Dr. Njeri Ngaruiya

Candidate for IEEE Kenya Section Vice Chair (2026–2027)

Biography

Njeri Ngaruiya Ng’ang’a (PhD) is a distinguished academic, researcher, and technology innovator with over a decade of experience in ICT for Development (ICT4D). She is a faculty lecturer at Strathmore University’s School of Computing and Engineering Sciences (SCES), where she contributes to teaching, mentorship, and applied research in computing and engineering education.

She holds a PhD in Information Systems and an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi, and a BSc in Information Technology from KCA University. Her doctoral research examined psychosocial heuristics in mobile interfaces for geriatric persons, reflecting her long-standing commitment to human-centred technology that solves real societal problems.

Njeri Ngaruiya has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and presented widely at international conferences including IEEE, IST-Africa, AfriCHI, and HELINA. Her research interests span technology adoption, AI domestication, community networks, e-health solutions, and inclusive digital systems.

Beyond academia, she has served as a consultant and project lead on initiatives in agriculture information systems, citizen engagement platforms, e-health optimization, and policy development – experiences that strengthen her ability to bridge research, practice, and stakeholder collaboration.

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IEEE Activity

Njeri Ngaruiya is the current Chair of IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Kenya Section. In this role, she actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and professional development for women and underrepresented groups in STEAMM, while empowering students and early-career professionals to thrive in evolving technology landscapes.

Since 2018, she has also served as an IEEE Mentor, consistently supporting members through academic, professional, and leadership guidance. Her IEEE contributions include visible service in technical workshops, mentorship forums, and major conferences such as AFRICON 2023 and the upcoming IMAS 2025, strengthening IEEE’s profile and impact in Kenya and across Africa.

Across these engagements, her leadership has positioned IEEE as a convener of knowledge exchange, innovation, and professional growth—especially for young innovators and emerging researchers.

Position Statement – Vice Chair

Njeri Ngaruiya’s vision is to strengthen IEEE Kenya’s role as a driver of inclusive innovation, professional growth, and community impact. Building on her experience as WIE Kenya Chair, mentor, and academic leader, she will focus on three strategic pillars: membership growth, innovation capacity building, and societal impact.

As Section Vice Chair, she will work with the Chair and Executive Committee to:

Grow IEEE society membership across technical areas by at least 20% annually, while ensuring members experience visible value through meaningful engagement.
Strengthen academic–industry collaboration to unlock joint research and development opportunities, broaden IEEE visibility, and align activities with national and regional priorities.
Lead with a consultative, transparent, and inclusive approach, building continuity from past leadership while energizing new volunteers and ideas.

Action Plan

1. Growth and Strengthening of Societies

Establish at least five new student branches or society chapters in universities and technical institutes within two years.
Develop targeted affinity groups that ensure IEEE remains relevant to students, professionals, and emerging technologists.

2. Innovation and Hackathon Programs

Launch an annual IEEE Hackathon Series focused on AI for Development, Sustainability, and Smart Communities, attracting at least 100 participants yearly and showcasing outcomes at IEEE events.
Create a pipeline from hackathons to incubation, linking winning teams to industry partners, investors, and IEEE entrepreneurship resources.
Implement an IEEE Grand Challenge Program with university partners to tackle national priorities in health, agriculture, and climate resilience, running two large-scale challenges in two years.

3. Professional Development and Capacity Building

Organize quarterly masterclasses and technical workshops in AI, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Data Governance-training at least 400 members over two years.
Scale mentorship to pair at least 100 students and early-career professionals annually with IEEE members.
Expand partnerships with government and industry to raise IEEE’s standing as a trusted source of thought leadership in Africa.

4. Societal Impact and Outreach

Deliver STEM outreach to 5,000 students over two years, prioritizing underrepresented communities and grassroots
Increase IEEE involvement in national discussions on policy, ethics, and governance of emerging technologies.
Support IEEE SIGHT initiatives to launch at least three community impact projects during the term.

5. Metrics and Accountability

Track membership and activity quarterly, targeting a 30% rise in overall active members in two years.
Deliver five new groups, three prototypes scaled into pilots/startups, and 1,000+ members upskilled through trainings.

Commitment

My leadership is anchored in collaboration, inclusivity, and measurable impact. If elected, I pledges to serve wholeheartedly, empower volunteers, and grow IEEE Kenya into an even stronger force for advancing technology for humanity just as the previous ExCom has continually strived to do. Asante