Rev. Kigen Kipchirchir Benard
Rev. Kigen Kipchirchir Benard
What Did you enjoy about the Classes?
The Research Methods and Research Tools & Software in Biostatistics programs provided me with comprehensive and practical insights into designing, implementing, and analyzing research in complex public health and social contexts. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, which enhanced my capacity to interpret diverse datasets and translate evidence into actionable policy recommendations.
The hands-on training in statistical software and biostatistical tools was invaluable in strengthening my analytical skills. I was able to directly apply the techniques learned to ongoing research projects, including studies on population health, climate-driven health inequities, and economic disparities in low-income communities.
Equally significant was the program’s focus on ethical research practices, data integrity, and reproducibility. This reinforced my commitment to conducting rigorous, socially responsible research that is both impactful and culturally sensitive.
Finally, the opportunity to engage with a cohort of international scholars and practitioners enriched my learning experience. The collaborative environment encouraged knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary thinking, and the development of networks that continue to inform my research, policy advocacy, and leadership activities.
PROFILE
Name: Rev. Kigen Kipchirchir Benard
Email: kipchirchirbk.waldenuniversity@gmail.com & kipchirchir.kigen@waldenu.edu
Rev. Kigen Kipchirchir Benard is a multi-disciplinary scholar, researcher, and advocate whose work spans theology, counseling psychology, public and development economics, public policy, and public health epidemiology. With over a decade of experience in research, policy development, and advocacy, he has devoted his career to advancing planetary health, climate justice, sustainable development, and economic equity, particularly for vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income contexts.
He holds two Bachelor’s degrees, four Master’s degrees, two Postgraduate Diplomas, two Postgraduate Certificates, and two PhDs (one in progress), in addition to numerous professional development and leadership trainings. His interdisciplinary expertise allows him to bridge social, environmental, health, and economic systems, delivering evidence-based solutions to challenges such as climate-driven health inequities, environmental pollution, and systemic barriers to healthcare and development.
Rev. Benard currently serves as Assistant Director of Population Health at the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), under Kenya’s State Department for Economic Planning, National Treasury, and Economic Planning. In this role, he oversees population health and development interventions that integrate climate, economic, and environmental considerations, ensuring policies account for social determinants, economic inequities, and systemic vulnerabilities affecting marginalized communities.
He has participated in prestigious international programs, including the 2025 Summer School on Planetary Health at the University of Würzburg, Germany (DAAD-funded SOPHEA project), and the V20 Climate Prosperity Fellowship Program 2025–2026. His research adopts mixed-methods approaches, combining quantitative epidemiological and economic data with qualitative insights to inform evidence-based policy. Notably, he leads a study on mercury exposure among women in artisanal gold mining communities in Turkana County, Kenya, integrating public health, planetary health, and economic frameworks.
Rev. Benard’s work is informed by theology and counseling psychology, providing a unique perspective on human behavior, social cohesion, and ethical dimensions of interventions. He actively engages in policy dialogues, community-based interventions, youth mentorship, and scholarly networks, promoting evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and socially inclusive solutions.
Key Areas of Expertise: Public and Development Economics, Public Health Epidemiology, Planetary Health & Climate Justice, Policy Analysis in Low-Income Settings, Mixed-Methods Research, Community Engagement, Youth Leadership, Peace Negotiation.
Through his scholarship, advocacy, and leadership, Rev. Kigen Kipchirchir Benard bridges disciplines to advance health, economic, and environmental justice, improving outcomes for current and future generations.
Dynamic Public Health Educator, Public Policy Administrator, Pastoral Care Worker, Environmental and Gender Advocate, Researcher, and Peace Negotiator with extensive
He has experience in public and population health program management, policy analysis, pastoral education, and peacebuilding. Skilled in fostering community engagement, implementing policy frameworks, and mentoring teams to deliver impactful outcomes through policy interventions and education. A passionate advocate for sustainable development, youth empowerment, and social equity.
Core Competencies
Public Policy Development, Analysis & Advocacy
Public Health & Environmental Education
Gender Advocacy
Community Engagement & Capacity Building
Strategic Program Planning & Implementation
Research & Data Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement & Management
Peace Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
Leadership and Mentorship
Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
Work Experience
Assistant Director of Population
National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) - Kenya February 2024 - Present
Spearheading initiatives to address population health challenges, including Triple Threat
advocacy.
Coordinating programs with key stakeholders to promote child, adolescent and maternal
health and environmental conservation.
Coordinating research on demographic trends, fertility, mortality, and migration to inform policy decisions.
Supervising multi-disciplinary teams to implement evidence-based interventions.
Preparing technical papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials for various audiences.
Developing and submitting reports
Coordinating resource mobilization, budget preparing and financial management
Research Fellow Mentor
Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) Research Fellowship Program – Early Childhood Development in
Climate Emergencies March 2025 – Present
Mentor early-career researchers on ECD, climate change, and mental health, with a focus on evidence gaps in under-represented regions.
Provide strategic and technical guidance on research related to displacement, environmental stressors, and caregiver/child well-being.
Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and south-to-south knowledge exchange with global experts.
Support policy-relevant outputs for locally grounded, evidence-based advocacy.
Coordinate communication across stakeholders and contribute to capacity-building
through feedback, peer learning, and methodological support. Faculty Member
Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH), University of Toronto, Canada February 2025 - Present
Co-authored and reviewed case studies grounded in real-world CEC and public health intersections.
Ensured alignment of educational materials with planetary health learning objectives.
Contributed to pedagogical frameworks for use in undergraduate and graduate public health programs.
Supported the adaptation of cases for diverse regional and global learning contexts. Senior Population Programme Officer
National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) - Kenya December 2018 – January 2024
Led the development of population policies and sensitization programs on population health and environmental sustainability.
Facilitated partnerships for capacity-building workshops targeting community leaders, ministry official and policy makers.
Coordinating research on demographic trends, fertility, mortality, and migration to inform policy decisions.
Supervising multi-disciplinary teams to implement evidence-based interventions.
Preparing technical papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials for various audiences.
Developing and submitting reports
Coordinating resource mobilization, budget preparing and financial management
Graduate Research Assistant at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) - Kenya August 2017 – November 2018
Assisting in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to support policy research projects
Preparing drafts, reports, and policy briefs under the supervision of senior researchers.
Reviewing relevant academic and policy literature to provide context for ongoing studies.
Collaborating with government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders
for data collection and dissemination of findings.
Participating in training and development workshops to enhance technical skills and knowledge in public policy research.
Principal & Lecturer at Ruiru Institute of Business Management – Ruiru, Kenya September 2015 – October 2018
General administration and overall supervision of the college’s programmes and staff management
Performed public relations duties for the college
Oversaw curriculum development and examination administration.
Participated in teaching and mentoring students pursuing management, social, community and public health courses
Registrar, Exams Coordinator, Lecturer, Chaplain & Student Counsellor at Premese Africa Development Institute - Kenya January 2009 – September 2018
Managed student records, admissions, and compliance with academic policies
Organized examination schedules, supervised invigilation, and ensured accurate results
processing
Lectured and mentored students, and evaluated their progress
Offered spiritual guidance and coordinated religious activities
Provided support for academic, personal, and emotional challenges
Volunteer Health Educator and Counselor
Giovanna-e-Sylvia School for the Deaf; Children's Home and Community Hospital - Kenya May 2012 – August 2013
Providing health education, promoting preventive care practices, supporting the mental and emotional health and well-being of children and community members, addressing the specific needs of the deaf children, offering guidance to patients and caregivers for improved health outcomes, and facilitating community outreach. Volunteer Health Educator, Cancer Care
Aga Khan University Hospital - Kenya January 2007 - February 2011
Raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection, supporting patients through health education, providing emotional counseling, guiding patients and families on coping strategies, and collaborating with healthcare teams to enhance patient- centered care and community outreach.
Pastor Jesus Joyous Christian Center- JJCC - Kenya November 2001 - Present
Providing spiritual guidance and counseling through sermons and teaching while promoting health education within the community by integrate faith with health practices to support holistic well-being.
Academic Qualifications
PhD Public Policy and Management, Kenyatta University Kenya - Sept 2025 to Present
PhD Public Health Epidemiology, Walden University Minneapolis USA - May 2012 to Present
MSC Health Economics and Policy, University of Nairobi Kenya - Oct 2024 to Sept 2026
MPH Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Moi University Eldoret Kenya - Sept 2023 to Sept 2025
MPPA Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University Kenya - Sept 2020 to July 2025
MA Community Care and HIV/AIDS, University of Wales, UK - May 2007 to Oct 2011
PGD Public Health Management, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi India – September 2022- September 2023
PGD Public Administration, University of South Africa (UNISA) - Jan 2018 to Feb 2019
PGC Planetary Health, University of Toronto (Dalla Lana School of Public Health & Moi
University (College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health) - 2025
BA Health Sciences and Social Services (Psychological Counseling), University of South Africa (UNISA) - June 2014 to Nov 2017
BA Bible and Theology, Vision International University, USA - Dec 2004 to July 2006
Advanced Diploma in Bible and Theology, Gospel Garden Bible College, Kenya - Jan 2001 to Nov 2004
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education KCSE (C+), Kericho High School, Kenya - Feb 1989 to Nov 1992
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), Korongoi Primary School, Kenya -
Jan 1981 to Nov 1988 Professional Trainings & Certifications
Zetech College (University) – Certificates – 2008 – 2010
o Computer Packages (End user Professional)
o Statistical Data Analysis: SPSS and MS Project
University of South Africa (UNISA) - 2015
o HIV-AIDS Care and Counselling
Kenya School of Government (KSG) – Certificate - 2020
o Senior Management Course
Partners in Population and Development PPD – Certificate - 2021
o Sharing Best Practices in Reproductive Health, Family Planning & Population from PPD Member Countries
United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) – Certificate – 2022
o Training on Strategic Partnership with Muslim Religious Leaders in Reproductive Health, Family Planning, Prevention of Gender-based Violence, Child Marriage, and Stunting Reduction
University of Washington – Certificate - 2022
o Policy Development and Advocacy for Global Health
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Certificate - 2023
o Systematic Review in Research
Washington State Department of Health & Social Services – Certificate - 2023
o Developmental Disabilities Specialty
Centre for Health Innovation and Policy (CHIP) Foundation - Certificates – 2023 - 2024
o Tobacco Cessation and Oral Cancer Screening
o Cancer Control in India
o Scientific Writing
United Nations African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (UN-IDEP) Certificates – 2020 – 2025
o Domestic Resource Mobilization and Investment in Africa
o Migration Policy, Free Movement and Regional Integration Within the Context of
COVID-19 and AFCFTA"
o Fundamentals on Fiscal Policies and Best Practices in Macro-Planning
o Social Policy for Development Planners for an Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable
Recovery Post-COVID-19
o Digital Technologies and Public Policies
o Social Policy for Development Planners in Context of Uncertainty and Crises
o Managing Risks in a Context of Uncertainty and Crises
o Climate Change for Young Negotiators
o Gender Responsive Economic Policy Management
o Social Protection and Care Economy in Africa
o Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship: The Role of Digital Economy
World Health Organizations – Certificates - 2023- 2024
o Health Emergency Readiness for Response Operation
o Health Emergency Response Preparedness Programmes
o Communicable and Non Communicable Diseases
o WASH and Prevention and Care of Neglected Diseases
o Nutrition and Food Safety
o Monitoring and Evaluation of National Action Plans on Anti-Microbial Resistance
o Identifying Oral Diseases and Promoting Oral Hygiene in Primary Health Setting
o National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS)
o Incident Management System
o Mainstreaming of Gender Equality Disability and Social Inclusion
o Environment Climate Change and Health (ECH) for Practitioners and Actors
Guiding Policy Change
Bern University Switzerland, UNESCO & Kenyatta University – Certificate – 2024
o Geopolitics and Green Energy Economy Transition
GIZ – Certificate – 2024
o Data, Algorithms and Gig Economy
UNICEF & WHO –Certificate - 2024
o Introduction to Children’s Environmental Health
UN SDG Academy – Certificates – 2024-2025
o Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resistance
o Introduction to Sustainable Finance & the SDG Finance Academy
o Introduction to Sustainable Finance for Climate and Energy
o Global Public Health
Care Climate and Resilience Academy – Certificates – 2024
o Basics of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Climate Change
o Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Climate Adaptation
World Bank - Certificates – 2024 - 2025
o Managing Successful Field Research
o Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy
o Reproducible Research Fundamentals
o Big Data Analytics
o Geographic Considerations in Evaluating Women’s Employment Opportunities
o Generative AI and LLMs an Introduction
o Women, Business, and the Law
Gandhi-King Global Academy, United States Institute of Peace – Certificates – 2024
o Peace and Conflict Resolutions
Hewlett-Packard (HP) – Certificate – 2024
o Data Science & Analytics
Medical Learning Hub Africa – Certificates – 2024
o Malaria in Pregnancy
o Quality Improvement in Health Facilities & KQMH Sensitization
o The Critical Role of In Vitro Diagnostics in Patient Management
o Evaluation of the Kenya National Pharmaceutical Policy and Stakeholders' Submissions Towards Policy Review
o Dissemination of New Advanced HIV Disease Guidelines
o New Drug Resistant TB Treatment (BPaLM)
United Nations System Staff College – Certificates – 2024
o Applying Integrated Policy Approaches to Accelerate the 2030 Agenda
o Peace and Development Nexus in Africa: Governance, Financing and Country Systems
United Nation Association Indonesia – Certificate – 2025
o Indonesia Youth Development Program
o Addressing Inequalities in Healthcare Access in Indonesia
Moi University, Africa Health Collaborative-HENT & MasterCard Foundation – Certificate
– 2025
o Upscaling Enterprise Management in Health Sector
IBM Skills-Build - Certificate – 2025
o Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals with Capstone Project
International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) - Certificate – 2025
o Care and Support System for Social Workers
University of Tasmania, Australia- Certificate – 2025
o Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) - Certificate – 2025
o Crimes, Peace & Security
o Transformative Technologies and Security Fellowships & Professional Leadership Development
World Bank Group - Government Analytics Fellowship Program, 2025
African Group of Negotiators Expert Support Fellowship, 2025
o Climate Change Outlook, Impacts Assessment and Climate Risk Management
o Climate Governance and Diplomacy
o Climate Finance and Innovative Business Models
o Climate Information Services (CIS)
o Climate, Peace and Security
o Digital Technologies, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Climate Change
United Nations SDGs Africa Mentorship Programme (through AIIDEV Africa) – 2025
o Regional mentorship programme for African participants focused on SDGs implantation.
Freya International Schools of Research & Implementation – 2025
o Research Tools & Software in Biostatistics.
Institute for Public Health Innovations (IPHI) – 2025
o Project Management for Public Health Professionals.
Professional Affiliations
American Public Health Association (APHA), Membership No 9949466 – 2012 – Present
Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP)- South Africa – 2017 – Present
South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) – 2019m-Present
Publications
Integration of Cervical Cancer & HIV/AIDS Aga Khan University Hospital. - (2011)
Enhancing Disease Outbreak Response Through Surveillance: A Case Study of Siaya County, Kenya (DOI: https://doi.org/10.24940/ijird/2024/v13/i11/NOV24004) - (2025)
Cross-National Study of Non-Communicable Diseases among the Eldery Population in Kenya and India (DOI: https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24OCT1615) - International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT) - 2024
Harnessing Demographic Dividends through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kisumu County, Kenya (DOI No.: 10.24940/ijird/2024/v13/i11/NOV24004) - International Journal of Innovative Research and Development (IJIRD) - 2024
Effectiveness of TVET Training in Harnessing Skills Development amongst the Youths in Kisumu County, Kenya (DOI: https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v7-i10-12) - International Journal of Social Science and Human Research (IJSSHR) - 2024
Assessing the Effectiveness of TVET Training in Enhancing Youth Employability: A Case Study of Kisumu County, Kenya (DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2024.131003) - International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science (IJLTEMAS) - 2024
TVET Training on Youth Empowerment: A Case Study of Kisumu County, Kenya (DOI: http://doi.one/10.1729/Journal.42285) - Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) – 2024)