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Dr. John Ndavula

Dr. John Ndavula

Senior Lecturer | Dean: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
jndavula@mut.ac.ke | deanshss@mut.ac.ke

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Akhc6W4AAAAJ&hl=en

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-ndavula-phd-94a9b929

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7495-5959

Biography

Dr. John Ndavula is a senior lecturer and Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Murang’a University of Technology. He is a communication scholar and professional with over 18 years of experience in university teaching, research and academic leadership. He holds a PhD in Mass Communication from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

He has served as Chair of the Department of Humanities at Murang’a University of Technology (2022–2026) and previously as Head of the Department of Communication at St. Paul’s University (2016–2020). He has also served as a visiting scholar at Luther College, USA.

His teaching and research interests include media and disability, social media and political communication. He has published peer-reviewed academic articles and contributed chapters to scholarly books. He is currently a Co-Principal Investigator on the two-year international collaborative research project, Reducing Disability Stigma in Kenya through Strategic Media Representations, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), UK.

Dr. Ndavula has extensive consultancy and training experience at both national and international levels. He has undertaken consultancy assignments for organisations including United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Internews, Research Triangle Institute (RTI), the World Council of Churches (WCC), and All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC). He has also facilitated training programmes for organisations including Internews, the Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA), the Centre for Anglican Women’s Leadership and Research in Africa (CAWLRA), and the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).

Dr. Ndavula is also a creative writer and media producer. He has published a novella, short stories, children’s writing and poetry. He has also scripted and produced television drama and documentary films.

He has participated in the design, development, implementation and review of university curricula in communication studies. He teaches students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and supervises postgraduate students at Murang’a University of Technology.

Education

  • PhD in Mass Communication (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology)
  • PGD in Mass Communication (Kenya Institute of Mass Communication)
  • M.Phil. in Communication Technology (Moi University)
  • B. Ed. (Arts) (Egerton University)

Publications

Papers Published

  1. Mwangi, L. W., Mberia, H. K., & Ndavula, J. (2026). Effect of Therapist Self-Disclosure on Depression Management Among University Students in Kenya. African Journal of Emerging Issues, 8(1), 124-144.
  2. Mwangi, L. W., Mberia, H. K., & Ndavula, J. (2025). Effect of self-disclosure on depression management among university students in Kenya. African Journal of Emerging Issues, 7(21), 1–28.
  3. Eboi, A. A., & Ndavula, J. (2025). Assessment of Parental Control of Online Content for Children in Nairobi. Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, 5(2), 1-19.
  4. Lidubwi, J., & Ndavula, J. (2025). WhatsApp and participation in sexual and reproductive health for women with disabilities in Nairobi. Feminist Media Studies, 1-19.
  5. Mulinya, S., Ndavula, J., & Mutua, J. (2025). Implications of Economic Incentivization of User-Generated Content on Local Film and Television Production in Kenya. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 10(2), 98–116.
  6. Mulinya, S., Ndavula, J., & Mutua, J. (2025). Technological Drivers of User-Generated Content in Local Film and Television Production in Kenya . International Journal of Technology and Systems, 10(1), 23–41.
  7. Ndavula, J., & Lungahi, E. G. (2025) Gender-Based Violence in Nairobi Informal Settlements: Women Survivors’ Access to Justice through SMS. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 9(II), 203–219.
  8. Ndavula, J., & Munuku, A. (2025). Diffusion of COVID-19 Misinformation in Kenyan X Conversations. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 10(1), 1-12.
  9. Githaiga, J., Ndavula, J., & Ndeta, W. (2024). The Use of Tiktok for Consumer Engagement by Select Beverage Companies in Nairobi. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 1(1), 68–81.
  10. Ogoti, L., Mberia, H., & Ndavula, J. (2024). Media Choice and Public Participation in the Budget Making Process for Nyeri County. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 9(2), 20–43.
  11. Kamau, F., Mberia, H., & Ndavula, J. (2023). Integrated Marketing Communication Strategies and Rebranding of Telkom Kenya. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 8(3), 36-51.
  12. Oduor, N. Mberia, H., & Ndavula, J. (2023). Betting Menace: Riddle of Television Advertising and University Students Betting Behaviour. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation 8 (2), 55-66.
  13. Ndavula, J., Gbinzaramba, E., Dau, A. D., Gubay, M., Tusiime, W. T., Beremauro, R., Murumba, S. (2023). The Forgotten: An Information Ecosystem Assessment for People with Disabilities in South Sudan. Internews.
  14. Oduor, N. Mberia, H., & Ndavula, J. (2023). Celebrity Endorsement: Television Advertisements and Sports Gambling Behaviour among University Students in Kenya. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation 8 (2), 1-17.
  15. Ndavula, O. J. & Mwangi, J. (2022). Newspaper Framing of the War on Terror and its Implications for Human Rights: The Case of Garissa Terrorist Attacks in Kenya. Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO 2(1), 1-13.
  16. Weldeghebriel, Z., Mberia, H., & Ndavula, J. (2022). Influence of Communication Structure on Employee Performance in Selected Large Manufacturing Businesses in Eritrea. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation 7 (2), 13-40.
  17. Mkamboi, A., Ndavula, J., & Mwangi, S. W. (2022). Utilizing Social Media Platforms for Online Crisis Management: Focus on Always Pads Crisis of 2019. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, Special Issue, 83-94.
  18. Ndavula, J., & Lidubwi, J. (2022). Vernacular Radio Stations and Inclusive Education in marginalized communities in Kenya. Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal, 17(4), 1-17.
  19. Elseddige, H. A., Mberia, H. K., Ndavula, J. (2021). Type of News on Political Corruption in South Sudan. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 6(2), 75-86.
  20. Elseddige, H. A., Mberia, H. K., Ndavula, J. (2021). Examining the prominence of the political corruption news in South Sudan. International Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 6(2), 42-53.
  21. Ndavula, J., & Lidubwi, J. (2021). Access to health information for persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. African Journal of Social Work, 11(4), 172-181.
  22. Njagi, A. B., & Ndavula, J. O. (2020). Influence of Organisational Strategy on Digital Transformation at Kenya Airways. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 25(10), 48-59.
  23. Njagi, A. B., & Ndavula, J. O. (2020). Influence of Digital Technologies on Digital Transformation of Kenya Airways. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 8 (4), 159-173.
  24. Ochieng, A. A., Ndeta, W., & Ndavula, J. O. (2020). Social Media and Personal Branding of Gospel Musicians in Kenya. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 5(1), 1-28.
  25. Gitonga E. N. M., Ong’ondo, C. & Ndavula, J. O. (2020). Print Media Managers’ Perception of Integration of New Media by Newspapers in Kenya. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 4(2), 80-104.
  26. Weldeghebriel, Z. F., Mberia, H. K., & Ndavula, J. O. (2019). The Influence of Communication Climate on Employee Performance in Selected Large Manufacturing Businesses in Eritrea. The International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 7(4), 63-69.
  27. Weldeghebriel, Z. F., Mberia, H. K., & Ndavula, J. O. (2019). Influence of Communication Patterns on Employee Performance in Selected Large Manufacturing Businesses in Eritrea. The International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 7(5), 24-31.      
  28. Ndavula, J. & Lungahi, E. (2018). The role of vernacular radio in climate change information dissemination in semi-arid areas in Kenya. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 3(1), 1-20.
  29. Wacheke, T., Ndavula, & J. Koome, P. (2018). Relevance of Vernacular Radio Stations’ Agricultural Programs in Utilization of Agricultural Information among Farmers in Molo Sub County, Nakuru Kenya. Scholars Bulletin, 628-635, DOI: 10.21276/sb.2018.4.7.12
  30. Munuku, A. W., Mberia, H., & Ndavula, J. O. (2017). Influence of framing of the hashtag on public opinion formation on sociopolitical issues in Kenya. Journal of Communication and Public Relation, 2(2), 70-88.
  31. Munuku, A. W., Mberia, H., & Ndavula, J. O. (2017). Influence of the hashtag context on public opinion formation on sociopolitical issues in Kenya. Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 2(3), 27-51.
  32. Ndavula, J. O. & Lidubwi J. U. (2016). Representation of students with disability in the media: The case of Abled Differently television programme. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 1(2), 1-16.
  33. Ndavula, J. O. (2016). Social Media adoption as alternative platforms for political marketing in Kenya. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 1(1), 1-16
  34. Ndavula, J. O., Mberia, H. K., & Mwangi, M. K. (2015). Online campaign in Kenya: Implementing the Facebook campaign in the 2013 general elections. International Journal of Education and Research, 3(7), 255-266
  35. Ndavula, J. O. & Mueni, J. (2014). New Media and Political Marketing in Kenya: The Case of 2013 General Elections. International Journal of Arts and Commerce, 3(6), 69-84
  36. Ndavula, J. O. & Mberia, H. K. (2012). Social Networking Sites in Kenya: Trigger for Non-Institutionalized Democratic Participation. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 3(13), 300-306.
  37. Ndavula, J. O. & Agufana, P. B. (2011). Challenges Affecting the Effective Implementation of Vocational Education Program in Youth Polytechnics in Kenya. Journal of Technology and Socio-Economic Development, 1(1), 254-260.

Peer Reviewed Book Chapters Published

  1. Mulinya, S., & Ndavula, J. (2026). Emergent Narratives of Independent Female Filmmakers in Kenya. In S. Gitimu & C. Kebaya (Eds.). A Handbook of Women Filmmakers in Kenya (92-96). Nairobi: Beyond the Film.
  2. Ndavula, J. (2026). Language and Digital Activism: Kenya’s Gen Z Political Protests on X. In Digital Political Communication and Indigenous Languages in Africa(pp. 183-204). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
  3. Ndavula, J. (2025). TikTok and the Platformization of the Maragoli Culture in Kenya. In O. Ureke & A. Mare (Eds.), African Digital Cultures: Platforms, Performances, and Perspectives (pp. 35–50). Berlin: Peter Lang Verlag.
  4. Lidubwi, J. U., & Ndavula, J. (2025). Revitalising Endangered Languages through Social Media: A Case Study of Olunyore Language Preservation through Facebook in Kenya. In F. O. Makananise & S. E. Madima (Eds.). Decolonising Digital Media and Indigenisation of Participatory Epistemologies (pp. 163-174). London: Routledge.
  5. Ndavula, J., & Agufana, P. B. (2023). Should curricula be the same? Towards media studies curriculum reforms in Kenya. In S. Mudavanhu, S. Mpofu, & K. Batisai (Eds.). Decolonising Media and Communication Studies Education in Sub-Saharan Africa (pp. 160-174). London: Routledge.
  6. Ndavula, J., & Lidubwi, J. U. (2023). Can Vernacular Radio Be Conflict Sensitive? An Analysis of Vernacular Radio Programming in Western Kenya. In A. Salawu, B. T. Molale, E. Uribe-Jongbloed, & M. S. Ullah (Eds.). Indigenous Language for Social Change Communication in the Global South (pp.229-242). Lanham: Lexington.
  7. Ndavula, J., & Lidubwi, J. (2022). Children with Disabilities in Kenyan Media: Lessons from the Abled Differently Program. In N. Berman & R. Monteleone (Ed). Disability and Social Justice in Kenya Scholars, Policymakers, and Activists in Conversation (pp.). Michigan: University of Michigan.

Books Published

  1. Munayi, H., Musimbi, J., & Ndavula, J. (2026). Media Technology. Nairobi: Front Row.
  2. Ndavula, J. (Ed.). (2023). The Making of a Cathedral: St. Stephen’s Jogoo Road. Nairobi: ACK St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
  3. Kabue, S., Kalengyo, E., Ndavula, J., & Okola, A. (Eds.) (2021). The Changing Scenes of Disability in Church and Society. Nairobi: Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network.
  4. Ndavula, J. O. (2018). Social Media and Political Campaigns in Kenya: An Examination of the Influence of Digital Networking Technologies on Election Processes. Alameda, CA: Borderless Press.
  5. Ndavula, J. O. & Nakendo, M. (2015). A Guide to Mulwa’s Inheritance. Nairobi: Longhorn.
  6. Ndavula, J. O. & Shimanyula, J. B. (2009). An Extraordinary Study of Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s The River Between. Nairobi: Africa Wide Network.
  7. Ndavula, J. O. & Shimanyula, J. B. (2009). An Extraordinary Study of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People. Nairobi: Africa Wide Network.
  8. Obwavo, J. & Sikuku, O. (2005). A Study Guide to John Ruganda’s Shreds of Tenderness. Eldoret: Western Educational Publishers.
  9. Obwavo, J. (2005). A Study Guide to William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Eldoret: Western Educational Publishers.

Fiction Published

  1. Ndavula, J. O. (2025). Sun Rising in Kambi. Nairobi: Nsemia
  2. Ndavula, J. O. (2019). Smart Sidi and Tina. Nairobi: Longhorn
  3. Ndavula, J. O. (2019). Smart Sidi and the Birthday Cake. Nairobi: Longhorn
  4. Ndavula, J. O. (2019). Smart Sidi and the Bicycle Race. Nairobi: Longhorn
  5. Ndavula, J. (Winter 2018). First Winter. Blue Fifth Review. 18.10
  6. Obwavo, J. (2015). The chicken thieves. Kikwetu: A Journal of East African Literature, 1(1).