College of Human Sciences

"Unisa has played an integral role shaping my academic journey and future aspirations"

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It is graduation season again at Unisa, and the Muckleneuk campus is abuzz with academic achievement celebrations. Among the bright graduates is Dr Hannah Njeri Kimani, who has earned a PhD in Information Science, marking the culmination of years of unwavering dedication and research in the field.

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Dr Hannah Njeri Kimani

Hailing from Kiambu County, Kenya, Kimani has accomplished a significant personal milestone and demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the plight of small-scale farmers in her homeland and beyond.

Her research focused on the vital role of mobile technologies in enhancing access to, and the use and exchange of, agricultural information among small-scale farmers in Ol'joro-orok Sub- County, Nyandarua, Kenya. These farmers grapple with numerous challenges, including climate change, limited access to information, input shortages and inadequate market opportunities. Her journey into academia was driven by a profound desire to empower these farmers with quality information to aid decision-making and planning, recognising the transformative potential of information technology in agriculture.

Through her rigorous research, Kimani unearthed a notable trend – a surge in mobile device ownership among rural communities in Kenya. Despite the prevalence of these technologies, epistemological challenges were hindering their full potential in aiding small-scale farmers. Her findings underscored the need to integrate mobile technologies into county government agricultural information systems, offering a solution for bridging the knowledge gap. This integration, she believes, will significantly contribute to boosting agricultural productivity and addressing the pressing issue of food security in Africa.

Her association with Unisa dates back to 2007 when she embarked on her undergraduate studies, eventually progressing through master's and doctoral levels. "Unisa is more than an institution; it's a home that has played an integral role in shaping my academic journey and future aspirations," she remarked.

Throughout her academic journey, Kimani was fortunate to have mentors who provided invaluable guidance and inspiration. Professors Mabel Majanja and Onyancha Bosire, among others at Unisa, played pivotal roles in her growth as a scholar, offering unwavering support and expertise.

With a PhD in hand, this graduate envisions a limitless future. Her passion for agricultural information and its impact on small-scale farming remains undiminished. She also plans to pay it forward by mentoring upcoming information scientists, leaving a legacy in academia.

When asked what advice she could offer aspiring PhD students, Kimani emphasised a single word: "persistence." She acknowledged that every PhD journey is unique, but unwavering persistence is the key to reaching the sweet reward at the end.

Kimani holds a range of academic credentials from Unisa, including a Master of Science in Library and Information Studies obtained in 2015, a Master of Arts in Information Science earned in 2014, a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Information Science completed in 2010, and a Diploma in Library and Information Studies received in 2001.

#Unisa 150

#CircleofExcellence

* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences

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Publish date: 2023/09/29

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