FRANCIS E.A. OWAKAH CURRICULUM VITAE D E PT. OF PHIL O SO PHY A ND R ELIG I O US ST U DI E S UN IV E R SITY OF NA I R O B I, G H A ND HI W ING 30L, UNIV ERSI TY W AY PH ONE 254(2 )7 24-648959 E -M A IL fo w a kah@yaho o.c o m francis.owakah@uonbi.ac.ke CAPABILITY STATEMENT Dr Francis Owakah is a Senior Lecturer in the Department o f Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Nairobi where he teaches: Introduction to Philosophy; Logic; Epistemology; Ancient Philosophy; Ethics & Moral Philosophy; African Philosophy; Social & Political Philosophy; Political Theory; African Social & Political Philosophy of Human Rights; Enforcements System in Africa and Kenya; Human rights Promotion & Protection, Transitional Justice; and, Elements of Philosophy. He is currently the Cocoordinator, Human Rights Program at the Centre for Human Rights and Peace (CHRP), University of Nairobi. He has equally lectured Ancient Philosophy, and, Theory of Justice at Consolata Institute of Philosophy. Dr Owakah designed and established a Philosophy Syllabus at the United States International University-Africa a program that offers Majors and Minors in Philosophy. He is a founder member of East African Network on Ethics & Governance (ENEG), (a regional organization committed to ethics curriculum development and governance). He is currently the facilitator of b ot h the Philosophy Curriculum Review Committee and a taught PhD program in Philosophy in the Department. Dr Owakah was the lead consultant for the establishment of the Department of Philosophy at University of Dar es salaam (UDSM) and acted as the External Quality Moderator until 206. He successfully initiated an exchange program with the Universidade Pedagogica, Mozambique for which he is currently a consultant in establishing a PhD program. Currently, Dr. Owakah is developing a Master of Arts degree programme on Ethics Integrity & Governance and a Common Course on National Cohesion, Values and Principles of Governance. He is an editor of peer reviewed journals and has Page of 0
sat in Organizing Committees of International and Local conferences. EDUCATION UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, (Philosophy), University of Nairobi, Kenya, 2007 PhD Thesis: A Critique of the Culture of Philosophy: Challenges and Opportunities for Philosophy in Africa. Master of Arts, MA Philosophy, University of Nairobi, Kenya, 994 M.A. Thesis: Justice in the State: The Case of Nyerere s Philosophy of Ujamaa. Bachelor of Arts, BA (Hons) Philosophy & Sociology, University of Nairobi, Kenya, 990 B.A. Dissertation: A Moralist View of the State: The Case of Nyerere. March 206 to date, Senior Lecturer, Department of Philosophy, University of Nairobi May 2000 to March 206, Lecturer, Department of Philosophy, University of Nairobi 5 th August 996 to 7 th May 2000-Tutorial Fellow, Department of Philosophy, University of Nairobi 2 nd April 992 to 5 th August 996-Graduate Assistant, Department of Philosophy, University of Nairobi. 2008-to 203 Adjunct Faculty Consolata Institute of Philosophy 994 to May, 20 Adjunct Faculty, United States International University 992 2004 Adjunct Faculty, Catholic University of East Africa FELLOWSHIPS 204, Visiting Fellow, Department of Philosophy, Universidade Pedagogica, Maputo, Mozambique. Page 2 of 0
203, Visiting Fellow, Philosophy Department, Univerasidade Pedagogica, Maputo, Mozambique. CORE COMPETENCIES a. Research b. Teaching c. Student guidance/supervision d. Preparation of course syllabi e. Preparation course descriptions f. Setting and marking exams g. Preparation of new programs h. Student mentoring SUPERVISION PhD Supervision. Chando, Theophilus, 204. Balancing Power in a Democracy: A Philosophical Analysis of Popular Democracy. PhD dissertation, Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies. MA Supervision 2. Ondik, M. O. Jacob, 204. An Inquiry into the Ethics of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Case of the Kenyan Banking Industry. (An MA Dissertation, Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, University of Nairobi). 3. Otieno-Adipo, 202. Knowledge and Epistemic Justification: An Appraisal of Robert Nozick s Truth Tracking Theory. (An MA dissertation, Department of Philosophy, University of Nairobi. 4. Aswani Daniel Robert, 2003. Technocracy and Political Obligation. (MA dissertation, Department of Philosophy, University of Nairobi). 5. Ongesa Cosmas Masega, The Ethics of Contraception: A Critique of the Contra life Thesis. (An MA dissertation, Philosophy, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi). 6. Siranga, Christine, 204. Entrenching Consumer Rights in the Advocate System in Kenya. (MA Thesis in Human Rights, Centre for Human Rights and Peace, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi). BA Supervision Supervised several BA dissertations (The unit African Social & Political Philosophy requires that students write a short dissertation on a chosen theme) PUBLICATIONS Page 3 of 0
203. Race Ideology and the Conceptualization of Philosophy: The Story of Philosophy in Africa from Placide Tempels to Odera Oruka. In Thought & Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 47-68. 20. With R. D. Aswani, The Ethics of Deontology in Corporate Communication. In Thought & Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya. Vol. 3, No 20, pp. 5-29. 2009. With R. D. Aswani. Technocracy and Democracy: The Challenges to Development in Africa. In Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya (PAK), Premier Issue. Vol. No., June 2009, pp. 87-99. 2005. The Language of History in African Philosophy. In Hekima: Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Vol. 2 No 2, pp. 30-42. 2002. The Practice of Philosophy in Africa: Challenges and Prospects. In Presbey, M. Gail et al., eds. Thought and Practice in African Philosophy: Nairobi: Konrad Adenauer Foundation, pp. 2-29. 997. Forward. In F. Ochieng -Odhiambo, African Philosophy: An Introduction. Nairobi: Consolata Institute of Philosophy. OTHER PUBLICATIONS 200. African Social and Political Philosophy. Nairobi: Centre for Open & Distance Learning, University of Nairobi. 2009. Social Philosophy. Nairobi: Centre for Open & Distance Learning, University of Nairobi. 2008. African Philosophy. Nairobi: University of Nairobi, Centre for Open & Distance Learning. OTHER WRITINGS 205. Governance Challenges in Kenya Today: Law has failed us, Let us try Ethics. (A paper presented at a Seminar on Ethics, Governance and Security in East Africa. Organized by the East African Network on Ethics & Governance (ENEG), Nairobi: Strathmore Business School) 205. Transiting Tradition to Modernity: Some Cautionary Remarks & Experiences from Kenya. A Paper Presented to the Alberto Viegas International Conference on Modernizing Traditions, organized by CEMEC & Universidade Pedagogica,Nampula, Mozambique 205. With Chrispinous Iteyo, Some Remarks on Religios Fundamentalsim. Scientific Conference on Radicalism, Extremism & World Peace. Nairobi: University of Page 4 of 0
Nairobi. 204 The Setting of Philosophy in Africa. Lecture delivered to Philosophy PhD Students, Universidade Pedagogica, Maputo, Mozambique 204. The Ethics of Conservation: A Philosophical Analysis of Heritage Conservation in Kenya Submitted to the Nairobi Journal of Historical Studies. 204 Teaching Philosophy: The Experiences, Pains and Lessons for the Future of Philosophy in Kenya. Consolata Philosophy Day. Nairobi: Consolata Institute of Philosophy 203. With H Liyai, & O Nyarwath. H Odera Oruka: A Bio-Bibliography. A Paper Presented to the Odera Oruka Symposium 203, Nairobi, Goethe Institute 9-2 November 203. Truth & Belief: A Conversation between Odera Oruka and Kwasi Wiredu. A Paper Presented to the Odera Oruka Symposium 203, Nairobi, Goethe Institute 9-2 November 203. With Oriare Nyarwath Nyarwath. Sage Philosophy: Past Present and Future. A Paper Presented to the Faculty of Social Sciences, Universidade Pedagogica, Maputo, Mozambique 203, With Oriare Nyarwath Doctoral Programme in Philosophy and Development of Philosophy at the University of Nairobi: History and Status. Maputo: Universidade Pedagogica 2002. African Philosophy Today: A Discussion of The Philosophy Born of Struggle. Unpublished paper presented during UNESCO Philosophy Day. Nairobi: University of Nairobi. 2004. Is African Philosophy a Philosophy Without History? Unpublished paper read during the UNESCO Philosophy Day. Nairobi: Catholic University of Eastern Africa. 2000. Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct. Unpublished paper presented at Workshop on Young Leadership Development. Nairobi: Methodist Guest House. 999. Sage Philosophy: Obstacles and Challenges to Philosophical Discourse in Africa. Unpublished paper presented to the Third H. Odera Oruka Memorial Lectures. Nairobi: University of Nairobi. APPOINTMENTS/EDITORIAL SERVICES 206, February, Coordinator, Centre for Human Rights & Peace (CHRP), Faculty of Arts University of Nairobi Page 5 of 0
205 to date. Secretary, East African Network on Ethics and Governance (ENEG) 204-to date, Member, Editorial Advisory Board Journal of Global Ethics, Published by Rutledge, Taylor & Francis 204, Secretary General, Philosophical Association of Kenya (PAK) 203, C o n s u l t a n t Curriculum Development, Depart ment of P h i l o s o p h y, Universidade Pedagógica, Maputo, Mozambique. 203, Member, Advisory Board, O Curandero Journal of Philosophy, Mozambique. 203, External Examiner, Department of P h i l o s o p h y, U n i v e r s i t y o f Dares- Salaam, Tanzania 20-203, Associate Editor, Hekima, Journal of the Humanities & Social Sciences, published by Faculty of Arts, University of Nairobi. 200 to dat e Appointed Editor, Thought and Practice, A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya (PAK) 2009 to 204- Editor, African Region, Journal of Global Ethics, Published by Rutledge, Taylor & Francis. 2008 to date, Consulting Editor, Caribbean Journal of Philosophy Reviewed and Edited several papers for publications for refereed journals. Reviewed and edited several Instructional manuals for Centre for Open and Distance, University of Nairobi COMPLETED AWAITING PUBLICATION With Robert D. Aswani. African Ontology: Its Implications on Socio-Political Development. In F Ochieng-Odhiambo ed. UNESCO-Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS): African Cultures, History, and Civilizations FORTHCOMING 207. With H Liyai, & O Nyarwath. H Odera Oruka: A Bio-Bibliography. In R.M.J. Oduor, R.M.J Oriare Nyarwath and Francis Owakah. eds. Odera Oruka in the Twenty-first Century (Proceedings of the H. Odera Oruka International Symposium 203). Michigan: The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (CRVP). 206. Ed. Radicalism, Extremism & World Peace (Proceedings the Scientific Conference on Radicalism, Extremism and World Peace held at the University of Nairobi February Page 6 of 0
205). Nairobi: Cultural Council of the Embassy of Iran.. 206. The Ethics of Conservation: An Analysis of Heritage Conservation in Kenya. In East Africa Journal of Historical Studies. 205. With Oriare Nyarwath The Future of Sage Philosophy. In African Philosophy: Past, Present and Future. Jointly organized by The Department of Philosophy, the University of Witwatersrand, and, the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, University of Nairobi at University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS ATTENDED 206June 22-24. Workshop by organized by Board of Common Undergraduate Courses (BCUC), University of Nairobi to Develop Syllabus Content for National Cohesion, National Values and Principles of Governance, a Common Undergraduate at the University of Nairobi 205. African Philosophy: Past, Present and Future. Jointly organized by The Department of Philosophy, the University of Witwatersrand, and, the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, University of Nairobi at University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 9- September 205. 205. Alberto Viegas International Conference on Modernizing Traditions, organized by CEMEC & Universidade Pedagogica, Nampula, Mozambique, May. 205. Scientific Conference On Radicalism, Extremism & World Peace. A Conference Co- organized by the Iranian Embassy & Department of Philosophy, University of Nairobi, at the University of Nairobi, March. 204. Curriculum Review Workshop, KWSTI, Naivasha, 9-2 June 204 203. Odera Oruka Symposium. Nairobi, Goethe Institute. 203. November Teaching PhD. An International Symposium on Social Sciences at the Universidade Pedagogica, Maputo, Mozambique, On the Occasion of the Launch of PhD Programs in Philosophy & Geography, 4-6 th October. 202. African Philosophy in the New Millennium. Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, Centre for Human Rights & Peace Studies, UoN Nairobi. 202. Strategic Planning & Capacity Strengthening Workshop for the Development of Novel Multi-Media Peace-Building Initiatives. ProperArts Initiative, Nairobi. Page 7 of 0
2009. Philosophy, Critical Thinking and Development, UDSM, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Nov 8-20. 2004. Philosophy and Culture, UNESCO Philosophy Day at CUEA, November. 2003. Philosophy and Development, 9 th ISAPS, Conference, University of Dar es Salaam, 7 0 April. 2002. UNESCO Day at Philosophy, SYMPOSIUM, 2 st November, University of Nairobi, Kenya. 2000. The Practice of African Philosophy, 6th Annual Conference of the International Society for African Philosophy and Studies (ISAPS), 0-2 March, Nairobi, Kenya. 2000. Young Leadership Development, Methodist Guest House, Nairobi, 20 22 September. 995. Futures Beyond Poverty: Way and Means out of the Current Stalemate, XIV World Conference of World Futures Studies Federation, Kenya National Museum, 2 5-2 9 J u l y Kenya. 993. African Philosophy and Critical Inquiry, Institute of African Studies Conference Methodist Guest House, Nairobi, Kenya. 99. July Philosophy Humanity and Ecology, World Conference of Philosophy, K.I.C.C., Nairobi, Kenya POSITIONS HELD 206 to date, Coordinator, Centre for Human Rights & Peace Studies (CHRP), Faculty of Arts, University of Nairobi 205. Lead Organizer, Radicalism and World Peace, a Joint effort between the Embassy of Iran and the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, University of Nairobi, 5 th March 205 205. Member Organizing Committee, African Philosophy: Past, Present and Future Conference a Joint effort between the Department of Philosophy, the University of Witwatersrand and the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi to be held at Witwatersrand, (9- September 205). See africanphilosophyproject@gmail.com 203 to 205. Convener, Faculty, Planning Committee, Faculty of Arts University of Nairobi. Page 8 of 0
203 to date. Secretary Philosophical Association of Kenya, PAK. 202-203. Member, Organizing Committee, Odera Oruka Symposium 203. 202, to 206, External Examiner, Philosophy, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 20 to 203 Member, Faculty of Arts Seminars and Publications Committee 2000. Member, Local Organizing Committee, 6 th Annual Conference of the International Society for African Philosophy and Studies, (ISAPS) The Practice of African Philosophy 0-2, March Nairobi, Kenya. 994-2000. Secretary, Department Committee (994), Policy Planning Task Group 995. Member, Local Organizing Committee, XIV World Conference of World Futures Studies Federation, on Futures Beyond Poverty, (July 25 29,), Kenya National Museum, Nairobi, Kenya. 993-994. Seminar Coordinator, Department of Philosophy, University of Nairobi, 99. Member, of the Local Organizing Committee, World Conference of Philosophy (July 2-25), on Philosophy, Humanity and Ecology, K.I.C.C. Nairobi, Kenya. ONGOING RESEARCH 206-Consultant for KNCHR on Public Inquiry on Insecurity and Its Impact on the Enjoyment of Human Rights in Kenya: Phase II-Coast Region 206-2020. Globalizing Minority Rights: Cosmopolitanism, Global Institutions, and Cultural Justice ( A Project funded by the Norwegian Research Council (NFR)/SAMKUL program planned to run from Nov 206 Oct 2020). 205. Analysis of Factors Underlying Low Standard of Graduates in Kenya. Research Proposal submitted to Deans Committee, University of Nairobi. 205. Factors that influence the propensity for poor people to engage in resisting and report Corrupt transactions, in East Africa. Proposal submitted to British High Commission and DFID Kenya OTHER NATIONAL & OUTREACH PROGRAMS 205: Working on a Program on Governance Ethics and Integrity, an MA programs to be mounted by the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, University of Nairobi. Page 9 of 0
205: Working on a Taught Philosophy PhD Program fro launching in the Faculty of Arts University of Nairobi. 203 Coordinator, Academic Exchange Program, The Universidade Pedagógica Maputo, Mozambique, & the University of Nairobi, Kenya 202. Secretary, Task Force on Working Conditions of Academic Staff in the Faculty of Arts and Recommendations for the Future. Nairobi: BTL, June 5-7.Contact Person: Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Nairobi 202. Secretary & Facilitator, Working Conditions of Academic Staff in the Faculty of Arts and Recommendations for the Future at Workshop on Faculty of Arts Strategic Planning, 3 th -6 th June, 202, Maanzoni Lodge Machakos Contact Person: Faculty of Arts, University of Nairobi 202, K24 TV, 700-900am, Talk Is World Social Justice Possible to commemorate UNESCO-World Social Justice Day (February 20) 202. Interview on Reading Culture in Kenya: A Situation to Worry about. Goethe LANGUAGES Institute, September. LANGUAGES proficiency against each of the following: = Excellent 2 = Good 3 = basic Language Read Write Speak Understand English Kiswahili Luyia Portuguese 2 3 2 3 DECLARATION I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, these data correctly describes my person, my qualifications, my experiences and competencies. 2 3 3 Francis E A Owakah, PhD 4 th July 206 Page 0 of 0