Professor Beneah Mutsotso, PhD
Prof. Beneah M. Mutsotso is a highly accomplished Kenyan academic and a distinguished Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Nairobi. His academic career at the university began in 1995 as a Graduate Assistant and has progressed steadily through the ranks of Tutorial Fellow, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer, reflecting nearly three decades of academic excellence, institutional commitment, and scholarly leadership.
Prof. Mutsotso’s scholarly identity is deeply rooted in the sociological study of pastoralist communities, particularly within the arid and semi-arid lands of North-Western Kenya. His research focuses on conflict, administrative boundaries, land rights, and social change among marginalized pastoral populations. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Kenya Sociological Association and as Chairman of the Research Committee at the Centre for Human Rights and Peace, where he contributes to advancing sociological inquiry and evidence-based policy interventions.
Beyond academia, Prof. Mutsotso is a seasoned research leader and development consultant within the IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) region. He has spearheaded large-scale regional assessments addressing youth radicalization, violent extremism, and insecurity across Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Djibouti. His expertise is regularly sought by organizations such as World Vision, UNODC, and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to conduct social audits, evaluations, and strategic research for development, infrastructure, and peace-building initiatives.
Educational Qualifications
- PhD in Sociology (2006–2010), University of Nairobi.
Thesis: The East Pokot on the Precipice: Conflict and Social Change in a Pastoralist Community. - Master of Arts in Sociology (1992–1994), University of Nairobi.
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (1988–1991), University of Nairobi.
Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications
- Mutsotso, B. M. (2021). The dearth of content on radicalization in Kenyan Universities Academic Curriculum. The Horn Bulletin, Vol. IV, Issue V, pp. 27–35.
- Mutsotso, B. M. & Nthiga, S. I. (2021). Knowledge and practices for rainwater harvesting in the semi-arid region of Mbeere North Sub-County, Kenya. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, Vol. 10(8), 18–23.
- Mutsotso, B. M. (2018). The social marginalization of the pastoralist Pokot of North-Western Kenya. World Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(2), 69–74.
- Mutsotso, B. M. (2018). The boundary shifters of North-Western Kenya. Net Journal of Social Sciences, 6(1), 1–8.
- Mutsotso, B. M. (2018). Overlap of Mukutani administrative boundary and its definition of the East Pokot–Il Chamus conflict. Journal of Sociology and Social Work, 5(2), 109–117.
- Mutuku, A. M. & Mutsotso, B. M. (2017). Effects of organized criminal gangs on urban livelihoods: A case of Gaza Gang, Nairobi. International Journal of Current Business and Social Sciences, 1(7), 31–61.
- Mutsotso, B. M. (2015). The role of administrative boundaries in pastoral conflicts and mitigation efforts in North-Western Kenya. Online Journal of African Affairs, 4(1), 1–12.
- Mutsotso, B. M. et al. (2015). The influence of organizational arrangements on collective action among farmer groups in the East African Highlands. Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 8, 151–165.
Academic Achievements & Research Supervision
- Doctoral Supervision: Successfully supervised two PhD graduates (Dr. James Kariuki and Dr. David M. Kimaiyo) in areas of public participation and cattle rustling.
- Masters Supervision: Supervised over 20 Master’s students on topics including pastoral transition, urban crime, and social vulnerability.
- Institutional Leadership: Served as Coordinator of the Dissertation Programme and Patron of the Sociology Students Association.
- Research Grants: Secured competitive funding, including a KShs 850,000 grant from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).