Prof. Geoffrey Maroko’s Profile

Key Qualifications

Relevant Project History -Research

Project	Description
Machakos University Ethnography of Kenyan Gen Z: Unpacking their Linguistic Code for Mass Action in Selected Social Media Platforms (June 2024 – Present)	Currently investigating the Gen-Z’s distinct linguistic code on social media that that has been exploited for mass action. The project seeks to unpack the linguistic resources that characterize this code. Drawing illustrations from social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Tik Tok . The project examines code-switching, code-mixing, memes, and cross-referencing as some of the linguistic resources that define the ethnography of language by the Gen Z population
Machakos University A situational analysis of Intervention Measures in the Management of HIV/AIDS Prevalence in Kisii County (January 2019 – December 2023)	Worked with a team of four(4) in a multi-institutional and multidisciplinary project funded by the National Research Fund to investigate the cultural strategies adopted by the Abagusii people of South Western Kenya to manage HIV/AIDs prevalence in Kisii County. The projected lasted three years and led to eight (8) journal articles and several conference presentations.
Machakos University: A Social Semiotic Analysis of Gender Representation in Selected Kenyan Secondary School English Textbooks (February 2020 – April 2023)	Worked with a PhD student in a study which revealed under-representation of the female gender in the linguistic and visual signs in approved selected course books used in the teaching and learning of English in secondary schools. Two articles arising from the work have been submitted in refereed journals.  We have also presented the results of the study in an international conference.
Kenyatta University: Kenya’s stigma free English accent: An English as a Lingua Franca Perspective. (September 2016 – December 2018)	Worked with a PhD student in the project which indicated that there are features of Kenya’s stigma-free accent in the speech of Kenya’s university lecturers irrespective of their first languages. The outcome of the study has led to publication of a journal article besides sharing the findings in conferences.
Kenyatta University: A genre analysis of argumentative talk shows in selected radio and TV stations in Kenya (September 2016 – December 2018)	Worked with a PhD student in the project which revealed that argumentative talk shows have a standardised rhetorical organisation and nomenclature. The study concludes that the Kenyan talk show is emerging as a genre. Findings of the study were shared with stakeholders who included media personalities. An article from the project has been accepted for publication by an international journal.
National Research Fund: Oral traditions for environmental sustainability in Kisii County: Implications for language teaching (October 2021-December 2021)	I was the Principal investigator in a team of four that collected oral traditions including proverbs, narratives, tongue twisters, and songs; in Ekegusii language (one of the main Bantu languages in East Africa) transcribed, translated and used some to write a conference paper. The output was disseminated during at an international conference at Machakos University
Kenyatta University Evaluation of presentation of functional writing skills in approved Form Three English Course Books (March – December 2016)	Worked with a Master’s student on this project which revealed that scaffolds presented in most course books do not relate accurately with the real functional texts in the work place. The paper recommended an authentic material approach in the development of English course books.
Trademark East Africa (TMEA): Preparation of a Trainers’ Manual in the East African Community Freight Forwarder’s Certificate (EACFFPC) program between (May 2014-July 2014)	I Was a lead consultant working with selected implementers of the Certificate in East Africa’s Fright Forwarder’s Course from the East African countries to develop a training manual. The manual was presented in a validation workshop of stakeholders and adopted for use in streamlining and harmonising freight operations in the East African countries.
Nyamira County: Investigating into the Devolved Functions in Education (July 2014 – December 2014)	Was appointed as the lead researcher by Nyamira County in a study to investigate into the devolved functions in education. The study made recommendations on the restructuring of pre-school education, craft centres and vocational colleges. The recommendations were made to the Governor and have been implemented over time.
Kenyatta University: Phonological variations among celebral palsy children in Thika School for the Physically Challenged (January 2012- Dec 2012)	Worked with a Master’s student on the project and discovered that learners with cerebral palsy have unique phonological features compared to normal learners. The study recommended teacher development programmes to sensitize teachers of English on these features in order to adapt their teaching accordingly in integrated classroom situations.
Kenyatta University: Vocabulary learning strategies in selected secondary schools in Kiambu County. (February 2012- December 2012)	Worked with a Master’s student in a project on vocabulary learning strategies in selected secondary schools. The study identified vocabulary learning strategies and categorised them in terms of preference by learners. The study made recommendations to both learners and teachers of English on appropriate ways of handling vocabulary lessons.
Kenyatta University: Reading practices among class seven pupils of selected schools in Westlands Division of Nairobi  (Jan – October 2011)	Worked with a Master’s student in the project which revealed that learners in class 7 have different reading habits ranging from the most effective ones to those that hinder effective reading. The study made recommendations to both learners and teachers of English on how to improve reading efficiency.
Kenyatta University: Speech acts’ analysis of the language of mentally handicapped children of Karatina Special School (February – December 2010)	Worked with a Master’s student in the project. The study revealed that mentally handicapped children are likely to miss the intended speech acts in messages sent out to them. The expected reaction from the learners therefore comes out as unexpected. The study recommends more learner-appropriate activities to improve learner competencies in language processing.
Kenyatta University: Nature of spoken interaction between the teacher and the learner in Class Four in selected schools of Bungoma district (February 2010 – December 2010)	Worked with a Master’s student in a project on the nature of spoken interaction between the teacher and the learner in class 4 in selected schools of Bungoma district. The study revealed that learners of English at Class 4 have limited proficiency to allow intelligible interaction between the teacher and learner. The study recommended teacher development activities to enable teachers come up with innovative approaches for delivering their lessons.

Selected Publications

2024

Mwai, L.W., Maroko, M.G., Orwenjo, D.O., & Ogutu, E.A. (2024). Question Typology in Kenyan Argumentative Talk Shows. Professional Discourse & Communication, 6(1): 44-68.      

2023

Mutune, F., Maroko, G.M., Kiai, A.W. (2023). Construction of gender in linguistic signs in selected Kenyan secondary school English textbooks. Language Circle: Journal of Language and Literature 17(2): 1-14

Ngang’a S, C., Maroko, G.M., Ong’onda N,A. (2023). Intertextuality and Interdiscursivity in Post-

colonial Language Policies in Kenya. European Journal of Applied Linguistics Studies 6(2): 214-232

Wangari, S & Maroko, G.M. (2023). Metadiscourse in the Kenyan CEO Letter Genre: A

                Corpus-Assisted Study. Language Circle: Journal of Language and Literature 18(1): 148-159

2022

Mutune, F., Maroko, G.M., Kiai, A.W. (2022). Construction of gender in visual signs in
selected Kenyan secondary school English textbooks. Language Circle: Journal of Language and Literature 17(1): 74-86

2021

Maroko, G.M., Nyamoita, G, M., Nyakundi, O.A., Onyambu, M. O. (2021). Abagusii

traditional environmental knowledge and HIV/AIDS management: Implications for English Language Teaching. Language and Ecology, 2021.

2020

Maroko, G.M., Nyamoita, G, M., Nyakundi, O.A., Onyambu, M. O. (2020). A Conceptual Analysis of Metaphors Engendering HIV and AIDS-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Kisii County, Kenya. Language Circle, 14(2): 137-147.

Nyakundi, O.A., Maroko, G.M., Nyamoita, G, M., Onyambu, M. O. (2020). Communication strategies in the management of HIV and AIDS in Kisii County, Kenya: Successes and gaps. International Journal of Communication Research, Volume 9 (4): 339 – 350.

Nyakundi, O.A., Maroko, G.M., Nyamoita, G, M., Onyambu, M. O. (2020). Stakeholder engagement and management as a determinant of health intervention outcomes: The varied messages communicated during HIV and AIDS inteventions in Kisii County, International Journal of Communication Research, Volume 10 (4): 419-430.

Maroko, G.M., Nyamoita, G, M., Nyakundi, O.A., Onyambu, M. O. (2020). Partner

notification  Services in Kisii County, Kenya: Evaluating Behaviour Change Communication Strategies. Journal of Development Communication, Volume 30 (2): 45-59.

2018

Itumo, M.I., Nandelenga, H.S., Maroko, M.G. (2018). Different Voicing Patterns Between British English and Kenyan English Plosives. The University of Nairobi Journal of Language and Linguistics, Vol. 7, 1-22.

Malandi, A.B. and Maroko, M.G. (2018). A Genre Analysis of the Scholarly Electronic Mail: Implications for Pedagogy. Applied Research on English Language, Vol. 7(3), 291306.

2017

Mwangi, G.; Maroko, M.G.; Nthiga, P.M. (2017). An Evaluation of the treatment of application letters and reports in core Kenyan form three English Course Books. Journal of applied

linguistics and language research, Vol. 4, No. 8, 168-182.

Mostert, A; Lisney, B; Maroko, M.G &Kaschula, R.H. (2017). From technauriture to cultauriture: Developing a coherent digitization paradigm for enhancing cultural impact. International Journal of Society, Culture and Language, Vol. 5, No. 2, 37-48.

Itumo, J.M; Maroko, M.G &Nandelenga, H.S. (2017). Kenyan English Monophthongs: An  Element Theory Approach. Journal of applied linguistics and language research, Vol. 4, No. 3, 131-149.

2016

Maroko, G.M. (2016). Uncovering cloze testing practices in selected practice papers for primary schools in Kenya. Journal of applied linguistics and language research, Vol. 3, No. 4, 121-134.

2014

Maroko,G.M &Kiai, A.W. (2014). Tense usage in selected humanities and science   dissertations. A Journal on Education, Applied Linguistics and Curriculum & Instruction, Vol. 2, No. 2: 54-85.

2013

Maroko, G. M. (2013). Learning about author positioning in written academic discourse.                 Argentinian Journal of Applied Linguistics, Vol. 1 No. 2, 47 – 60.

Maroko, G. M. (2013). Development of language materials for national development: A language management perspective. International Journal of Education and Research, Vol. 1, No. 7, 225 – 239.

Maroko, G. M. (2013). Citation practices in selected science and humanities dissertations:

Implications for teaching. American Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 1, No. 4, 126136.

Kiai, A.W &Maroko, G.M (2013). Textbook selection experiences among secondary school               

teachers of English in Kenya. International Journal of Education and Research Vol. 1,   No. 12, 1-16.

Komenda, S., Maroko, G. M., Ndung’u, R.  (2013). The morphophonemics of vowel compensatory lengthening in Ekegusii. International Journal of Education and Research, Vol. 1, No. 9, 137 – 151.

Selected Conference Presentations

Maroko, M.G.; Mokua G, N. (April, 2021): Abagusii traditional environmental knowledge and HIV/AIDS management: Implications for English Language Teaching. Presented at the University of Gloucestershire, UK during the 5^th International Conference on Ecolinguistics.

Maroko, M.G.; Mokua G, N. (June, 2021): COVID-19 is a war: Framing the pandemic in an evolving “New Normal.” Presented during the 3^rd Annual International Conference.

Maroko, M.G.; Mokua G, N. (June, 2021): Managing HIV/AIDS amid COVID-19: How to un-do things with words. Presented during the 3^rd Annual International Conference.

Maroko, M.G.; Mokua G, N. (April, 2019): Unpacking the linguistic metaphors entrenching HIV/AIDS-related stigma in Kisii County. Presented during the 1^st Annual International Conference.

Maroko, M.G.; Mokua G, N. (April, 2019): The Communication Skills Course: What skills and for which future?Presented during the 1^st Annual International Conference.

Maroko, M.G. (May 2018): Youth Employability: Fostering University-Industry Links in Curriculum Design. Presented at the School of Education Conference, Tangaza University College in May 28^th-30^th, 2018.

Maroko M.G. (April 2018): Sustainable Development Goals: Windows of opportunity for applied linguists? Presented at the First International Conference of Machakos University between April 17-19 2018 at Machakos University Hotel and Conference Centre.

Maroko M.G. (April 2018): The Communication Skills Course: What skills and for which future? Presented at the First International Conference of Machakos University between April 17-19 2018 at Machakos University Hotel and Conference Centre.

Maroko. M.G. (September 2, 2016). Fading mother tongues as languages of instruction in lower primary school in Kenya: The case of EkeGusii. Presented during a SEREK Conference on Politics and Education in the 21^st Century at Machakos University College.  

Maroko. M.G. (September 1, 2016). An evaluation of the treatment of the curriculum vitae in approved course textbooks for secondary schools in Kenya. Presented during a SEREK Conference on Politics and Education in the 21^st Century at Machakos University College.  

Maroko, M.G. (April 17, 2015). Uncovering cloze testing practices in selected KCPE revision papers. Presented in the English for Effective Conference held at the Strathmore University on 16th and 17th April 2015.

Maroko M. G. (September 13, 2013). Institutionalizing trilingualism in Kenya: A language management perspective. Presented during the 3rd International Language Management Symposium held at the Charles University, Prague-Czech Republic between 13-14 September 2013. 

Maroko M. G. (November 1, 2011). Citation practices in selected M.A and M.Sc theses in Kenyan Public Universities: Managing unwritten norms and beliefs. Presented during the 2nd International Language Management Symposium held at Waseda University, Tokyo-Japan on 1-2 October 2011.  

Maroko M. G. (September 25, 2011). An appraisal of the sources of language input in selected English lessons by teacher trainees in Kenya. Presented during the 6^th International conference on Foreign Language Teaching and Research held at Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan on 24-25 September, 2011. 

Maroko M. G. (October 10, 2010).Rhetorical structure and reader expectations in the moves of the Master’s thesis. Presented during a thesis writing workshop for graduate students at the Institute of Social Ministry, Tangaza University College. 

Maroko, M. G. (September 25, 2010).The authentic materials approach in the teaching of functional writing in the classroom. Presented via Skype during the 5^th International conference on Foreign Language Teaching and Research held at Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan. 

Maroko, M. G. (July 22, 2010). Options of author-representation in selected theses:    

Implications for EAP instruction. Presented during an International conference on Multlingualism Education co-hosted by Kenyatta University and the University of Pennsylvania, USA. 

Maroko, M. G. (September 27, 2009).Reflections on the genre-based approach to the teaching of thesis writing. Presented via Skype during the 4^th International conference on Foreign Language Teaching and Research held at Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.  Maroko, M. G. (July 9, 2009). The authentic materials approach to the teaching of functional  writing during an International conference on Innovative Teacher Education and Classroom Practice in the 21^st Century co-hosted by Kenyatta University and Syracuse University, USA.