About Dr. Judy Makira
Academic • E-Learning Champion • Women's Rights Advocate • Technology Leader
Dr. Judy Beatrice Njoki Makira is a dedicated and passionate educator with extensive experience as a Lecturer at the University of Embu, Department of Education where she serves as the E-Learning Champion. She has successfully integrated technology into educational frameworks, enhancing the learning experience for students across Kenya.
Alongside her academic role, Dr. Makira is deeply committed to community service and empowering individuals, particularly women, through technology. As the Co-Founder and Acting CEO of the Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology (CWE-TECH), she has led initiatives aimed at equipping women and girls with the skills and resources to thrive in the tech industry.
With a PhD in Educational Communication and Technology from Kenyatta University, Dr. Makira brings academic rigor and research-based approaches to her work in education and community development. Her expertise spans curriculum development, e-learning methodologies, and technology integration in educational settings.
Dr. Makira is driven by a vision to create lasting impact through education, technology, and community empowerment, particularly for underrepresented groups. Her work has been recognized internationally, including being a finalist for the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards in 2024.
Education & Training
Dr. Makira's academic journey and specialized training
Academic Qualifications
PhD in Educational Communication and Technology (Language Education)
Kenyatta University, 2013-2017
Masters of Education in Educational Communication and Technology (Language Education)
Kenyatta University, 2009-2012
Bachelor of Education (English/Literature)
University of Nairobi, 1993-1997
Specialized Training
The Autumn School Community-based Research
Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy, 2021-2023
Leadership in Local Governance International Training Programme
Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy, 2020-2021
ICT in Education
The Aharon Ofri International Training Centre, Israel, 2018
Professional Experience
Dr. Makira's career and leadership roles
Lecturer, University of Embu
- Preparing and delivering lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars
- Developing curricula and course materials
- Serving as the E-Learning Champion, integrating technology into educational frameworks
- Conducting research and writing papers, proposals, journal articles and books
- Collaborating with other academics to improve teaching methods
Co-Founder and Acting CEO, CWE-TECH
- Providing leadership and setting the strategic direction of CWE-TECH
- Leading fundraising efforts and developing partnerships with donors and sponsors
- Managing relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies
- Organizing events to raise awareness of CWE-TECH's mission and initiatives
- Representing the organization and advocating for women's empowerment
Publications & Research
Selected academic publications and conference presentations
Key Publications
The use of Technology for Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic Season: A case of Rural Schools in Kenya
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, Vol 6, 2021
Effective delegation and control in organizations
International Journal of Innovation and Research in Educational Sciences, Vol 5, Issue 4, 2018
Influence of video on students' achievement in English grammar
International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol 7, Issue 1, 2018
From chalk to blog teacher, Kenyan context: The unspoken fears
IATED Conference Proceedings
Conference Presentations
African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum
Cape Town, South Africa, 2024
Leadership in Local Governance Conference
Sweden, 2021
5th International Conference on Education, Kenyatta University
Paper: Influence of video on performance in English Grammar among secondary school students, 2017
6th Annual International Conference on ICT for Africa
Yaounde, Cameroon, 2014
Journey Timeline
Key milestones in Dr. Judy Makira's professional and advocacy journey
International Recognition
2024Finalist, African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards. Featured in Bloomberg TV's 'The Next One Billion Users of the Internet' series.
International Partnerships
2023Coordinating partnership between University of Embu and University of Colorado, Denver. Collaboration between Daring Girls (USA) and CWE-TECH (Kenya) for the 'Binti Shupavu' mentorship program.
Advanced Training
2021-2023Completed The Autumn School Community-based research program sponsored by Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy.
Leadership Development
2020-2021Completed Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy International Training Programme in Leadership in Local Governance.
Municipal Partnership
2019-2022Initiated and coordinated partnership between Muranga Municipality and Upplands Bro Municipality (Sweden).
ICT Training & School Partnership
2018Completed ICT in Education training at The Aharon Ofri International Training Centre, Israel. Established collaboration between St. Teresa's Girls Secondary School (Kenya) and Golda Meir School (Israel).
Doctoral Achievement
2017Earned PhD in Educational Communication and Technology (Language Education) from Kenyatta University.
Academic Career
2013-PresentServing as Lecturer at University of Embu, Department of Education and E-Learning Champion.
CWE-TECH Leadership
OngoingCo-Founder and Acting CEO of the Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology, leading initiatives to empower women through technology.
Volunteer Work
Dr. Makira's commitment to community service
Kenya Red Cross Society
Active member and volunteer in the Health and Social Services department.
Blood Donation Activities
Coordination for Kenya National blood donation activities.
Mentorship Programs
Facilitation of mentorship for young people and women groups.
Charity Work
Quarterly visits to children's homes and orphanages.
Kenya Heart Foundation
Active member supporting heart health initiatives.
UNFPA Partnership
Distribution of sanitary pads, dignity kits, and mama kits to rural women in Murang'a and Homabay counties.