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Dr. Lucy Joy Wachira

Lecturer, Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Science

Home School of Health Sciences Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Science Dr. Lucy Joy Wachira

Dr. Lucy Joy Wachira

Lecturer, Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science

Specialization: Physical Activity in Health and Obesity Studies

Academic Qualifications

PhD in Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science, Kenyatta University. Fulbright Visiting Scholar-in-Residence, Temple University, Pennsylvania, USA (2022).

Research Interests

Physical Activity in Population Health
Sedentary Behaviour
Physical Activity Promotion and Surveillance
Pediatric Obesity

Books & Book Chapters

  • Theuri, G., & Wachira, L-J. (2023). Vitamin D3 Deficiency: The Missing Component in the Physical Activity and Lifelong Health of Children and Adolescents in Sub-Sahara Africa? In Sport and Fitness in Children and Adolescents — A Multidimensional View. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105470
  • Wachira, L-J. (2021). Lifestyle Transition towards Sedentary Behavior among Children and Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review. Sedentary Behaviour — A Contemporary View [Online First], IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95840
  • Onyango, E., Waiganjo, L.B., Okoth, V., Wachira, L.J., Goodwin, Y., & Onywera, V. (2022). Physical and Health Education Fundamental Movement Skills for Pre-primary to Grade 3 Instructors: a teacher's guide and collection of activities for teaching fundamental movement skills. Moran Publishers. ISBN: 978-9966634276
  • Mwangi, F.M., Muthomi, N., & Wachira, L-J. (2017). Ability in Disability. Queenex Publishers Ltd. ISBN: 978-9966-075-66-6
  • Wachira, L-J., Mwangi, F.M., & Muthomi, N. (2016). The Trash Ball. Queenex Publishers Ltd. ISBN: 978-9966-075-16-1
  • Muthomi, H.N., Wachira, L-J., & Mwangi, F.M. (2015). David Gets Fit. Queenex Publishers Ltd. ISBN: 978-9966-075-13-0
  • Wachira, L.J. (2010). Use of Exercise Therapy in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Baseline Clinical Survey on Exercise and Diabetes Mellitus among Adult Diabetic Patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya (monograph). VDM Verlag Dr. Müller. ISBN: 978-3-639-30764-1

Peer-Reviewed Publications

  1. Kiplagat SJ, Steyl T, Wachira L-J, Phillips J (2023). Knowledge of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. African Health Sciences, 23(2), 589-596. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i2.68
  2. Oyeyemi AL, Mabry R, Wachira L-J, Gomes A, De Siqueira G (2023). Editorial: Addressing the impact of urbanization on health and well-being in African and Asian cities. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1193519. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1193519
  3. Muthomi N, Wachira L-J, Ooko WS (2023). Occurrence of fatalities in mountaineering: The case of Mt. Kenya. Cogent Social Sciences, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2023.2220534
  4. Kanerva N, Wachira LJ, Uusi-Ranta N, Anono EL, Walsh HM, Erkkola M, Ochola S, Swindell N, Salmela J, Vepsäläinen H, Stratton G, Onywera V, Fogelholm M (2023). Wealth and Sedentary Time Are Associated With Dietary Patterns Among Preadolescents in Nairobi City, Kenya. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 55(5), 322-330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2023.02.001
  5. Ochola S, Kanerva N, Wachira LJ, Owino GE, Anono EL, Walsh HM, Okoth V, Erkkola M, Swindell N, Stratton G, Onywera V, Fogelholm M (2023). Wealth and obesity in pre-adolescents and their guardians: A first step in explaining non-communicable disease-related behaviour in two areas of Nairobi City County. PLOS Global Public Health, 3(2), e0000331. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0000331
  6. Swindell N, Wachira LJ, Okoth V, Kagunda S, Owino G, Ochola S, Brophy S, Summers H, Richards A, Fairclough SJ, Onywera V, Stratton G (2022). Prevalence and correlates of compliance with 24-h movement guidelines among children from urban and rural Kenya — The Kenya-LINX project. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0279751. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0279751
  7. Darko RA, Mwangi J, Wachira L-J (2022). Intention of Including Learners with Disabilities in Practical Physical Education Lessons by University Teacher Trainees in Ghana. Education, 12(1), 7-15. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.edu.20221201.02
  8. Wachira LJ, Arena R, Sallis JF, Lambert EV, Ong'wen OM, Laddu DR, Onywera V, Oyeyemi AL, & HL-PIVOT Network (2022). Why are COVID-19 effects less severe in Sub-Saharan Africa? Moving more and sitting less may be a primary reason. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, S0033-0620(22)00041-X. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2022.04.012
  9. Saunders TJ, Rollo S, Kuzik N, Demchenko I, Bélanger S, Brisson-Boivin K, Carson V, da Costa BGG, Davis M, Hornby S, Huang WY, Law B, Ponti M, Markham C, Salmon J, Tomasone JR, Van Rooij AJ, Wachira L-J, Wijndaele K, Tremblay MS (2022). International school-related sedentary behaviour recommendations for children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 19, 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-022-01259-3
  10. Kuzik N, da Costa BGG, Hwang Y, Verswijveren SJJM, Rollo S, Tremblay MS, Bélanger S, Carson V, Davis M, Hornby S, Huang WY, Law B, Salmon J, Tomasone JR, Wachira L-J, Wijndaele K, Saunders TJ (2022). School-related sedentary behaviours and indicators of health and well-being among children and youth: a systematic review. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 19, 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-022-01258-4
  11. Muthomi N, Wachira LJ, Ooko WS (2022). Training and certification in first responder care among mountaineering practitioners in east Africa. African Journal of Emergency Medicine, 12(2), 129-134.
  12. Wachira L-J, Muthomi N, Ooko S (2022). Standards of Practice, Risk Assessment, and Safety Concerns in Outdoor Adventure Programmes in the Afro-Alpine Mountains of East Africa. African Journal of Emerging Issues, 4(3), 98-118.
  13. Darko RA, Mwangi J, Wachira LJ (2022). Student teachers' pedagogical knowledge on the inclusion of students with disabilities in practical physical education lessons in Ghana. International Journal of Whole Schooling, 18(1), 51-73.
  14. Wachira L-J, Hayker SO, Larouche R, Oyeyemi AL, Prista A, Owino GE, et al. (2022). Physical activity and active transportation behaviour among rural, peri-urban and urban children in Kenya, Mozambique and Nigeria: The PAAT Study. PLOS ONE, 17(1), e0262768. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262768
  15. Nakabazzi B, Wachira L-JM, Oyeyemi AL, Ssenyonga R, Onywera VO (2021). Parental-perceived home and neighborhood environmental correlates of accelerometer-measured physical activity among school-going children in Uganda. PLOS Global Public Health, 1(12), e0000089. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0000089
  16. Darko RA, Mwangi J, Wachira LJ (2021). Inclusive Physical Education during the University Preparation Programme in Ghana: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice. African Journal of Teacher Education, 10(1), 21-37. https://doi.org/10.21083/ajote.v10i1.6455
  17. Wachira LJ, Muthomi HN, Ooko WS (2021). Outdoor Adventure Practice in Kenya: Injuries, Illnesses, Non-Medical Concerns, and Evacuation Profiles on Mt. Kenya. Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments, 16(1), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.7771/2327-2937.1137
  18. Wachira L-J, Muthuri S, Ochola S, Onywera V, Tremblay M (2021). Association between dietary behaviours and weight status of school children: results from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE)-Kenya. Child and Adolescent Obesity, 4(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/2574254X.2020.1842014
  19. Muthomi N, Wachira LJ, Ooko WS (2021). Knowledge in pre-hospital emergency and risk management among outdoor adventure practitioners in East Africa afro-alpine mountains. African Journal of Emergency Medicine, 11(1), 87-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afjem.2020.08.006
  20. Kamau JW, Mwangi PW, Wachira LJ (2020). Uptake of Pedometer-based Physical Activity: Success and Challenges of a Church based Physical Activity Promotion Programme among Overweight and Obese Adults in Kenya. In Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support, 126-132.
  21. Nakabazzi B, Wachira L-JM, Oyeyemi AL, Ssenyonga R, Onywera VO (2020). Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of accelerometer measured physical activity levels of school-going children in Kampala city, Uganda. PLOS ONE, 15(7), e0235211. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235211
  22. Wayong'o SN, Mwangi FM, Wachira L-JM, Rintaugu EG (2019). Emergency Plans and Safety Regulations during Physical Education Lessons in Private Primary Schools in Kenya. The Russian Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 14(1), 102-112.
  23. Wachira L-JM, Muthuri SK, Ochola SA, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2018). Screen-based sedentary behaviour and adiposity among school children: Results from International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE)-Kenya. PLOS ONE, 13(6), e0199790. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199790
  24. Ogana SO, Osero JO, Wachira LJ (2017). Musculoskeletal pain and backpack usage among school children in Nairobi County, Kenya. East African Medical Journal, 94(6), 413-419.
  25. Muthuri SK, Wachira LJM, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2016). Associations between Parental Perceptions of the Neighbourhood Environment and Childhood Physical Activity: Results from ISCOLE-Kenya. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13, 333-343. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2014-0595
  26. Onywera VO, Muthuri SK, Hayker S, Wachira LJM, Kyallo F, Mang'eni RO, Bukhala P, Mireri C (2016). Results From Kenya's 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13(Suppl 2), S195-S200. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2016-0359
  27. Muthuri SK, Wachira LJ, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2015). Direct and self-reported measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviours by weight status in school-aged children: results from ISCOLE-Kenya. Annals of Human Biology, 42(3), 237-245. https://doi.org/10.3109/03014460.2014.932847
  28. Wachira LJM, Muthuri SK, Tremblay MS, Onywera VO (2014). Results from Kenya's 2014 Report Card on the Physical Activity and Body Weights of Children and Youth. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 11(Suppl 1), S69-S73.
  29. Muthuri SK, Wachira LJM, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2014). Correlates of objectively measured overweight/obesity and physical activity in Kenyan school children: results from ISCOLE-Kenya. BMC Public Health, 14(1), 436.
  30. Muthuri SK, Francis CE, Wachira LJM, LeBlanc AG, Sampson M, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2014). Evidence of an overweight/obesity transition among school-aged children and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 9(3), e92846.
  31. Muthuri SK, Wachira LJM, Leblanc AG, Francis CE, Sampson M, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2014). Temporal trends and correlates of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and physical fitness among school-aged children in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(3), 3327-3359.
  32. Muthuri SK, Wachira L-JM, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2014). Comparative study of physical activity patterns among school children in Kenya and Canada: Results from the ISCOLE Project. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 20(2:2), 765-779.
  33. Goodwin Y, Monyeki MA, Boit MK, De Ridder JH, Toriola AL, Mwangi FM, Wachira JL (2014). Association between energy availability and menstrual function in elite Kenyan runners. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 20(2:1), 291-307.
  34. Goodwin Y, Monyeki MA, Boit MK, De Ridder JH, Toriola AL, Mwangi FM, Wachira JL, Mwihaki MG (2014). Profile of the female athlete triad in elite Kenyan endurance athletes and in non-athletes. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 20(2:2), 610-625.
  35. Wachira L, Simiyu N, Onywera V (2009). Physical Activity Practices among Adults with Diabetes: A Clinical Survey on Management of Diabetes Mellitus at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. African Journal of Applied Human Sciences, 1(1), 22-30.

Research Projects & Grants

  • Laureus SESLA Project — "Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (SESLA) sport-for-development programme" (2025–2026). Co-Investigator. Funders: Laureus, French Development Agency (AFD), IOC Olympism365.
  • WADA 2022 Social Science Research Grant — "The understudied nexus between national sports policy and clean sports behaviour" (2022–2024). Principal Investigator. Funder: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
  • Kenya-LINX Project — "Kenya healthy diet and active Lifestyle Infrastructure for the NeXt generation," with Swansea University (UK) (Nov 2019–Nov 2021). Co-Investigator. Funder: British Academy.
  • Kenya-Finland Project (KENFIN-EDURA) — "Building higher education and research capacity to address the physical activity and nutrition transition in Kenya" (2017–2020). Co-Investigator. Funder: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (HEI ICI fund HEL7M0453-82).
  • Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor's Research Grant — "Outdoor Adventure Practice in the Afro-Alpine Mountain Areas in East Africa: Training, Certification, Competence and Standards in Injury Occurrence and Pre-Hospital Emergency Risk Management (PHERM)" (2016–2019). Principal Investigator.

Conference Presentations

  • Wachira L-J (2022). "Teaching and Scholarly Engagements as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar-In Residence at Temple University, Pennsylvania, USA." African Studies Association 65th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, USA (Nov 17-19, 2022).
  • Wachira L-J, Swindell N, Stratton G, Munuhe M, Onywera V, Fogelholm M, Ochola S, Erkkola M, Kanerva N, Owino G (2021). "Use of accelerometers to objectively measure physical activity of pre-adolescents and their parents in a community-based study in Nairobi, Kenya." eICDAM International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods (Feb 8-12, 2021).
  • Wachira L-J (2019). "Physical Activity among Adolescents and their Parents in Low and Middle Income Suburbs in Nairobi." Kenyatta University Biennial Research and Innovation Conference (Oct 23-25, 2019).
  • Wachira LJM, Muthuri SK, Tremblay MS, Onywera VO (2017). "Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, Diet and BMI Status of Kenyan Urban School Children: Results from ISCOLE-Kenya." KENFIN-EDURA International Colloquium, University of Helsinki, Finland (Sep 19, 2017).
  • Wachira LJM, Muthuri SK, Tremblay MS, Onywera VO (2016). "School related opportunities for physical activity: The physical activity transition and the global childhood obesity epidemic — Results from the ISCOLE." 2nd PASHDA International Conference, Kenyatta University (Sep 21-23, 2016).
  • Wachira LJM (2015). Invited Guest International Faculty — Exercise is Medicine. 16th Biennial Conference of the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA), Johannesburg (Oct 20-22, 2015).
  • Wachira LJM, Muthuri SK, Tremblay MS, Onywera VO (2014). "Association between BMI and Percent Body Fat Status and Screen-Based Sedentary Activity of Kenyan Urban School Children: Results from ISCOLE-Kenya." 2014 Global Summit on the Physical Activity of Children, Toronto, Canada (May 19-22, 2014).
  • Wachira LJM, Muthuri SK, Tremblay MS, Onywera VO (2014). "School Related Opportunities for Physical Activity in Kenyan Urban Schools." International Conference on Physical Activity and Sports for Health and Development in Africa, Maputo, Mozambique (Mar 25-29, 2014).
  • Wachira LJM, Muthuri SK, Tremblay MS, Onywera VO (2013). "The ISCOLE Kenya: Protocols, Experiences and Advice for African Countries." Ghana Physical Education & Sport Think-tank & Exercise Medicine Ghana International Conference, Accra (Jun 4-7, 2013).
  • Wachira LJM, Njororai SW, Onywera VO (2011). "Factors Affecting Participation in Physical Activity and Adherence to Exercise Programmes by Persons Living With Diabetes." 9th Biennial AFAHPER-SD International Conference, Kampala, Uganda (Sep 13-15, 2011).

Co-authored conference presentations (selected):

  • Kamau J, Mwangi P, Wachira L (2020). "Uptake of Pedometer-based Physical Activity..." 8th International Conference on Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support, Budapest, Hungary (Nov 5-6, 2020).
  • Mwangi FM, Mwihaki M, Wachira L-J, Thangu E, Rintaugu EG (2016). "Care and Management of Athletes Medical Issues among East African Universities." ICSEMIS 2016, Santos, Brazil (Aug 31–Sep 4, 2016).
  • Mwangi FM, Mwihaki M, Wachira L-J, Wabuyabo I, Onywera V (2016). "Assessment of Fitness and Training among East African Universities Swimming Athletes." ICSEMIS 2016, Santos, Brazil.
  • Lang JJ, Longmuir P, LeBlanc A, Chaput JP, Lambert EV, Muthuri S, Onywera V, Wachira LJ, Tremblay MS (2015). "Correlates of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in Canadian, Kenyan, and South African children." Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 40(S1), S37.
  • Onywera VO, Wachira LJ, Muthuri SK, Tremblay MS (2014). "The ISCOLE study: Methods and preliminary results from Kenya." 25th Congress of the Nutrition Society of South Africa, Johannesburg (Sep 16-19, 2014).
  • Tremblay MS, Boyer C, Muthuri SK, Wachira L-J, Onywera VO, Longmuir PE, Okinda F, Leduc G, Chaput J-P (2014). "Comparison of child physical literacy scores between Canada and Kenya." Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Annual Scientific Conference, St. John's (Oct 2014).
  • Muthuri SK, Wachira L-JM, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2014). "Socioeconomic Differences in Objectively Measured Overweight/Obesity and Physical Activity in Kenyan School Children: Results from ISCOLE-Kenya." Global Summit on the Physical Activity of Children, Toronto.
  • Odindo FO, Muthuri SK, Wachira L-JM, Onywera VO, Tremblay MS (2014). "Assessment of Health Related Physical Fitness and Motor Skill Ability of 9-11 Year Old School Children in Nairobi County, Kenya." Poster, Global Summit on the Physical Activity of Children, Toronto.
  • Onywera VO, Wachira LJ, Muthuri SK, Tremblay MS (2013). "The ISCOLE study: Methods and preliminary results from Kenya." IUNS 20th International Congress of Nutrition, Granada, Spain (Sep 15-20, 2013).

Training & Workshops

  • Fulbright Scholars-In-Residence Seminar — "Strategies for making the most of the S-I-R experience in the USA," US Institute of International Education (Mar 24, 2023, virtual).
  • UNESCO/KNATCOM Capacity Building Workshop — "Physical Education and Sports for University students," Moi University, Eldoret (Jan 2020).
  • University of Helsinki and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences — Workshop on Kenya-Finland Collaboration, Vierumaki, Finland (2019).
  • Kenyatta University KENFIN-EDURA Workshop — Presentation to Research Project Staff and postgraduate students (Feb 12-15, 2019).
  • Kenyatta University Postgraduate Seminar — "Physical Activity, Screen-Based Sedentary Behaviour, Dietary Habits and Adiposity of 9-11 year old School Children in Nairobi County, Kenya" (Jun 23, 2014).
  • Kenyan and Canadian KIDS-CAN Scholars Seminar — "Assessment of Physical Activity, Dietary Intake, Screen Time and Adiposity of School Children in Nairobi County (ISCOLE PROJECT)," KU Students' Service and Business Centre, Nairobi (May 5, 2011).