Research Center

The EAST University Research Center is the heart of knowledge creation and innovation within our institution. Established to drive impactful research, the center brings together scholars, practitioners, and students to explore solutions to pressing local and global challenges. We serve as a hub for collaboration, where ideas are tested, knowledge is shared, and innovation is nurtured.

Our work spans across diverse disciplines, with an emphasis on research that contributes to academic excellence, policy development, and sustainable development goals. By fostering interdisciplinary approaches, we bridge theory with practice and encourage creativity that leads to real-world impact.

At EAST University, we believe research should go beyond academic journals. Our Research Center is committed to ensuring that knowledge generated here is accessible, relevant, and transformative—helping to shape communities, industries, and societies for a better future.

The Research Center provides a wide range of resources and tools designed to support scholars at every stage of the research journey. These include access to specialized databases, digital repositories, statistical software, collaborative platforms, and training opportunities. Our goal is to empower researchers with the right tools to conduct high-quality, evidence-based studies.

Our research community produces publications that span diverse disciplines—from science, technology, and health to social sciences, business, and the humanities. Each publication reflects our commitment to academic rigor, innovation, and relevance in addressing both regional and global issues.

Through working papers, peer-reviewed journals, policy briefs, and student-led projects, EAST University Research Center has become a trusted voice in knowledge generation. These publications not only strengthen the academic community but also inform policy and industry practices.

We invite you to explore our growing archive of publications, which highlights the dedication of our researchers in shaping ideas that matter.

The Research Center is a vibrant hub of activity, hosting events that connect researchers, students, and stakeholders from within and beyond EAST University. Our events range from international conferences, public lectures, and symposiums to specialized workshops and student research showcases.

Past events have created valuable networks and contributed to advancing knowledge in multiple fields.

Current events are focused on engaging discussions and collaborations, while upcoming events promise new opportunities for discovery, innovation, and partnerships.

We encourage you to stay updated on our calendar of events, join the conversations, and be part of the knowledge community that is shaping the future.

The strength of our Research Center lies in the diversity and expertise of our researchers. Our faculty and affiliated scholars are accomplished professionals whose work spans across disciplines such as education, technology, business, social sciences, and health.

 

Dr. Lydia Wonget

Director, Research, Innovation & Extension School of Theology, Education, Leadership & Management KAG EAST University

Short Bibliography

Dr. Lydia Wonget serves as Director of Research, Innovation & Extension at KAG EAST University. Her interdisciplinary scholarship bridges Christian education, children’s ministry, and institutional innovation. She leads multi-country research initiatives and collaborates with faith-based organisations to translate research into practice. Dr. Wonget’s work focuses on spiritual formation, digital discipleship, and family-based faith development across sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Lydia Wonget is an accomplished scholar-practitioner with a strong track record in Christian education, research leadership, and program innovation. As Director of Research, Innovation & Extension at KAG EAST University, she oversees institutional research strategy, fosters international partnerships, and mentors early-career researchers. Her academic work centres on children’s spiritual formation, digital evangelism, and family-oriented discipleship. Dr. Wonget has led multi-country projects in collaboration with OneHope Africa and the Africa Assemblies of God Children’s Ministry Collaboration (AAGACMC), producing research that informs ministry practice and policy.

Her methodological strengths include mixed-methods research, program evaluation, and participatory action research. Dr. Wonget is committed to translating academic findings into accessible resources for church leaders, educators, and parents. She has published articles and contributed reports that shape theological education curricula and community engagement programs. Her leadership extends to capacity-building workshops, curriculum development, and external grant-funded collaborations. Dr. Wonget is known for integrating theological insight with practical pedagogy, championing holistic approaches that nurture spiritual, cognitive, and social development among children and youth.

Children’s spiritual formation; digital evangelism and discipleship; Christian education; family ministry; theological pedagogy; program evaluation; faith and development.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Education (or equivalent)
• Master of Arts in Theology / Christian Education
• Bachelor of Education / Theological Studies (or equivalent)

  • Wonget, L. (2023). Children’s spiritual formation in contemporary African contexts. Journal of Christian Education and Practice.
  • Wonget, L., & Collaborators. (2022). Digital evangelism and discipleship in Africa: Lessons from OneHope partnerships. Faith & Technology Review.
  • Wonget, L. (2021). Empowering Christian parents for children’s spiritual growth: A program evaluation in Tamale District. AAGACMC Report.
  • Investigating the Challenges Facing Students’ Spiritual Formation at KAG EAST University (2024–2025) — Principal Investigator
  • Digital Evangelism and Discipleship in Africa (OneHope Collaboration) — Project Lead
  • Empowering Christian Parents for Children’s Spiritual Growth in Tamale District (AAGACMC Project) — Co-Investigator

Dr. Wonget supervises Master’s and Doctoral students in research methods, Christian education, and leadership studies. She teaches graduate modules on theological pedagogy, curriculum development, and faith formation, and integrates research into classroom mentorship.

• 2024 Research Excellence Award – KAG EAST University
• OneHope Africa Research Fellowship (2023)
• Member, APTEA (Africa Pentecostal Theological Education Association)
• Member, ICETE (International Council for Evangelical Theological Education)
• Member, AAGACMC (Africa Assemblies of God Alliance for Children’s Ministry Collaboration)
• Member, CUE Research Consortium
• Registered with NACOSTI (where applicable)

  • Research design and program evaluation
  • Curriculum development and pedagogical innovation
  • Project management and grant writing
  • Capacity building and mentorship
  • Community engagement and partnership development
  • Public speaking and policy translation

lydia.wonget@east.ac.ke

Dr. Kyle Chalko

Vice Chancellor, Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University

Short Bibliography

Dr. Kyle Chalko is a distinguished academic leader, educator, and organizational strategist with extensive experience in higher education, ministry, and leadership development. He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor at Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University, where he oversees strategic academic initiatives, institutional partnerships, and curriculum innovation. His professional journey spans diverse leadership and teaching roles across global Christian institutions, emphasizing faith-based leadership, entrepreneurship, and organizational transformation.

Dr. Kyle Chalko holds a Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and a Doctorate of Leadership with a Global Perspective. His academic and ministerial career reflects a passion for integrating theology, leadership, and social innovation. He began his professional journey as a Youth Pastor at One Church in California, where he developed youth empowerment programs grounded in spiritual growth and community engagement. He later served as the Church Partnership Program Regional Coordinator, fostering collaboration among ministry networks to advance local and global mission initiatives.

In higher education, Dr. Chalko has contributed as an Adjunct Professor at Northwest University, where he taught leadership and ministry courses that emphasize holistic personal and professional development. He has also served as a Director at Pathway, a Course Developer at Rocky Mountain Ministry, and an Education Contractor at One Hope—roles through which he has designed innovative curricula, developed mentorship frameworks, and facilitated transformative learning experiences. Currently, as Vice Chancellor of Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University, Dr. Chalko is leading institutional reforms focused on academic excellence, research advancement, and global partnerships. His leadership philosophy centers on servant leadership, innovation, and strategic growth within Christian higher education.

Leadership development, theological education, entrepreneurship in faith-based contexts, organizational strategy, curriculum design, global missions, and church growth.

• Doctorate of Leadership with a Global Perspective
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries

• Vice Chancellor – Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University
• Education Contractor – One Hope
• Course Developer – Rocky Mountain Ministry
• Director – Pathway
• Adjunct Professor – Northwest University
• Church Partnership Program Regional Coordinator
• Youth Pastor – One Church, California

Dr. Chalko has facilitated courses in leadership development, theology, organizational management, and entrepreneurship. He has supervised undergraduate and graduate research projects and provided mentorship to emerging Christian leaders across academic and ministry settings. His teaching emphasizes experiential learning, ethical leadership, and integration of faith and scholarship.

• Leadership Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Organizational Skills
• Marketing and Branding
• Program Development
• Curriculum Design
• Project Management

kyle.chalko@east.ac.ke

Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University, Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Wanjiru Kinuva

Deputy Vice Chancellor and Leader of Student Affairs, Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University

Short Bibliography

Dr. Wanjiru Kinuva is an accomplished scholar, administrator, and mentor whose academic expertise bridges the fields of psychology, education, and agriculture. She currently serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Leader of Student Affairs at Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University, where she provides strategic oversight for student development, academic welfare, and institutional advancement. Her leadership approach emphasizes holistic education, integrating intellectual, emotional, and spiritual formation for transformative learning.

Dr. Kinuva’s distinguished career spans academia, research, and community leadership. She holds advanced qualifications in Psychology and Agriculture, disciplines that inform her interdisciplinary research and leadership practice. Her work explores the intersection of human behavior, leadership, and sustainable community development. She has contributed to the design and implementation of programs that enhance student engagement, psychological well-being, and leadership capacity in higher education.

As Deputy Vice Chancellor at Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University, Dr. Kinuva oversees the Division of Student Affairs, guiding policies and programs that support academic success, personal growth, and institutional culture. Her background in psychology equips her with deep insight into motivation, emotional intelligence, and behavior change—critical tools for mentoring young leaders. Her agricultural experience contributes to her advocacy for applied learning and sustainability in education. She has presented papers at national and international conferences on leadership, psychology, and student development, and continues to champion initiatives that promote gender equity, mental health awareness, and community transformation.

Educational psychology, leadership and organizational behavior, student development, sustainable agriculture, gender and education, community transformation, and holistic education models.

• Doctorate in Psychology (specializing in Educational and Organizational Psychology)
• Master’s Degree in Psychology
• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture

• Deputy Vice Chancellor and Leader of Student Affairs – Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University
• Senior Lecturer and Researcher – Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University
• Director of Student Development Programs – Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University
• Academic Advisor and Mentor – EAST University
• Contributor and Presenter – National and International Academic Conferences
• Community Engagement Coordinator – Agricultural and Educational Development Programs

Dr. Kinuva is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students, integrating psychological theory with practical leadership principles. Her courses emphasize character formation, applied behavioral research, and servant leadership. She has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate projects focusing on student behavior, leadership psychology, and community-based education initiatives. Her mentorship philosophy centers on empowering students to achieve academic excellence and spiritual maturity.

• Presented at regional conferences on leadership and educational psychology.
• Published research on student motivation, emotional intelligence, and faith-based leadership.
• Advocated for gender inclusivity and mental health awareness in academic environments.
• Recognized for outstanding mentorship and contributions to student success at EAST University.

• Leadership and Organizational Development
• Educational Psychology
• Student Counseling and Mentorship
• Curriculum and Program Design
• Research and Academic Writing
• Community Engagement
• Sustainable Development and Agriculture

wanjiru.kinuva@east.ac.ke

Address: Kenya Assemblies of God EAST University, Nairobi, Kenya

The EAST University Library is an essential pillar of the Research Center, offering access to a rich collection of physical and digital resources. From books, journals, and archives to cutting-edge e-resources, the library is designed to support research, teaching, and lifelong learning.

Our library integrates modern technologies with traditional collections, ensuring that researchers have access to both global knowledge and local insights. Specialized subject collections and digital platforms further enhance accessibility for faculty, students, and external partners.

The platform is open to East University faculty, researchers, and students. External collaborators may be granted access based on partnerships.

Log in through the secure portal and follow the upload instructions under the ‘Document & Data Repository’ section.

Yes, but access is restricted and requires formal approval from the research office.

Yes, most research outputs will be hosted in an open-access format unless restricted by the author or funder.

All conferences, workshops, and webinars will be listed under the ‘Event Management & Webinars’ section.