DR. LORNAH AYAKO

Title/Qualifications: PhD.
Department/Unit/Section: School of Business, Economics & Humanities.
Contact Address: P.O Box 78171-00507, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: ayako.lornah@mnu.ac.ke
Position: Lecturer.
Languages: Kiswahili, English, Kenyan Sign Language.

CAREER OBJECTIVE

  • To use my knowledge in Deaf education and counseling psychology to support inclusive learning and improve the mental health and well-being of Deaf and hearing people, while conducting research on human development.

EDUCATION

  • PhD in Counseling Psychology – The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya – 2022-2024.
  • MA in Counseling Psychology – The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya – 2015-2021.
  • Bachelor of Education (Special Needs Education) – Kenyatta University, Kenya – 2008 – 2012.

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

  • Ayako, L. I. (2026). Communication and collaboration competency and loneliness among Grade 9 learners in Wajir County, Kenya. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 10(7), 2441–2456. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100700173.
  • Ayako, L. I. (2025). Culture values of honor among Deaf adolescents in Kenya. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(4), 6149–6156. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400441.
  • Ayako, L. I. (2025). Intergenerational transmission of parenting styles on young mothers in Kenya. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(1).https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.9010249.
  • Ayako, L. I., Ngari, S. M., & Asatsa, S. (2024). Mental health outcomes of parents with children enrolled in the competence-based curriculum in public day primary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 7(4), 143–156. https://doi.org/10.52589/AJSSHR-5XJYI9R0.
  • Ayako, L. I., Ngari, S. M., & Asatsa, S. (2024). Parental perceptions on the introduction of competence-based curriculum in public day primary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(8).
    https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8080159.
  • Ayako, L. I., Ngari, S. M., & Asatsa, S. (2024). Enhancing mental well-being for parents through competence-based curriculum implementation strategies in public day primary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 23(1), 2699–2709.https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.1.2227.
  • Ayako, L. I., Ngari, S. M., & Asatsa, S. (2024). Mental health outcomes of parents in terms of gender during the implementation of the competence-based curriculum in Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 5(8), 2232–2237.
  • Ayako, L. I. (2024). An assessment of the appropriateness of Kenyan Sign Language examination for hearing students. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.801124.
  • Ayako, L. I. (2024). Teachers’ competencies to effectively support emotional intelligence development of Deaf students in secondary schools in North Eastern Kenya. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21(1),1508–1514. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.1.2597.
  • Ayako, L. I., Kathuri, H., Wasosa, H., & Asatsa, S. (2023). Role of traditional circumcision information of masculine gender identity in selected communities in Africa. African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 6(6),113.https://doi.org/10.52589/AJSSHRJM6UNLA5.
  • Ayako, L. I. (2023). Core value of love and engagement of grade six competency-based curriculum learners at Wajir School for the Deaf, Wajir East Sub-County, Wajir County, Kenya. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 19(3), 445–450. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.19.3.1825.
  • Ayako, L. I. (2023). Child response styles to parenting and mental health among adolescents in Embakasi East Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 7(7). https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.70790.
  • Ayako, L. I. (2023). Enhancing educational practices: Utilizing assessment data to inform instructional strategies for teachers in primary schools for the Deaf in Kenya. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 5(15), 4155–4161.
  • Wasosa, H., & Ayako, L. I. (2023). Assessment of HIV status disclosure of people living with HIV in Harare, Zimbabwe. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.7501.
  • Ayako, L. I., Wasosa, H. N., & Egunjobi, J. P. (2022). Multicultural competencies in counselling practices in Kenya and Zimbabwe. International Journal of Arts and Social Science, 181–187.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

  • Research Assistant – The Africa Long Life Study: A Longitudinal Exploration of the Psychological Development of Young Adults in Kenya.
    Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland | Feb 2022 – 2026.
    • Conduct longitudinal participant recruitment and data collection
    • Administer surveys and standardized psychological assessments

GRADUATE RESEARCH SUPERVISION

  • Kamanga, C. (Reg. No. 1062538). Self-Care Burden and Psychological Wellbeing among Patients Living with Diabetes Mellitus at Ngong Sub-County Hospital, Kajiado North Sub County, Kenya. Master’s Thesis in Counseling Psychology, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa .Status: Completed.
  • Shipena, L. M. (Reg. No. 1064040). Social Integration and Self-Concept among Adolescents with Special Needs in Northern Namibia. Master’s Thesis in Counseling Psychology, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Status: Completed.
  •  Kyule, G. M. (Reg. No. 1063109). Use of AI-Based Mental Health Applications and Mental Outcomes among Undergraduate Students in Langata Constituency, Nairobi. Master of Arts Research Proposal in Counseling Psychology, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Status: Ongoing.
  •  Juma, V. S. (Reg. No. 1062580). Teletherapy and Subjective Well-Being among Young Adults in Kisumu County, Kenya. Master of Arts Dissertation Proposal in Counselling Psychology, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa Status: Ongoing.
  •  Wanjiku, M. (Reg. No. 1065994). Substance Abuse and Psychological Well-Being Among Undergraduate Students in Universities in Kiambu County, Kenya. Master of Arts Research Thesis in Counseling Psychology, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Status: Ongoing.

MASTER’S THESIS EXAMINATION EXPERIENCE

  • Wachira, Hilda Njambi (2025). Financial Stability and Marital Satisfaction among Married Couples in Gitothua Ward, Ruiru, Kiambu County, Kenya. Master’s Thesis in Counseling Psychology. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Wachuka, Mugo (2025). Cyberbullying and Mental Health Outcomes among University Students in Langata Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya. Master’s Thesis in Counseling Psychology. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Githinji, Martha Wairimu (2025). Church Commitment and Marital Resilience among Pastor’s Spouses of Pentecostal Churches in Nairobi County, Kenya. Master’s Thesis in Counseling Psychology. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Odhiambo, Agnes (2025). Attachment Styles and Marijuana Use among Learners in Public Junior Secondary Schools in Ngong Municipality, Kenya. Master’s Thesis in Counseling Psychology. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Muhirwe, Keite Marie Alix (2026). Alcohol Use Disorder and Socio-Family Relationship among Adolescents in Bujumbura Town Hall, Burundi. Master of Arts in Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Kagunda, Josephine (2026). Job Satisfaction and Psychological Wellbeing among Junior Secondary School Teachers in Imenti North Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. Master of Arts in Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Muthoka, Leonard Mambo (2026). Psychological Resilience and Marital Satisfaction among Young Married Adults in the Eastern Deanery of the Nairobi Archdiocese, Kenya. Master of Arts in Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Sackey, Jojo (2026). Grief and Mental Health Outcomes among African Missionaries in Langata Sub-County, Karen, Kenya. Master of Arts in Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Kinya, Pamela (2026). Bereavement and Job Performance among Public Primary School Teachers in Starehe Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya. Master of Arts in Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Karanja, Ann Wanjiru (2026). Traumatic Work Events and Subjective Well-Being among Maternity Nurses in Selected Public Hospitals in Garissa Township, Kenya. Master of Arts in Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Maina, Consolata Wahanga (2025). Psychosocial Support and Psychological Wellbeing of Formal Elderly Caregivers in Embu County, Kenya. Master of Arts in Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Githinji, Martha Wairimu (2025). Church Commitment and Marital Resilience among Pastor’s Spouses of Pentecostal Churches in Nairobi County, Kenya. Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Wachira, Hilda Njambi (2025). Financial Stability and Marital Satisfaction among Married Couples in Gitothua Ward, Ruiru, Kiambu County. Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Thesis. Role: Internal Examiner.
  • Kagunya, Alice Kabura (2025). Paternal Emotional Disengagement and Emotional Regulation among Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi County. Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Thesis Proposal. Role: Internal Examiner.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

  •  The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Annual Interdisciplinary Conference, 2024 –Presented: Socio-Economic Challenges of Competence-Based Curriculum and Mental Health Outcomes of Parents in Public Day Primary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya.
  • Kenyatta University Conference on Re-focusing Education in a Globalized Society, 2023 – Presented: Teachers’ Competencies to Effectively Support Emotional Intelligence Development of Deaf Students in North Eastern Kenya.
  • The Catholic University of Eastern Africa Conference on Mental Health, 2023 – Presented: Child Response Styles to Parenting and Mental Health among Adolescents in Embakasi East Sub-County, Nairobi.
  • Doctoral Colloquium, Department of Counseling Psychology, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, 2023 – Presented: Role of Traditional Circumcision in Formation of Masculine Gender Identity in Selected African Communities.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teaching Roles;

  • Lecturer – Mama Ngina University College | [August 2026] – Present.
  • Part-Time Lecturer – The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya | [January 2022] – Present.
  • Teacher (Deputy Principal) – Wajir Special School for the Deaf | March 2015 – August 2026.

Professional Service;

  • Reviewer – RSIS International Journals | Nov 2024 – Present.

Administrative Roles;

  •  Associate Director – Ramsis Technical Training College | Nov 2024 – Present.

CAPACITY BUILDING IN RESEARCH

  • International Writing Workshop for Early Career Researchers – The British Academy |2025–2026.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) – KCPA/9350/26.
  • European Association for Personality Psychology – 00712.
  • International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development – JBD4402.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

  • Diploma in Education Management – Kenya Education Management Institute.
  • Certificate in Kenyan Sign Language – Kenya Institute of Special Education.

SHORT PROFESSIONAL COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

  • Kenyan Sign Language Item Writing – Kenya National Examinations Council.
  • Certificate in Public Procurement – Kenya Education Management Institute.