Ms. Sophie J. Kipkwony

Designation: Tutorial Fellow
Email: sophy.kipkwony@dkut.ac.ke
School/Institute: Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute (GeTRI)
Department: Department of Geology

Research Interests
Seismic hazard and risk analysis, active tectonics and deformation, fault mapping ground motion, probabilisitic seismic hazard modeling, engineering foundations, community water resource mapping

Academic Background

Qualification Institution Year
 Doctor of Geology (Seismology)  University of Nairobi & University of S, Seismology
Dissertation: “Title” Fault-based Probabilistic seismic
Hazard assessment in Kenya and neibouring regions		  2022 – Present
 Master of Science in Geology  University of Nairobi, Geology (Seismology Major)
Thesis: “Title”probabilistic seismic hazard assessment
in Kenya and its Vicinity. 		 2017
 Bachelor of Science in Geology  University of Nairobi  2014

Work Experience

  • July 2019 – Present: Tutorial Fellow, Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri, Kenya.
  • 2017 – Present: Lead consultant at SeismoTech, Geosurvey and Engineering ltd
  • 2018 – 2019: Geologist and geology and geotechnical assistant Egis Eau Kenya, Nairobi
  • 2017 – 2019: Chief Geologist Treavic Geosystems & Engineering Ltd, Nairobi.

Other University and National Responsibilities

  • 2020 – Present: Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Exam Coordinator, GeTRI.

Social Responsibilities

  • Jan 2025 – Present: Co-chair Kapindasum Primary School boy Domitory Project, Arabal location in Baringo
  • 2023 – Present: Chairlady Arabal Women Emplowerment and Support Network CBO

Publications

  • Kipkwony S.J., Barongo J.O., Dindi E.W., Mulwa J.K., Mavonga G.T. (2022). Seismic Hazard Assessment in Kenya and Its Vicinity. Advances in Geophysics Tectonics and Petroleum Geosciences. Springer Cham.
    Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73026-0_15

Papers presented in Conferences, Seminars and Workshops

  • Oct 8 – 10, 2018: ‘’Seismic hazards Assessment of Kenya’’ ESARSWG International Conference on the East African Rift System (EARS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Awards, Scholarships and Recognitions

  • 2019-Present: PhD. Scholarship by International Science Program (ISP) through the international Program for Physical Sciences (IPPS).
  • 2014-2017: Masters Scholarship by International Science Program (ISP) through the international Program for Physical Sciences (IPPS).

Other Academic and Professional Achievements

  • 10 Sept- 6 Oct 2018: The International Training Courses on ‘Seismology, Seismic Data Analysis, Hazard Assessment and Risk Mitigation, Accra Ghana.
  • October 2017-February 2019: Internship at Treavic Geosystems & Engineering Ltd, Nairobi.
  • November 2nd to 24th 2014: Short Course IX on Exploration for Geothermal Resources at Naivasha/Baringo Facilitated by UNU-GTP, GDC and KeNGEN.

Research

  • PhD Research: University of Nairobi
    Seismic Hazard, Ground Motion Response Analysis and Microzonation Studies for Nairobi Region.
  • Masters Research: Assessment of seismic Hazard in Kenya and its vicinity.

Postgraduate Thesis Supervision and Examination (Start with the most current, completed and then ongoing)

  1. Doctorate-Prof. Justus Barongo and Dr. Zachariah Kuria of University of Nairobi, Kenya, Roland Robert of Uppsala University Sweden and Dino Bindi of German Research Centre for Geoscience, Potsdam, Germany.
  2. Masters: Prof Justus Barongo of University of Nairobi.

Conference and Workshops

  • 8th -10th Oct 2018: International Conference on the East African Rift System, EARS, Dar es Salaam.
  • 9th Nov- 27 Nov 2015: Earthquake training facilitated by Institute of Geophysics, China Earthquake administration and University of Nairobi.
  • 22 Jan- 22 Feb 2015: Seismology training, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
  • April 29th – 30th 2014: Kenya Water Resource Capacity Building, collaboration between US Army Corps of Engineers, African Command, Kenya Defence Forces, Ministry of Water and Resource Management Authority and University of Nairobi.

Affiliation/Membership to Professional Bodies

  • 2024- Present: Professional Member of Geological Society of Kenya (GSK) – No.1481
  • 2014 – Present: Member of International Geothermal Association-Africa Regional Branch (IGA-ARB) – No. 026
  • 2018 – Present: Member of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty-Youth Organization (CTBTO)
  • 2018 – Present: Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)

Computer Skills

  • Programming: PYTHON, MATLAB, PYGMT
  • Applications: ARCGIS, QGIS, OPENQUAKE, OASIS MONTAJ, MS OFFICE SUITE
  • Platforms: WINDOWS, LINUX, MACOS