Collette Suda: Professor of sociology

Prof Collette A. Suda

Collette Suda, an associate professor of sociology, is a well respected Kenyan sociologist with a wealth of research experience in issues of gender and development, children in especially difficult circumstances, social development, agricultural/rural development and community development.

Prof Suda earned her PhD in rural sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1986. She also holds an MSc in rural sociology and an MSc in community development from the same university.

After her PhD, she embarked on a career in lecturing and research at the University of Nairobi's Institute of African Studies (now the Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies), focusing on various gender and social development themes including women in development, social change and development, and agricultural development policies, programs and projects.

Prof Collette Suda is widely published and has several peer-reviewed journal articles, books and book chapters to her name. She has also held senior leadership positions at the University, serving as director of the Institute of African Studies from 1999 to 2002 as well as the director of the Board of Common Undergraduate Courses from 2002 to 2007. In 2002, she was promoted to the position of full professor.

In addition to her university teaching and research career, Prof Suda served the Government of Kenya as the Secretary for Gender and Social Development in the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development from 2007 to 2012. In June 2013, she was appointed the Principal Secretary for Science and Technology in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Prof Collette Suda is also an Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS), a civilian service award given by the President of Kenya in recognition of distinguished service to the nation.