I obtained a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya in 1990; an M.A. degree in Population Studies from the Population and Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya in 2002. I am currently in the Doctoral Program in the Department of Education Policy Studies at Pennsylvania State University. In addition to my doctoral training, I have sixteen years of experience with education issues in the urban context, twelve of which involve direct teaching and mentoring of both teachers and students. I was also an administrator for eight years, as a Head of Department (Humanities) and acting Deputy Principal. During this time, I participated in various workshops organized by the Ministry of Education (MOE), aimed at improving performance in the education system. For example, in 2005, I participated in the, "Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity in our Departments for better Performance 2005" workshop. Therefore, I have hands-on experience and substantive knowledge of the challenges that pupils, especially girls undergo in the struggle to attain education in general and secondary education in particular in the context in Kenya.

My passion for research on girls' education comes from my earlier years as a young girl in Kenya. It was the struggle that I saw my mother undergo trying to raise seven children with barely any income, after my father died, that made me realize that as a girl, I had to work hard and excel in school so that in future, I would not have to struggle like my mother did. Therefore, my childhood experience sparked my interest to be a teacher so that I could lead the crusade of helping girls in school before they become young adults.

My research focus currently is looking at the hindrances of girls' education in Nairobi Province, Kenya, paying special attention to, sexual and gender based violence that occur in and out of school (SGBV. More broadly I would want to look at adverse health effect on girls' education, and the education effects on girls' health among the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged.