Dr. Patrick Chege Kariuki

Designation: Senior Lecturer
Email: patrick.kariuki@dkut.ac.ke
School/Institute: Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute (GeTRI)
Department: Department of Geology

Research Interests

Interested in multidisciplinary research in areas of geosciences, climate change, resilience, environment, natural resource management and other areas of geospatial tools application

Academic Background

Qualification Institution Year
PhD Technical University,Delft, Netherlands,
Dissertation: “Spectroscopy and Swelling Soils an Integrated Approach” 		2004
MSc University of Twente, Netherlands,
Thesis: “Effectiveness of Spectrometry in Detecting Clay Minerals in Soils” 		1999
BSc University of Nairobi, Geology 1991

Professional Background

  • 2020 – Present: Senior Lecturer, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT)
  • 2010 – 2020: Lecturer, South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU)
  • 2004 – 2010: GIS/Remote Sensing Unit Manager, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
  • 1991 – 2004: Research Officer, Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS)

Research

  • 2025 – 2029: Inequities and conflicts in arid and semi-arid zones linked to groundwater management in Kenya (collaborative project between Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Aarhus University:Denmark, Maseno University:Kenya and University of Copenhagen, Denmark ): Funded by DANIDA.
  • 2017 – 2020: Climate Smart Rainwater Harvesting and Conservation Technologies for Improved Food Security in Selected Parts of Kitui County (collaborative project with Machakos University and Kenyatta University): Funded by National Research Fund (NRF).
  • 2017 – 2020: Social Capital and Women’s Empowerment in Kenya: Case Study of Murang’a County (collaboration with School of Economics University of Nairobi): Funded by IDRC Canada.
  • 2015 – 2017: Focusing Global Technology to Magnify Honey Bee Impacts on the Food System; The East African Model (Collaborative Project between Michigan State University (MSU), USA, International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), and South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Kenya): Funded by USAID.
  • 2015 – 2017: Entrepreneurship as a Mechanism to Address Youth Unemployment and Poverty in Kenya: Case Study of Murang’a County, a joint project with the School of Economics, University of Nairobi: Funded by IDRC Canada.
  • 2014 – 2020: A Sustainable Approach to Livelihood Improvement (ASALI) through Innovative Agricultural Practices a collaborative project between Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Moi University and South Eastern Kenya University, Kenya: Funded through VU University by a Memorial Fund
  • 2013 – 2014: Water Harvesting and Utilization Project (WHUP) at the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) funded by the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST).
  • 2012 – 2013: Optimizing rainwater harvesting in Kitui for sustainable irrigated agriculture in collaboration with Kenyatta University, Makerere University and Global Knowledge Initiative (GKI) USA, Funded by USAID.
  • 2012 – 2014: Preparation of a Natural Capital Atlas of Kenya in collaboration with a team of experts from various institutions led by African Conservation Centre (ACC): Funded by the Ministry of Environment.
  • 2007: Mapping livelihood diversification in Keiyo Valley an International Livestock Research Insitute (ILRI) project led by Miyuki Iiyama (University of Tokyo): Funded by JICA.
  • 2007: Baseline Survey on Impact assessment of Tsetse eradication program in Kenya, an International Livestock Research Insitute (ILRI) project: Funded by the Ministry of Livestock Development.
  • 2006-2009: Poverty Mapping in Kenya and Uganda a collaborative project between International Livestock Research Insitute (ILRI), Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).

Other University and National Responsibilities

  • 2024 – Present: Director, Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute (GeTRI).
  • 2024 – 2025: South-South Triangular Cooperation(SSTC) on Geothermal Energy between Kenya-Indonesia and Germany- Academia Representative.
  • 2022 – Present: University of Nairobi External examiner.
  • 2019 – Present: Member of the Sector Skills Advisory Committee (SSAC) for TVET CDACC on Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) Curriculum Development in energy and extractives.
  • 2007 – Present Editorial Advisory Board member of the International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geo-information.
  • 2011 – 2017: Chairman Department of Geological Sciences, where I was in charge of running the Department at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in the period.
  • 2004 – 2010: GIS/Remote Sensing Unit Manager at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), where I was in charge od spatial data management and capacity building in the use of geospatial technology.

Other Academic and Professional Achievements
Peer-Reviewed Articles for:

  • Clays and Clay Minerals
  • Journal of Environmental Management (JEM)
  • African Journal of Ecology (AJE)
  • International Journal of Remote Sensing (IJRS)
  • Engineering Geology Journal
  • International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geo-information (JAG).
  • Journal of Ecological Processes
  • CANTENA Soil Journal
  • Minerals MDPI Journal

Publications
Books

  • Western D, Musyoki C, Mwangi E, Mwachala G, Said M, Wargute P, Matiku P, Landsberg F, Waruingi L.W, Kariuki P, Situma C, Ojwang G.O, Njinu L.W, Mulenkei L, Muli D, Malombe I, Marchant R.A, Platts P.J, Muchai M, Kamau P, Njoroge P, Wambuyele E, Kimeu J, Kangethe S, Malonza P, Nyingi D.W, Mbau J, Gikungu M, Kioko E, Otieno N, Baraza F, Kanga E, Chege S, Henninger N, Jeltz W, and Stickler M., Kenya’s Natural Capital: A Biodiversity Atlas, Publisher: Government of Kenya, Ministry of Environment Natural Resources and Regional Development Authorities ISBN: 9966-21-178-0, 2015
  • Kariuki, P.C., Shepherd, K. and van der Meer, F.D. 2006, Spectroscopy as a tool for studying swelling soils. In: Expansive soils: recent advances in characterization and treatment. / ed. by A. A. Al-Rawas and M.F.A. Goosen. Leiden: Taylor & Francis,. ISBN 0-415-39681-6. pp. 211-229, 2006

Journal Publications

  • Ndungu C.K, Mutunga E.J, Mwangi M, and Kariuki P.C, 2025., Farmers’ vulnerability to climate variability and extreme climate events in selected agro-ecological zones in Kitui County, Kenya, African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Vo.19(2), 2025, pp.70-88, DOI: 10.5897/AJEST2024.3294
  • Festus M. Mutiso and Patrick C. Kariuki., Post-Disturbance Recovery and Species Composition in the Western Mau Forests Complex, Kenya: Insights into Floristic Dynamics and Ecological Resilience, International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry 2024, 14(3): 51-58 DOI: 10.5923/j.ijaf.20241403.01
  • Mwami, B.; Maˇnourová, A.;Hendre, P.S.; Muchugi, A.; Verner, V.;Kariuki, P.; Sulaiman, N.; Polesny, Z. Traditional Knowledge, Use, and Management of Moringa oleifera Among the Mijikenda Community in Kilifi, Kenya. Plants 2024, 13, 3547. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243547
  • Christine Jerotich Kiptoo, Isaac Kanda, Nicholas Mariita, Patrick Kariuki, Patrick Kirita Gevera., Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterisation of Rocks and Geothermal Fluids in the Olkaria Geothermal Field, Kenya: Potential for Epithermal Deposits, International Journal of Geosciences 15 (12), 2024, pp. 1113-1133
  • Mutunga, E. J.,Ndungu, C. K., Mwangi, M., & Kariuki, P. C., Socioeconomic Determinants of Farmers’ Vulnerability to Climate Variability and Extreme Events in Kitui County, Kenya. AmericanJournal of Climate Change, 13, 647-663. 2024 https://doi.org/10.4236/ajcc.2024.134029
  • Limo, B. K., Kariuki, P. C., Onyancha, D. O., Mathu, E. M., Githenya, L. K., & Ambembo, D. L., Remote Sensing and Spectral Characterization of Clay Minerals In Mui Basin, Kenya. OSR Journal of Applied Geology and Geophysics, E-ISSN: 2321–0990, P-ISSN: 2321–0982.Volume 12, Issue 4 Ser. I (July. – August. 2024), 30-46
  • Emekwi, P.L.,Mariita, N.O. and Kariuki, P.C., Structural Controls Analysis and Its Correlation with Geothermal Occurrence at Barrier Volcanic Complex (BVC), Turkana,Kenya. International Journal of Geosciences, 15, 2024, 231-245. https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2024.153014
  • Edward James Maarifa, Patrick Chege Kariuki & Elisante Elisaimon Mshiu ., Mapping of surface hydrothermal mineral alterations and geological structures related to geothermal systems in the Songwe region, SW Tanzania, Geosystem Engineering, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1080/12269328.2023.2299481 
  • Mutunga., E.J., Ndungu, C.K, Mwangi, M, and Kariuki, P.C., Rainfall and Temperature Trends and Variability in Arid and Semi-arid Lands of Kitui County, Kenya, Journal of Environment and Earth Science 12 (No.12, 2022)
  • Phyllis Mumia Machio, Diana Njeri Kimani, Patrick Chege Kariuki, Alice Muthoni Ng’ang’a & Michael Murigi Njoroge., Social Capital and Women’s Empowerment, Forum for Social Economics, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1080/07360932.2022.2115526
  • Oduke WO, Musembi DK, Kariuki P C., Changes in Cropland Between 1986 and 2019 in Kitui Central Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya. J Remote Sens GIS 10:, 2021, p132.
  • Mugo, J.W., Musembi, D.K., and Kariuki, P.C., Determination of the Best Planting Season for Green Grams in Kitui County, Kenya, Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, Open Access Library Journal, 8: e8156.  2021, https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1108156
  • Fredrick Tom Otieno, John Gachohi, Peter Gikuma Njuru, Patrick Kariuki, Harry Oyas, Samuel A Canfield, Jason K Blackburn, M Kariuki Njenga, Bernard Bett., Modeling the spatial distribution of anthrax in southern Kenya, PLoS neglected tropical diseases,15(3), March 2021
  • Fredrick Tom Otieno, John Gachohi, Peter Gikuma-Njuru, Patrick Kariuki, Harry Oyas, Samuel A Canfield, Bernard Bett, Moses Kariuki Njenga, Jason K Blackburn., Modeling the Potential Future Distribution of Anthrax Outbreaks under Multiple Climate Change Scenarios for Kenya, International journal of environmental research and public health 18(8), January 2021
  • C.K Ndungu, E.J Mutunga, M Mwangi, P.C Kariuki., Food Insecurity Coping Strategies and Determinants of Households’ Choice of Specific Coping Strategies in Kitui County, Kenya, Journal of Food Security, 2021: Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/jfs/9/2/1
  • Lincoln K Githenya, Eliud M Mathu, P C Kariuki, J Waita., Integration of remote sensing and geological mapping for economic mineralization mapping in Mwitika-Makongo area, Kitui country, Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS, Vol.10 Iss.2 No:281, 2021
  • Mutunga., E.J., Ndungu, C.K, Mwangi, M and Kariuki, P.C., Modelling Determinants of Farmers’ Choice of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability and Extreme Events in Kitui County, Kenya, International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 5(6), Nov-Dec 2020, : https://ijeab.com/  
  • Omasire, A.K, Kimondiu, J M, and Kariuki P., Urban Sprawl Causes and Impacts on Agricultural Land in Wote Town Area of Makueni County, Kenya, International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 5(3) May-Jun, 2020 Available: https://ijeab.com/
  • Nyaberi D, Barongo J, Kariuki P, Ogendi G and Basweti E., Groundwater Resource Mapping through the Integration of Geology, Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Borehole Data in Arid-Sub arid Lands at Turkana South Sub-County, Kenya, Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, vol. 7, 2019, pp 53-72,
  • Mogaka D.N, Basweti E, Barongo J.O, Ogendi G.M, Kariuki P.C., Mapping of Groundwater through the Integration of Remote Sensing and Vertical Electrical Sounding in ASALs: A Case Study of Turkana South Sub-County, Kenya, Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, vol 7, 2019, pp.229-243
  • Kiruki, H, Zanden, E.H., Kariuki, P.C., and Verburg P.H., The contribution of charcoal production to rural livelihoods in a semi‑arid area in Kenya, Environment, Development and Sustainability https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-019-00521-2, 2019
  • Githenya L.K, Kariuki P.C, Waswa A.K., Application of Remote Sensing in Mapping Hydrothermal Alteration Zones and Geological Structures as Areas of Economic Mineralization in Mwitika-Makongo Area, South Eastern Kenya, Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences, Vol.9, No.11, 2019
  • Njiru, G.N., Kariuki, P. and Mwetu, K., Modeling Soil Erosion for Land Management in Ungauged Golole Catchment in Marsabit County, Kenya. Open Journal of Soil Science, 8, 2018,pp 277-302.
  • Mbithi F. M., Kariuki, P.C., and Njuru P.G., Assessment of the Impact of Groundwater Fluoride on Human Health: A Case Study of Makindu District in Kenya, Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change  vol.8:4, 2017
  • Cheruto, Mercy C., Kauti, M.K., Kisangau, P.D., Kariuki, P.C., Assessment of Landuse Landcover Change Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study of Makueni County, Kenya, Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS, vol.5:4, 2016
  • Mugo J.W., Kariuki P.C, and Musembi D.K., Identification of Suitable Land for Green Gram Production Using GIS Based Analytical Hierarchical Process in Kitui County, Kenya, J. of Remote Sensing & GIS, vol.5:3, 2016pp
  • Mathu, E. M., Waswa, A. K., Kariuki, P. C., Kianji, G. K., Odhiambo, M. B., & Kiprotich, K. K. .,  The Middle Eastern Counties In Kenya: An Awakening Giant In Mining And Ideal For Mining Investment. GEOEACE (2015).
  • Kathumo V.M., Gachene C.K.K., Gicheru P.T., and Kariuki P.C., Effects of Land-Use and Climate Changes on Hydrological Processes in the River Gucha Catchment, Kenya, E. Afr. agric. For. J. (2012) 78(1),2012,pp113-118
  • Iiyama, M., Kristjanson, P., Ogutu, J., Maitima J., Kariuki, P.C, Morimoto, Y. and Baur H.,(2008)., Conservation, Management and Development of Natural Resources in Rural Africa. In: Natural Resources. / Ed. Jeanette B. Pauling, pp. Nova Science Publishers, Inc. (2008) ISBN 978-1-60456-982-7
  • Iiyama, M., Kariuki, P., Kristjanson, P., Kaitibie, S. and Maitima, J., Livelihood diversification strategies, incomes and soil management strategies: A case study from Kerio Valley, Kenya. Journal of International Development J. Int. Dev. 20, 2008, pp.380-397 
  • Okwi P.O., Ndeng’e G, Kristjanson P, Arunga M, Notenbaert A, Omolo A, Henninger N, Todd Benson T, Kariuki P, and Owuor J., Spatial determinants of poverty in rural Kenya, PNAS 104(43), 2007, pp16769–16774
  • Iiyama, M., Maitima, J. and Kariuki, P., Crop-livestock diversification patterns in relation to income and manure use: A case study from a Rift Valley community, Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural Research 2(3), 2007 pp58–66.
  • Iiyama, M., Kaitibie, S., Kariuki, P., and Morimoto, Y., The status of crop-livestock systems and evolution towards integration. Annals of Arid Zones Vol. 46. (3&4), 2007, pp1-23
  • Okwi P.O, Ndeng’e G, Kristjanson P, Arunga M, Notenbaert A, Omolo A, Henninger N, Todd B, Kariuki P and Owuor, J., Geographic Determinants of Poverty in Rural Kenya: A National and Provincial Analysis, African Journal of Statistics, 2007
  • Okwi P.O, Arunga M, Kariuki P, Kristjanson P, Ndeng’e G, Notenbaert A, and Omolo A., Poverty among Livestock Keepers in Kenya: Are Spatial Factors Important? African Journal of Statistics,2007
  • Kariuki P.C., Woldai, T., and Van der Meer, F.D., The role of remote sensing in mapping swelling soils. Asian Journal of Geo-informatics, Vol 5(1), 2006,pp.43-53
  • Kariuki P.C., Woldai, T., and Van der Meer, F., Effectiveness of spectroscopy in identification of swelling indicator clay minerals. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 25(2), 2004,pp455-469
  • Kariuki P.C., and Van der Meer, F.D., Issues of effectiveness in empirical methods for describing swelling soils. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 4(3), 2004,pp231-241
  • Kariuki P.C., and Van der Meer, F.D., A unified swelling potential index for expansive soils, Engineering Geology, 72,2004, pp1-8
  • Kariuki P.C., Van der Meer, F.D and Verhoef, P.N.W., (2003)., Cation exchange capacity determination from spectroscopy. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 24(1), 161-167
  • Kariuki P.C., Van der Meer, F. and Siderius W., Classification of soils based on engineering indices and spectral data. International Journal of Remote Sensing 24(12), 2003, 2567-2574
  • Kariuki P.C., and Van der Meer, F.D., Determination of soil activity from optical spectroscopy. In Geoinformation for European wide Integration, Edited by T. Benes (Rotterdam: Mill press), 2003, pp.587-590
  • Kariuki P.C, T. Woldai & F.D Van der Meer., Determination of soil activity in Kenyan soils from Spectroscopy, The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Vol. XXXIV, 2002, Part 6/W6
  • Kariuki, P.C., (1996)., Zoning for ground motions in Kenya-the case of incomplete and uncertain data. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, Vol. 5, No. 33, 1996,p. 195A.

Conference Papers

  • Mugo J.W., Musembi D.K, Kariuki P.C and, Ongoma V.,Determination of the best planting season for green gram in Kitui county Using AHP, Proceedings of the 2rd International Conference, DeKUT, Kenya, 2rd – 4th November 2016.
  • Mathu E.M., Kariuki P.C., The Potential of Maximising Geological Resources to Boost Food and Agricultural Production in Kenya, Proceedings of the 2rd International Conference, DeKUT, Kenya, 2rd – 4th November 2016.
  • Owuor J, Kariuki P, & Okwi P.,Poverty among Livestock Keepers in Kenya: are Spatial Factors Important? Proceedings of the 2nd ESRI East African User Conference, Kampala, Uganda, 13-14th September, 2007.
  • Kariuki P.C, Russ Kruska, Owuor J & Arunga M., Spatial Data Infrastructure in ILRI: Status and Future Directions. Proceedings of the 1st ESRI East African User Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, 5-6th October, 2006.
  • Arunga M, Kariuki P, Kruska R and Owuor J., ILRI Attempt at Spatial Data Infrastructure. Proceedings of the GSDI conference, Santiago, Chile, 2006
  • Kariuki P.C & Siderius W., Spectroscopy Remote Sensing and Other Non-Intrusive Methods in Environmental Studies: Case Study Swelling Soil Mapping. Proceedings of the 5th African Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, 17-22nd October, 2004.
  • Kariuki, P.C., van der Meer F. D., Swelling Clay Mapping for Characterizing Expansive Soils; Results from Laboratory Spectroscopy and HySens DAIS Analysis.   Proceedings of the Third EARSeL Workshop on Imaging Spectroscopy, DLR, Oberpfaffenhofen, 13 – 16 May 2003.
  • Kariuki P.C, T. Woldai & F.D Van der Meer., Determination of soil activity in Kenyan soils from Spectroscopy, In: Proceedings of the Dar es Salaam, ISPRS workshop, 25-28 March 2002.
  • Kariuki P.C., and F.D Van der Meer., The effectiveness of spectroscopy in detecting the swelling clay minerals in soils, In: Proceedings of the Second EARSeL Workshop on Imaging Spectroscopy, ITC, Enschede, 11-13 July 2000.
  • Kariuki P.C & Van der Meer, F., Spectroscopy to map swelling potential of soils. Proceedings Vijfde Nederlands Aardwetenschappelijk Congres, 20-21 April, 2000, Veldhoven, pp. 2-23
  • Van Dijk, P., Van der Meer, F. & Kariuki, P.,The mapping of swelling clays with remote sensing; potential of high spectral resolution sensors. Proceedings of the 31st International Geological Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, pp. 6-17 August, 2000 (1 page abstract).

Honours And Awards

  • 2024: Poster on Mapping of surface hydrothermal mineral alterations and geological structures related to geothermal systems in the Songwe region, SW Tanzania judged as the best poster presentation in the  Kenya National Research Festival Poster Presentation, Kenya National Research Festival on August 19-23 at the Edge Conventional Centre, South C, Nairobi.
  • 2016: 3rd overall position in Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) projects for the year at the PEP International Conference in June 2016, Manila Philippines
  • 2009: Special achievement award in GIS applications at the ESRI 2009 user conference in San Diego, California, USA

Professional Affiliations

  • Member of Society of Conservation GIS (SCGIS)
  • Member of Geological Society of Kenya (GSK)
  • Member of Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK)
  • Member of the Network for African Volcanologists

Professional Training

  • Cert. Building Geodatabase, spatial Analysis & Advanced analysis with ArcGIS, ESRI, 2005                            
  • Cert. Continuous Performance Management    InCA, 2006
  • Cert. Python scripts,ILRI, 2006
  • Cert. Change Management Processes, InCA,2007
  • Cert. Management and supervisory skills,SEKU, 2010
  • Cert. Performance Contracting,SEKU, 2011
  • Cert. Grant Proposal writing skills,SEKU,2013
  • Cert. Project Management, SEKU, 2014
  • Cert. EIA and Environmental Audit,SEKU, 2015
  • Cert.Community Based Monitoring System,PEP, 2015
  • Cert. Competence Based Curriculum,VU University,2016
  • Cert. Monitoring and Evaluation,VU University,2018
  • Cert. Data Curation,Springer,2019
  • Cert. Spatial Methods for Sustainable Landuse,VU University,2019
  • Cert. Water Resource Management Modelling, U University, 2019 
  • Management and Leadership,DeKuT ,2020
  • CBC programs preparation,TVET-CDACC, 2021
  • Cert. Transient Electromagnetics fo groundwater   Assessments,RCGW,2023
  • Cert. of Completion in SSTC  on Geothermal    SSTC, Indonesia Energy( Kenya-Indonesia-Germany), 2024