IEET Former Directors
Meet the visionary leaders guiding the Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology towards innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence.
Prof Stephen Gaya Agong
Prof Agong developed a framework for the statutory establishment of IEET the year 2000, and was appointed the first director. He holds a PhD in Agriculture Science. His research interests in Horticulture, Blue Economy, Food and Security Nutrition and Climate Change.
During his tenure, Solar Energy (Photovolitaics), Wind Energy, Agricultural and Plastic Waste Recycling short courses were offered.
Prof. Joseph Mungai Keriko
Prof Joseph M. Keriko holds PhD in Plants and Marine Natural Products from Okayoma (1996) and a Post-Doctoral degree in Marine Chemistry (2002) in Okayama, Japan.
He served as the institute’s director from 2004 to October, 2009. During his tenure, Prof Keriko initiated research projects in characterization of natural plants such as Croton megalocarpus and Yellow oleander as potential sources of biofuels. He had keen interest in Bioenergy research, and through this, the first tubular biogas project in IEET was installed. He also spearheaded the development of the Masters of Science in Energy Technology in IEET which started in 2007. He also lectured in the institute and supervised postgraduate students in various multidisciplinary areas in Environment, Energy and Occupational safety and Health fields.
Prof. Joseph Thingithu Mailutha
Prof. Joseph Mailutha holds a PhD in Agricultural Engineering (Renewable Energy) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and advanced degrees in Farm Machinery and Energy from Krakow University of Agriculture, Poland.
He served as a director in the Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology from 2009 to 2012. During his tenure he oversaw the implementation of projects. He also supervised several postgraduate students in occupational safety and health, environment and renewable energy.
Prof. Robert Kinyua
Prof. Robert Kinyua holds a PhD degree in High Energy Physics obtained in 2000 at Osaka University, Japan and a Master of Science in Physics from University of Nairobi. Prof. Kinyua has research interest in Fundamental/High Energy Physics, Radiation Physics and Renewable Physics.
He was director in IEET from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure, Prof Kinyua was lead research in research projects such as JICA Bright project, VicInAqua among others. The institute entered into several collaborations such as World Vision Kenya, Ministry of Energy, Rural Energy and Rural Electrification Commission among others. He participated in lecturing and also supervised postgraduate students at postgraduate diploma, masters and PhD levels.
Prof Geoffrey Mang’uriu
Prof. Mang’uriu, a civil Engineer holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from JKUAT. He was instrumental in the establishment of several collaborations between IEET and government lead agencies. He oversaw graduation of large numbers of students.
Prof. Joseph N. Kamau
Prof. Joseph Ngugi Kamau holds a Ph.D. in Physics in Renewable Energy from JKUAT and a Master’s in Education (Physics) from Kenyatta University. He has vast experience and research interests in energy field such as energy management and conservation in Solar, Wind, Biomass and Green Hydrogen among others.
Prof. Kamau was appointed as a director in the institute in 2019 and served through to June 2025.During his tenure, he served as a lead researcher in various research consultancies with REREC, JICA, LECRD and JKUAT. He was also engaged in lecturing in the institute as well as supervision of postgraduate students in the institute.