Prof. Grace Bunyi

Profile

Grace Bunyi holds a masters degree in teacher education from Kenyatta University and a PhD in curriculum studies with a focus on language in education from the University of Toronto, Canada. She is currently an Associate Professor of education (curriculum studies) at Kenyatta University and the Registrar – Corporate Affairs.

Grace has had a long teaching and research career and has taught at secondary, primary teacher education and university levels. At the university, Grace has taught curriculum studies courses such as curriculum design and development, curriculum implementation, curriculum evaluation and curriculum theory to undergraduate, masters and PhD classes. She has also trained members of staff in the schools of law and medicine in curriculum design and development; and participated in the development and review of programmes at the department, school and university levels at KU and elsewhere. She was a member of the National Steering Committee for the Competency-based Curriculum Reforms, Ministry of Education and KICD; and is a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Committee to Monitor, Review and Respond to Ongoing Education and Curriculum Reforms.

Grace has wide experience in research and research project management acquired through leading various research projects at the university and at the Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK), a professional organization which adopts a gender perspective in the conduct of educational research focusing on gender and other types of inequalities and marginalization. Her research interests include curriculum and instruction, teacher education, gender in education, language in education, values-based education and production and utilization of research.

Grace has provided leadership in various research projects. She was the Kenya Project Coordinator for a Pamoja Grant in which Kenyatta University was partnered with the Université Paris-Est Créteil in conducting an exploratory study on how gender equality can be promoted through teacher education in Kenya and in France focusing on the resources and wealth of each local context. The project was funded by both the Kenya and French governments. She was the Principal Investigator (PI) of a KU Vice Chancellor Research Grant funded on the production and utilization of university produced social science research. She is currently the PI of a National Research Fund funded multidisciplinary research project - “An assessment of the production of educational research and its utilization for policy formulation, programme development and implementation in Kenya”. She has provided research quality assurance services in various projects and is currently a member of the IIEP Research Advisory Council.

In addition, Grace has provided consultancy services in curriculum analysis and development, instructional design; policy development and analysis, programme monitoring and evaluation; learning assessment and evaluation; and workshop consultant, resource person and facilitator locally in Kenya and internationally in Africa for government, local and international organisations including UNICEF, Hewlett Foundation, FAWE-Africa, UNESCO and Rockefeller Foundation.

Publications

• Bunyi, G. W. & Wangia, J. (to appear). Fifty plus years of mother tongue as language of instruction and learning in Kenya: What way forward? In J. Etim (Ed.) English language and literature studies in Africa.
• Bunyi, G.W. (2023). Connecting research, practice and policy: Are policy makers and practitioners utilizing universities social science research? Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO 3(1)1-18.
• Bunyi, G.W. et al (2020). Production of social science research by universities and its utilization by policy makers and practitioners in Kenya. ISBN: 978-9966-54-101-7
• Bunyi, G. W. (2017). The growth and trends in higher education in Kenya. Conference Proceedings. The Kenya DAAD Scholars Association. Mt. Kenya Region KDSA Chapter International Conference on Higher Education in Devolved Government Systems. Karatina University February 10-12, 2016.
• Bunyi, G. W. & Schroeder, L. (2016). Bilingual education in Africa: Policies and practices. In G. Ofelia & A. Lynn (Eds.). Encyclopedia of Language and Education, 2rd Edition, Volume 5: Bilingual Education. Edition, Volume 3:Discourse and Education, v-vii (pp. 147-159), Springer Science Trudell, B, Bunyi, G. W. & Mutiga, J. (in press). Setting the context: Language-and-education issues in Africa.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2013). The quest for quality education: the case of curriculum innovations in Kenya. European Journal of Training and Development 37 (7).
• Bunyi, G. W. (2008). Gender, education and EFA in sub-Saharan Africa: Progress, challenges and the way forward. The African Symposium. June 2008.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2008). Introduction to English language teaching and learning in Kenya. In T. Groenewegen (Ed.). Benchmarks for English Language Education (pp 25-44). Phoenix: Nairobi.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2008). Constructing elites in Kenya: Implications for Classroom Language Practices in Africa. In M. Martin-Jones, A. M. de Mejia and N. H. Hornberger (eds), Encyclopedia of Language and Education, 2nd Edition, Volume 3:Discourse and Education, v-vii (pp. 147-159), Springer Science + Business Media LLC.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2007). The place of African indigenous knowledge and languages in education for development: The case of Kenya. In S. N. Dlamini (Ed.). New Directions in African Education: Challenges and Possibilities. Calgary, Canada: University of Calgary Press.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2007). Gender, education and EFA in sub-Saharan Africa: Progress, challenges and the way forward. Conference Documentation – Education for All: Progress, Challenges and Strategies (pp. 65-80). Vienna, Austria: Austrian Research Foundation for International Development.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2006). School-Based assessment: An unattainable good in Kenya’s education system? African Journal of Education Studies 1 (2), 103-121.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2006). Gender equity in higher education in Kenya. A background paper prepared for the Public Universities Inspection Board, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2006). Real options for literacy policy and practice in Kenya. Paris: UNESCO.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2005). Language classroom practices in Kenya. In Lin, A. M. Y. & Martin, P. W. Globalization and De/Neo-colonization and language-in-Education: Policies and Practices. London: Multilingual Matters.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2004). Interventions that Increase Enrollment of Women in African Tertiary Institutions. The African Symposium 4(1) http://www2.ncsu.edu/aern/
• Bunyi, G. W. (2004). Gender disparities in higher education in Kenya: Nature, extent and the way forward. The African Symposium 4(1) http://www2.ncsu.edu/aern/decj03.html
• Bunyi, G. W. & Kamau, D. M. (2004). Disparities in access to literacy predictors among primary school children in Kenya. Workshop Proceedings – Kenya Chapter of the Association of Third World Studies on Disparities in Developing Countries: Types, Challenges and the Way Forward.

Seminar and Conference Papers

• Bunyi, Grace W. An assessment of the production and utilization of education research in policy formulation and programme implementation in Kenya. A paper presented at the 2^nd Multisectoral Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation 23rd to 26^th May 2023
• Bunyi, Grace W. Workshop for University Lecturers on Integrity and Ethics Education within the @1^st BEN-Africa Conference (November 1&2 2022) at Hotel des Millie Collines, Kigali, Rwanda
• Bunyi, Grace W. (2020). Trends and issues in the feminisation of the teaching profession: the case of Kenya.A paper presented virtually at the 3^rd World Council of Comparative Education Societies (WCCES) Symposium November 2020.
• Bunyi, Grace W. (2017). Multilingual policies, teacher professional development practices and biliteracy outcomes: insights from classroom-based studies in Kenya. A paper presented at the Pan African Literacy for All (PALFA) conference. Abuja, Nigeria 27th to 31st August 207.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2016). The growth and trends in higher education in Kenya. Conference Proceedings. The Kenya DAAD Scholars Association. Mt. Kenya Region KDSA Chapter International Conference on Higher Education in Devolved Government Systems. Karatina University February 10-12, 2016.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2015). Teacher preparation and continuing professional development in the context of competency-based education. A paper presented at the KICD staff training seminar. KICD, Nairobi Kenya.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2015). Competency-based curriculum. A paper presented at the KICD staff training seminar. KICD, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2015). Primary school teacher professional development: policy and practice issues in Kenya. A paper presented at the School of Education Seminar, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2015). Competency-Based Education in Kenya: Contending With the Imperatives for Successful Implementation. A paper presented at the Re-energizing education for sustainable development, May 18-20 015, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Bunyi, G.W. (2014). The primary teacher education and school reading curriculum in Kenya: Continuities and gaps.A paper presented at the 1st Annual Conference on Education and Lifelong Learning, October 31, 2015, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Bunyi, G.W. (2014). Re-articulation of the mother tongues as languages of instruction policy in Kenya: Reason for optimism this time round? A paper presented at the 1st Annual Conference on Education and Lifelong Learning, October 31, 2015, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2014). Curriculum and Pedagogy in Re-energizing Education in Kenya. A paper presented at the KEMI conference, June 17-18, 2014, KEMI, Nairobi.
• Bunyi, G. W., Wangia, J., Magoma, C. & Limboro, C. (2013). Learning to teach lower primary mathematmatics in Primary Teacher Training colleges in Kenya. A paper presented at the Ministry of Education Teacher Education and Professional Development Program (TEPD) Conference 9th - 10th May 2013, KICD Nairobi.
• Bunyi, G. W., Wangia, J., Magoma, C. & Limboro, C. Multilingualism and literacy instruction: Teachers’ dilemmas, knowledge and practices. A Paper presented at the 7th Pan-African Reading for All Conference, August 12 to 16 2013, University of Nairobi, Kenya.Akyeampong, K., Adu-Yeboah, C. & Bunyi, G. W. (2011). Inside the black box of learning to teach primary mathematics in Kenya and Ghana. A Paper presented at the CIES Conference in Montreal, Canada.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2011). Westbrook, J.O., Bhalalusesa, E., Bunyi, G.W. & Kyeyune, R. (2011). The story of the reading teacher: from college to classroom and the gaps in between. A Paper presented at the 8th Pan-African Reading For All Conference, July University of Botswana, Gaborone

Conference Presentations

• Bunyi, G. W. (2014). Curriculum and Pedagogy in Re-energizing Education in Kenya. A Paper presented at the KEMI conference, June 17-18, 2014, KEMI, Nairobi.
• Bunyi, G. W., Wangia, J., Magoma, C. & Limboro, C. (2013). Learning to teach lower primary mathematmatics in Primary Teacher Training colleges in Kenya. A paper presented at the Ministry of Education Teacher education and Professional Development Program (TEPD) Conference 9th - 10th May 2013, KICD Nairobi
• Bunyi, G. W., Wangia, J., Magoma, C. & Limboro, C. Multilingualism and literacy instruction: Teachers’ dilemmas, knowledge and practices. A Paper presented at the 7th Pan-African Reading for All Conference, August 12 to 16 2013, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
• Akyeampong, K., Adu-Yeboah, C. & Bunyi, G. W. (2011). Inside the black box of learning to teach primary mathematics in Kenya and Ghana. A Paper presented at the CIES Conference in Montreal, Canada.
• Bunyi, G. W. (2011). Westbrook, J.O., Bhalalusesa, E., Bunyi, G.W. & Kyeyune, R. (2011). The story of the reading teacher: from college to classroom and the gaps in between. A Paper presented at the 8th Pan-African Reading For All Conference, July University of Botswana, Gaborone
• Bunyi, G. W. Mutiga, J. & Trudell, B. (2010). Setting the context: Language-and-education issues in Africa. A paper presented at the in the A paper presented at the International Conference on multilingualism, July 22nd and 23rd, 2010, Kenyatta University, Nairobi.

Workshop Facilitator

• October 2015:Kenyatta University – Training lecturers in the schools of architecture and medicine in curriculum development.
• September 2015:Kenyatta University – Training lecturers in the schools of Humanities and Law in curriculum development.
• 2013:Training in gender mainstreaming for Somaliland Ministry of Education Senior Officers – contracted by the Ministry of Education, Somaliland.
• 2013:Training of Trainers for the Somaliland Ministry of Education Officers – contracted by the Ministry of Education, Somaliland.
• 2010:Topic: Mainstreaming Gender in University Curricula, Moi University, 2nd and 3rd November 2010.
• 2005-2008:Gender and Sexuality Training for Persons Living with HIV and AIDS Advocates for Population Services International (PSI).
• 2005-2008:Gender and Sexuality Training for Youth Leaders for Population Services International (PSI).
• 2007:Mainstreaming Gender in the African Virtual University Science and Mathematics Teacher Education Modules, Nairobi (February). AVU.
• 2006:Mainstreaming Gender in the African Virtual University Teacher Education Modules, Nairobi August). AVU.
• 2005:A. I. C. Kajiado Girls Primary School Gender Sensitization Workshop, A. I. C. Kajiado Primary School, Kajiado, Kenya (May 19-20). FAWE Regional Office.

Professional Affiliation

• Forum for African Women Educationalists (Kenya Chapter) FAWEK
• Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK) (Position held – Member of the Board and Past Chair)
• Advisory Board - The TESOL Encyclopedia of English Language Teaching (Past member)
• Multilingual Education Network (MLEN) – Kenya
• Member of Editorial Board -Autonomy and Responsibility Journal.