Dr. Isaac Kimunio

Position: Lecturer Department: Applied Economics Contact Address: P.O. Box 43844, 00100 Nairobi Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2918-2114   Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=search_authors&mauthors=isaac+Kimunio&hl=en&oi=ao Area of Specialization: Monetary and financial economics, Microeconomics, Econometrics Research Interests: Impact Evaluation, Trade and Gender Linkages, Human Development, Financial risks, Financial regulations, Gender-based Violence, Gender empowerment, Tourism Economics, Policy regulations, Financial risk Management View full CV

Publications

Refereed Journals

• Wamue-Ngare, G., Okemwa, P., Kimunio, I., Miruka, O., Okong’o, G., Kamau, P., Njuguna, J., Kiruja, L. & Okoth, S. (2025). Unveiling the hidden costs: An in-depth examination of the economic impact of sexual and gender-based violence on women in Nairobi, Kenya, Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 2590-2911. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101339  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S259029112500066X
• Ngare, G. W., Maina, L., Okemwa, P., Miruka, O., Okong’o, G., Kimunio, I., Kamau, P., Njuguna, J., Kiruja, L. & Okoth, S. (2025). Qualitative Assessment of Transformative Change in Lives of SGBV Survivors: Evidence from the Most Significant Change Stories’ Technique. Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment (KU-WEE) Journal, 1(1), 185-196. https://journal.ku.ac.ke/index.php/KUWEE/article/view/608
• Wamue-Ngare, G., Okemwa, P., Kimunio, I., Miruka, O., Okong’o, G., Kamau, P., Njuguna, J., Kiruja, L. & Okoth, S. (2023). Estimating the economic impact of gender-based violence on women survivors: A comparative study of support program interventions in Makueni and Naivasha, Kenya. Atencion Primaria, 56(10), 102,840. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0212656723002731
• Wamue-Ngare, G., Okemwa, P., Miruka, O., Maina, L., Okong’o, G., Kimunio, I., Kamau, P., Njuguna, J. & Kiruja, L. (2023). Effectiveness of State and Non-State Actors’ Initiatives in Addressing the Economic Empowerment Needs of Women Survivors of Gender-Based Violence. Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment (KU-WEE) Journal, 1(1), 45-69. https://journals.ku.ac.ke/index.php/KUWEE/article/view/398
• Kimunio, I. and Maingi, S.W. (2022), "A Markov regime-switching (MS) approach to modeling the effects of fiscal policies and COVID-19 pandemic on tourism destination competitiveness in Kenya", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-09-2021-0245
• Kimunio, I.K., Muniu, J.M. & Kinuthia, B.K . Foreign-owned banks and their impact on Kenya’s financial stability. SN Bus Econ1, 18 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43546-020-00019-4
• Kinuthia, I. K., & Etyang, M. N. (2014). Stock Market Liberalization, Stock Market Performance and Economic Growth in Kenya. International Journal of Economics and Finance, 6(4), 196-209. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijef.v6n4p196

Book Chapters

• Kimunio, I., Nandelenga, M. W., & Makambi, S. (2024). Tourism Degrowth in the New Normal: Exploring the Impacts of COVID-19 on Sustainable and Equitable Tourism Development (pp. 281-297). Springer. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-45866-8_15
• Kimunio, I., Nandelenga, M. W., & Makambi, S. (2024). COVID-19 and the Travel and Visitor Experience Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Post-pandemic World. Springer. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-45848-4_7
• Kimunio, I., & Gitagia, F. (2022). Restoration of Ecosystems Services in Post-COVID-19 Kenya: A Cost–Benefit Analysis of Green Financing. In Management of Tourism Ecosystem Services in a Post Pandemic Context (pp. 252-267). Routledge. Accessed  through: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/b23145- 20/restoration-ecosystems-services-post-covid-19-kenya-isaac-kimunio-francis-gitagia

Working paper

• Kimunio, I. K. (2021). Risk-Weighted Capital Regulations and Bank Risk-Taking Behaviour: Evidence from Kenya. African Economic Research Consortium (AERC). https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=WEu7CAYAAA AJ&citation_for_view=WEu7CAYAAAAJ:2osOgNQ5qMEC

Conference Papers

• Conference paper presentation titled “CENTRAL BANKS ROLE IN THE COVID-19 CRISIS: EVIDENCE FROM KENYA” presented in the 5th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 22nd and 23rd June, 2023 under the theme: Strategic Business Innovations and Policies for Sustainable Social and Economic Development.

Scholarly Presentations at Conferences Conference Papers

• Conference paper presentation titled “CENTRAL BANKS ROLE IN THE COVID-19 CRISIS: EVIDENCE FROM KENYA” presented in the 5th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 22nd and 23rd June, 2023 under the theme: Strategic Business Innovations and Policies for Sustainable Social and Economic Development.
• Made a presentation during the AERC-SOAS Inclusive Financial Services Policy Platform on 8th - 9th September 2021. Risk-Weighted Capital Regulations and Bank Risk-Taking Behaviour: Evidence from Kenya
• Conference paper presentation titled “The socio-economic Contribution of sports to the Kenyan Economy; the missing link” presented in the 6th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 27^th and 28^th June, 2024 under the theme: Business Intelligence and Innovations for Sustainable Development.

 Conferences Attended

• AERC-IDRC Inclusive Finance for Fragile and Post Conflict Contexts/States in Africa, held on October 27, 2022, in Nairobi, Kenya at the Trademark Hotel
• Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub 1^st International Conference held on 6th - 8th July 2022 at the International Languages and Culture Centre (ICLC) at Kenyatta University. The broad theme of the conference was ‘’Women Economic Empowerment in the 21st Century: What Works?”
• 5th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 22nd and 23rd June, 2023 under the theme: Strategic Business Innovations and Policies for Sustainable Social and Economic Development.
• 6th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 27th – 28th June 2024, under the theme: Business Intelligence and Innovations for Sustainable Development.
• Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub 2^nd International Conference held from 24^th -26^th July, 2024 at the Kenyatta University Conference Center (KUCC) at Kenyatta University. The broad theme of the conference was “Initiatives for What Works to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment.”

Workshops Attended

• Proposal Writing and Grant Management Training
  Attended a virtual training organized by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration & Finance), Kenyatta University on 23rd July 2025. Covered key topics including funding opportunities, concept development, proposal structure, budget preparation, grant agreement interpretation, and financial reporting.
• Impact Evaluation Research Methods & Grant Proposal Writing Workshop conducted by Innovations for Poverty action (IPA) and Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) from 29^th January to 2^nd February 2024 at KCA University
• Training of trainers (TOT) by CISP and university of Pavia Italy workshop on Human Development conducted by Prof. Chiappero on the 22nd and 23rd February 2023.
• Training workshop on "Enhancing Quality Research Through Digital Survey and Data Management: certificate of completion organized by the Department of Econometrics & Statistics – School of Economics, Kenyatta University on 27^th – 28^th June 2016
• Data management and computer applications training workshop organized by the Department of Econometrics & Statistics – School of Economics, Kenyatta University in GLR1 Building on 15^th – 16^th May 2015

 Seminars/Webinars Attended

• Graduate Mentoring That Works: Tools, Tips, and Techniques
  Attended a virtual webinar on 22nd July 2025 hosted by Kenyatta University and presented by Prof. Wakiuru Wamwara. The session covered best practices in graduate student supervision, including setting expectations, providing actionable feedback, and supporting students through milestones like proposal development and job placement.
• “How to publish your research with Routledge” by the Association of African Universities and Taylor and Francis Group on Thursday, June 15th, 2023
• “How to make your research publishable: Avoiding rejection” by Taylor and Francis Group on Thursday, February 9th, 2023
• Staff mentors seminar organized by the Kenyatta University Mentoring Programme on 26^th January, 2018 at Kenyatta University
• Research Findings Dissemination Seminar and Closure of the “TOGETHER” Project on 23^rd January, 2025.

Training in Higher Education

•  Skills for Prosperity Kenya Digital Education for Universities.
• Successfully completed the Digital Education course from the Open University (13^th
• July 2022).
• May 2022: Extend Africa – Empowered Educator certificate of competency after completion of all six (6) modules in the Extend Africa (EXT-AFR) programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in partnership with Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL), Kenyatta University Kenya. The modules are: Teacher for Learning; Collaborator; Technologist; Scholar; Curator; Experimenter
• 2022: “Teacher for Learning” module in the Extend Africa (EXT-AFR) programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in partnership with Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL), Kenyatta University Kenya. The competency included “an understanding of how students learn and how to design effective learning experiences and activities”
• 2022: “Collaborator” module in the Extend Africa (EXT-AFR) programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in partnership with Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL), Kenyatta University Kenya. The competency included “sharing and enhancing one’s own educational approaches through collaborations within, across and between disciplines”
• 2022: “Technologist” module in the Extend Africa (EXT-AFR) programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in partnership with Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL), Kenyatta University Kenya. The competency included “fluency in using technology in educationally effective ways”
• 2022: “Scholar” module in the Extend Africa (EXT-AFR) programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in partnership with Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL), Kenyatta University Kenya. The competency included “an awareness and appreciation of effective, research-based, discipline-appropriate pedagogical approaches”
• 2022: “Curator” module in the Extend Africa (EXT-AFR) programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in partnership with Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL), Kenyatta University Kenya. The competency included “a producer and consumer of appropriate educational resources through sharing and development”
• 2022: “Experimenter” module in the Extend Africa (EXT-AFR) programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in partnership with Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL), Kenyatta University Kenya. The competency included “an openness to try, reflect and learn from new approaches, pedagogy and technologies to support student learning”
• 2021: Certified Teacher for Learning in Extend Africa Programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning, Canada in partnership with Kenyatta University, Kenya. https://openbadgefactory.com/v1/assertion/ea4cf88453ebfa1f3fecb502d96eebae5625afcc
• 2020: Certified Blended Learning Trainer – Course on the development and Training of Trainers Blended Learning by the Digital School of Virtual and eLearning, Kenyatta University

PROFESSIONAL/ CONSULTANCY

Networks/Collaborations

• AERC: I am a member of the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) Alumni Network Platform - a networking hub for past participants of AERC's training and research programs. It allows alumni to stay connected, exchange knowledge, and expand professional networks
• AIR-KU Collaboration – I participated in engaging the American Institute of Research for collaboration with the Department of Applied Economics.
• GROOTS Kenya - MOU - I participated in engaging Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS) - Kenya for signing an MOU with Kenyatta University

Editorial Boards/Referee for professional periodicals

• Member of the Editorial Board of Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment (KU-WEE) Journal https://journals.ku.ac.ke/index.php/KUWEE/about/editorialTeam
• Member of the KU-WEE Hub Conference Editorial Committee for the 2^nd International KU- WEE Hub Conference held on 24^th – 26^th July, 2024
• Member of the Editorial sub-committee during the 5th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 22nd and 23rd June, 2023 under the theme: Strategic Business Innovations and Policies for Sustainable Social and Economic Development
• Member of the Editorial sub-committee during the 6th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 27^th and 28^th June, 2024 under the theme: Business Intelligence and Innovations for Sustainable Social Development

Consulting for organizations/institutions

• Quantitative Research Specialist / Data Analyst – Gender Assessment for the Proposed Extension of Meru Bypass Roads Project (2025)
  Served as part of the multi-disciplinary research team conducting the Gender Assessment for the proposed Meru Bypass Extension Project conducted under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP) – Project ID: P161305. The assessment was conducted for the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), with technical leadership by Prof. Grace Wamue-Ngare (Lead Consultant).
• Data Analyst – Efficiency Analysis and Assessment of Data Availability and Use for Decision-Making at the Sub-National Level in Kenya (2025)
  Participated as Data Analyst in a national consultancy examining the efficiency of health systems and use of routine data at county level in Kenya.
• Team Member – Investment Case for Reproductive Health, HIV, TB and Malaria (2024–2025)
  Contributed to the development of the Investment Case for Reproductive Health, HIV, TB, and Malaria under the USAID Health Equity and Resource Optimization (HERO) Project, implemented in collaboration with Abt Associates and supported by PEPFAR and USAID.
  Covered ten counties: Kwale, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Meru, Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua, Kilifi, and Nakuru.
• Associate consultant/researcher, Worth Africa Group, 2019-2020 Services performed:
• Provide quality reviews, synthesis, analysis, and reporting on assigned ACB/Global Fund related
• Provide effective and strategic input into planning, implementation, delivery, and monitoring of the assignment to ensure client satisfaction
• Rapporteur at Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosures Seminar By The Kenya Bankers Association and World Wide Fund Kenya (WWF-Kenya) Theme: promoting a sustainable financial services sector for economic growth and development in Kenya held on 13th April to 15th April 2023
• Rapporteur at AERC-IDRC Inclusive Finance for Fragile and Post Conflict Contexts/States in Africa, held on October 27, 2022, in Nairobi, Kenya at the Trademark Hotel

Membership to academic/professional bodies

The Econometrics Association of Kenya (EAK)

• I am a fellow member of The Econometrics Association of Kenya (EAK) where I am also the head of publications committee. https://www.econometricskenya.org/

Editorship/Peer review

• Member of the Editorial Board of Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment (KU-WEE) Journal
• Member of the Editorial sub-committee during the 5th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 22nd and 23rd June, 2023 under the theme: Strategic Business Innovations and Policies for Sustainable Social and Economic Development
• Member of the Editorial sub-committee during the 6th International Business Research and Industrial Conference (IBRIC) hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Tourism – Kenyatta University on 27^th and 28^th June, 2024 under the theme: Business Intelligence and Innovations for Sustainable Social Development
• Peer-Review activity for Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights (2)
• Peer-Review activity for SN Business & Economics. (3)
• Certificate of excellence in peer-reviewing by B P International in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the quality of the book – 8^th September, 2023
• Member of the KU-WEE Hub Conference Editorial Committee for the 2nd International KU- WEE Hub Conference held on 24^th – 26^th July, 2024
• Peer Review activity for Discover Sustainability Journal –Springer Nature – 27^th May 27, 2025

Administrative and Responsibilities

Recognized university administrative positions

• Acting Director – Kenyatta University City Campus - Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as Acting Director – Kenyatta University City Campus for 15 days from 7th July 2025 to 25th July 2025, overseeing the administration and operations of the campus during the leave period of the substantive Director.
• E-Learning Coordinator – School of Business, Economics and Tourism, Kenyatta University
  Appointment extended for six months from 15^th April 2025.
• E-learning coordinator for the School of Business, Economics and Tourism.
  • Renewal of Appointment by the Vice-Chancellor as E-learning coordinator for the School of Business, Economics and Tourism for two years with effect from 16^th April 2023
• E-learning coordinator for the School of Economics.
  • Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as E-learning coordinator for the School of Economics for two years with effect from 15^th April 2021
• KU-WEE Hub Researcher
  • Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as a researcher at the Kenyatta University Women Economic Empowerment (KU-WEE) Hub for five years with effect from 18^th September 2020.
• Renewal of Appointment as male warden - city campus 8th April 2021
• Male Warden, city campus
  • Appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as the Male Warden, city campus for two years, with effect from 8^th April 2019 -Advising and mentoring male students

Other responsibilities in the University

• Appointed by Executive Dean of School of Business Economics and Tourism (SBET) to the 6^th IBRIC conference 2024 editorial board
• Appointed by KU-WEE Hub leader to the committee to prepare for the 2^nd International KU- WEE Hub Conference on 5^th October, 2023
• Appointed by Executive Dean of School of Business Economics and Tourism (SBET) to the 5^th IBRIC conference 2024 editorial board

Community Engagements and Other Contributions

Research funding

Member – Kenyatta University Proposal Writing Committee on Evidence Use in Policy
Appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach) on 7th May 2025 to a university-level committee tasked with developing a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) and full proposal under the UK FCDO-funded research programme on Evidence Use in Policymaking. Contributed to policy-focused proposal development on Kenya's Trade Policy (2016) and Industrialisation Policy (2012–2030). (Ref: KU/DVCR/CALL 1/VOL.3/06)

African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) Research Grant

• Successfully received a grant of US$10,000 to write a high-quality paper on “Risk-weighted capital regulation and bank risk-taking behavior: evidence from Kenya”, presented at the AERC-SOAS Conference on 8-9 September 2021.

International Committee for the Development of Peoples (CISP) Grant

• Successfully received a grant from CISP on implementing the project “Nobody Shall be Left Out”, A project on training and research to improve the policies which should ensure equitable, sustainable and inclusive Human Development in Kenya.