Dr. Shadrack Kirimi Nyagah, Ph.D
Dr. Shadrack Kirimi Nyagah, is an Assistant Lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Chuka University, and teaches Kiswahili Studies and Literature.
Education and Academic Prowess
Dr. Nyagah’s academic odyssey commenced at the prestigious Thuura High School, where his early passion for language and literature began to burgeon. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Nairobi, where he obtained a Bachelor of Education (Arts) with First Class Honours, specializing in Kiswahili Studies. Subsequently, he also earned a Master’s degree and later a Ph.D. in Kiswahili Studies from the same institution.
The breadth of Dr. Nyagah’s scholarly pursuits is exemplified not only by his formal education but also by his participation in various short courses. These include Digital Literacy Lab for Educators and Cybersecurity Training for Teachers, highlighting his adaptability and commitment to staying abreast of modern educational methodologies.
A Prolific Scholar and Author
Dr. Nyagah’s scholarly output is nothing short of remarkable. His publications span a wide array of topics within Kiswahili Studies and Literature. Noteworthy among his works are “Vitoto hivi vya leo & Mahaba tabu si haba”, “Dira ya Fasihi”, and “Taswira ya Maisha na Hadithi Nyingine,” among others. These publications not only contribute significantly to academic discourse but also serve as invaluable resources for students and scholars alike.
Furthermore, Dr. Nyagah has collaborated on international projects such as “The MRL 2022 Shared Task on Multilingual Clause-level Morphology,” demonstrating his engagement with global academic initiatives and his ability to navigate interdisciplinary landscapes.
Professional Bodies
Dr. Shadrack Kirimi Nyagah is a distinguished member of Chama cha Ukuzaji Kiswahili Ulimwenguni (CHAUKIDU) and Chama cha Lugha na Fasihi Ya Kiswahili Tanzania (CHALUFAKITA), reflecting his active engagement within the Kiswahili scholarly community.
Awards and Grants
His academic prowess has been acknowledged through prestigious awards, including the 2016 Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarship, awarded during his exchange program in Berlin, Germany. Additionally, the University of Nairobi Scholarship from 2014 to 2016 supported his pursuit of a Master’s degree in Kiswahili studies, further enhancing his expertise in the field.
Conferences, Seminars, and Presentations
Dr. Nyagah has actively contributed to scholarly discourse through presentations at various conferences and seminars. Notable among these is his participation in the Multilingual Representation Learning
(MRL) Workshop in Abu Dhabi, where he presented on Multilingual Clause-level Morphology. His papers on topics such as “Ubabedume Katika Tamthilia ya Bembea ya Maisha,” “Uhatarishwaji wa Lugha ya Kimeru na Lugha za Kiswahili na Kiingereza,” and “Teknolojia katika Ufundishaji wa Kiswahili na Utayarishaji wa Mtaala na Nyenzo za Kufunza Kiswahili” have enriched scholarly conversations within the academic community.
Research Interests
Dr. Nyagah’s research interests focus within linguistics, including Morphophonology, Morphosyntax, Language Contact, and Applied Linguistics. His dedication to exploring these areas reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in Kiswahili Studies.
Dr. Shadrack Kirimi Nyagah’s journey as a scholar, educator, and active participant in the academic community showcases a deep-rooted passion for Kiswahili language and culture. Through his contributions to research, teaching, and professional engagement, he continues to inspire and shape the landscape of Kiswahili scholarship at Chuka University.