-Mwenda holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication, a Master of Arts in Communication Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences (First Class Honours). She is also a registered and licensed Counselling Psychologist having graduated with Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology from Mount Kenya University.

With over 16 years of university teaching and leadership experience, she has held several senior academic and administrative positions, including Senior Lecturer and Postgraduate Coordinator at Multimedia University of Kenya; Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Head of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Mount Kenya University (2016-2018); Assistant Lecturer and Exam Coordinator in Kenya Methodist University (2012-2015); Assistant Lecturer at Zetech University (2011). She has also served as an adjunct lecturer at multiple universities across Kenya. Her teaching portfolio spans key areas such as corporate communication (public relations, crisis communication, and branding & reputation management), theories of mass communication, media law and ethics, audience studies, communication research, media management, and development communication.

Prof. Muchunku-Mwenda is a prolific researcher with numerous peer-reviewed publications in climate change communication, science journalism, media effects, corporate communication, and development communication. She has presented at international conferences and contributed to policy-relevant communication practice. Her work extends into consultancy and capacity building through funded research and training initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. She has also provided consultancy in media engagement, crisis communication, and report writing for government and professional organizations. In addition, she is deeply committed to mentorship and community service, having supervised many postgraduate students and founded Excel Communications Consultancy, which focuses on youth mentorship, family empowerment, and ethical communication through training and outreach programmes.

1. Academic Qualifications
2. Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2015).
3. Master of Arts in Communication Studies, University of Nairobi (2009)
4. Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences (First Class Honours), Moi University Main Campus (2004)
5. Professional Qualifications
6. Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology from Mount Kenya University (2025)
7. Certificate in Parenting Teenagers: Intentional Mom Program by Transform Nations (2020)
8. Certificate in Counselling Psychology from Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute (2019)
9. Certificate in Strategic and Crisis Communications – U.S. Embassy Nairobi (2018)
10. Digital Security Training for Women Journalists – AMWIK (2018)

1. Membership of Professional Bodies or Associations
2. Member KENSJA (Kenya Environment & Science Journalists Association).
3. Member AMWIK (Association for Media Women in Kenya).
4. Full Member PRSK (Public Relations Society of Kenya).
5. Research Interests
6. Science Development Communication – Climate Change Communication, Mobility & Transport Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Opinion Leadership Strategies
7. Corporate Communication – public relations, crisis communication, change management communication, and branding & reputation management
8. New Media and Online Journalism
9. Media Effects on Society and Mental Health Communication
10. Media Law and Ethics
11. Recent Publications
12. Kirui, E., Mathooko, P., & Muchunku, I. (2026). Active Participation and Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture Greenhouse Technology among Smallholder Farmers in Kiambu County, Kenya. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 11(1), 46–66. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijcpr.3688
13. Ochieng, S.B., Muchunku, I. & Kigatiira, K. (2025). The Role of Mainstream Television Programs in Sensitizing the Kenyan Publics on Climate Change Issues: A Case of Earthwise on NTV. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 592-599, September. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90900053
14. Ochieng, R.A., Muchunku, I. G., & Baya, S. Y. (2025). Internal stakeholders’ satisfaction levels on WhatsApp usage for corporate communication in public universities of Kenya. American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (AJHSSR), 9(5), 153–161. https://www.ajhssr.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Q25905153161.pdf
15. Muchemi, A., Muchunku, I.G. and Jinaro, P. (2025). Sound waves of Support: Exploring Youth Engagement with Mental Health Awareness Messages on Pamoja FM’s Pass the Mic Show in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya. International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, Vol. 6, Issue 5, May 2025, pp. 74-84. https://www.ijramt.com
16. Katanu Munyao, K., Ugangu, W., & Muchunku, I.G. (2024) Analysis of the Use of Frames in Kenyan Television Programming Content to Break Negative Female Gender Stereotypes. International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management (IJRESM), Vol. 7, No. 9, pp. 17-24, September 2024. https://www.ijresm.com
17. Anyango, A., Muchunku, I. G., & Baya, S. Y. (2024). Personal gratifications factors influencing the use of WhatsApp features among students of Multimedia University of Kenya. Academic Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies (AJHSSR), 8(9), 80-91. https://www.ajhssr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L248098091.pdf
18. Otieno, B. A., Muchunku, I. G., & Ugangu, W. (2024). Evaluation of the Usage of Twitter in the Crisis Communication of the 2019 Dusitd2 Hotel Terror Attack in Kenya. World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 10(9), 110-116. https://wwjmrd.com/upload/evaluation-of-the-usage-of-twitter-in-the-crisis-communication-of-the-2019-dusitd2-hotel-terror-attack-in-kenya_1733289660.pdf
19. Ndiritu, N. N., Muchunku, I. G., & Mwikali, M. (2024). Socio-cultural Dynamics in Censorship of Television Advertisements in Kenya. Journal of Innovation, Technology and Sustainability Vol. 2, Issue 1, 30-47, June 2024; https://journals.mut.ac.ke/index.php/JITS/article/view/12
20. Muriuki, R., Inimah, G., & Mwenda, I. (2024). Communication Strategies Used during a Crisis in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Naivasha Sub-County. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 9(3), 71–87. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijcpr.2828
21. Tsuma, F., Mberia, H., & Muchunku, I. (2024). To say or not to say: The influence of interpersonal communication message structure on child nutrition promotion. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation 9(2):61-70, March 2024; https://doi.org/10.47604/ijcpr.2394
22. Tsuma, F., Mberia, H., & Muchunku, I. (2024). The Influence of Interpersonal Communication Participants on Child Nutrition Promotion in Kilifi County, Kenya. American Journal of Communication ISSN 4620-4096 (Online) Vol.6, Issue 1, pp 46 – 55, 2024. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1899 46
23. Maina, J. K., Mberia, Hellen, & Muchunku, I.G. (2024). Interpersonal communication context and alcohol consumption among students in Government Tertiary Colleges in Kenya. Galaxy International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 12(3), 12–24, March 2024. https://internationaljournals.co.in/index.php/giirj/article/view/5278
24. Muchunku, I.G. (2023). Analyses of Dynamics of Censorship of Music in East Africa: The Case of Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority and Kenya Film and Classification Board. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), Volume VII Issue V, pp.517-541, May 2023. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.70543
25. Muchunku, I.G. and Ageyo, J. (2022). New Media and Climate Change Communication: An Assessment of Utilization of New Media Platforms in Publication of Glocalized Climate Change Information by East African Science Journalists. International Journal of Academic Research in Environment and Geography (IJAREG), 9, 01, pp.36-48, December 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.46886/IJAREG/v9-i1/7425
26. Ageyo, J. and Muchunku, I.G. (2020). Beyond the Right of Access: A Critique of the Legalist Approach to Dissemination of Climate Change Information in Kenya. Sustainability January, 2020, 12, 2530. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062530

1. Grants and Consultancies
2. Won a grant of 35000 USD (approximately 4.5 Million) from Vital Strategies to carry out a study titled: Exploratory Study on Motorcyclists’ Risk Behaviours and Influencing Factors, Kenya 2025. Principal Investigator – Dr Gladys Moraa Nyachieo, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya; Senior Qualitative Leads – Prof. Idah Gatwiri Muchunku, Associate Professor of Communication, Faculty of Media and Communication, and Director, Postgraduate Studies, Multimedia University of Kenya and Dr Barbara Nthoki – Director, Alumni and International Students Service Multimedia University of Kenya; Data Manager and Quantitative Lead – Dr Samuel M. Mwangi, Senior Lecturer and Chair, Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies Kenyatta University; Communications and Design Support – Dr Collins Auta Wagumba, Senior Lecturer and Chair, Department of Journalism and Communication, Multimedia University of Kenya; Project Manager – Ms Christine Kemunto Angwenyi
   Senior Assistant Registrar, Planning and Quality Management Systems, Multimedia University of Kenya; Field Coordinators – Ms Salome Atieno, Senior Road Safety Officer, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya and Dr Jonathan Kathungu Maweu, Counselling Psychologist and University Lecturer, Psychology and Counselling Practice, Kenya. Multimedia University of Kenya. December 2025 – June 2026.
3. Won a grant of 200 000 SEK (approximately Kes.2.4Million) from Volvo Research and Educational Foundation (VREF) to conduct “Skills &Tools” Short Courses For Young Scholars In Sub-Saharan Africa 419-S&T-2024-02, Communicating, Mobility And Access Research For Policy And Public Impact In Ssa. Grant Partners: Wagumba, Collins; Wendo, Charles; Muchunku, Idah; and Nyachieo, Gladys. June 2024 – March 2025.
4. As Director, Training and Research &Acting CEO of Wanon Media Limited (A leading science and development communication company that focuses on Communicating Science, Agriculture, Health and Environment), Won a grant of Kes.1Million from Stockholm Environmental Institute to Train Journalists in East Africa on Science and Environmental Journalism. Report done after organizing, chairing and moderating sessions at the East Africa Online Training Workshop On “Science and Environmental Journalism” themed, “Communicating Climate Change and the Blue Economy: What are the Opportunities for Storytelling?” held at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel & Online from 16th to 18th December, 2020.
5. Won a grant of about Kes.1Million from KFCB to fund the event as Communications Strategist, Member of Organizing Committee and Masters of Ceremony of the Executive Breakfast Meeting on National Values and Principles of Governance organized by Global Spheres Kenya in partnership with Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) at Laico Regency Hotel, Nairobi, on 7th November, 2019.
6. Chief Trainer and Consultant for Infoknow Management Ltd; Effective Report Writing Training to Employees of Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA), 20th -21st February, 2020.
7. Media Engagement Trainer at Capacity Building Workshop for Researchers of Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre – East Africa (GTRCMC-EA); Understanding the Media Landscape; What Journalists Want; Organizing Effective News Conferences; Held Online on 1st Dec, 2020.
8. SCHOLARLY AND PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=zBc1pGMAAAAJ

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Idah-Muchunku

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-idah-muchunku-mwenda-phd-26b95738/

1. Contacts

Email Address: imuchunku@mmu.ac.ke or idahmwenda@gmail.com

Phone Number: +2547203800922

WhatsApp Number: +254732707708