By Brenda Odhiambo

Dr. Rose Nabi Deborah Karimi Muthuri is a researcher at KEMRI Wellcome Trust. She is an experienced researcher in the areas of Health Systems, Public Health, and Psychology. She has authored 35 publications, and has authored and sold two books on Amazon. In addition to her research experience, she has also worked as a psychologist with children aged 1-7 years, young adults, persons living with special needs, and the elderly.

Dr. Muthuri is passionate about actively improving people’s lives both theoretically and practically. She credits her motivation in her work as a health systems and psychology researcher to her passion for learning and effectively applying her knowledge to improving other people’s lives.

Last year, she graduated at 24 with a PhD in Health Systems from the University of Pretoria. During her Doctoral studies, she focused on understanding and contributing to problem solving on issues related to the mental health of human resources for health specifically their happiness and well-being through research. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology (Class of 2018) from USIU-Africa.

In regard to what keeps her going and what keeps her motivated, she notes that “putting God first keeps me motivated, inspired, and tenacious, even in the face of challenges. I also receive motivation and inspiration from many people and experiences. I believe that one can have many role models. This way, one can pick a trait that they like from someone, learn it, and apply it in their lives accordingly. But most importantly, the idea is never to lose one’s self-concept, because that is what makes you unique.”

She also credits the USIU-Africa Vice Chancellor for the role that she played in making her who she is, noting that Prof. Brown was instrumental in encouraging her to be confident in her abilities, and to remain focuses as she worked towards her dreams.