Prof. Dorcus Mbithe David-Kigaru is a female Professor of human nutrition at Kenyatta University, School of Health Sciences, Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Nairobi, Kenya. She is a registered nutritionist, and a social behaviour change (SBC) expert, a health educator and a researcher. She does research in human nutrition and health; in maternal, infant and young child nutrition (MIYCN), School Health Nutrition/Adolescent Nutrition, food security and food systems, nutrition education and counselling, psychology, nutrition in emergencies and WASH, obesity management, food policy analysis and monitoring and evaluation. As an educator, she has expertise in workshop facilitations and material/toolkit development. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Homescience & Tech.) Degree (First Class Honors), a Master of Science Degree in Applied Human Nutrition and a PhD in Food and Nutrition. She has training on Food systems and Program/Project Design from Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands and on Clinical Nutrition from the Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium and does related research. She has training/expertise from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on use of atomic precision nutrition assessment in body composition assessment and does research on use of Stable Isotope Dilution Techniques (SIDT) (Deuterium oxide) to validate nutrition assessment methods and in other uses of SIDT such as in breastmilk intake.

She served as the Chairperson of the Department at the University in (2017- 2021) and currently serves other committees in the University. From January 2026, she was appointed to the African Technical Working Group (TWG in School Health Nutrition through the African Nutrition Society (ANS). She is a Board member of the Kenya National Phytotherapeutic Research Center. She is a technical working group (TWG) member at the Ministry of Health, Kenya Division of Nutrition and Dietetics; the healthy diets program and the multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) program. Currently in the TWG she has been involved in the development of a workforce nutrition toolkit and supporting the development of Kenya food system based dietary guidelines both led by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). The TWG has also been developing Obesity management guidelines as well as Kenya School Meals Menu Guide. As a monitoring & evaluation expert, she has been conducting evaluations.

Dorcus has worked on numerous Food, Nutrition and Education Research Projects and consultancies with Kenyan government ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture and Energy, and with development partners, working in population and clinical settings, in refugee camps, with the private sector and farmer groups/households. She has consulted for the UN; World Food Program (WFP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). She has also consulted for international organizations; USAID/RTI, in Nutrition and Health HIV programs, with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) (at global and country offices), Bioversity International, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), ICRAF, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, PanAfricare, Johanniter International Assistance, Pan African Research Solutions (PARS) and Research solutions Africa (RSA) among others. She has over 20 years working experience as a Lecturer and researcher in the University and has been an external examiner for other numerous Universities in Eastern Africa and Southern Africa region. She has published widely. She is skilled and expert in curriculum development and review. Besides University and research responsibilities, her community outreach extents to youth mentorship in career choice and development.

• Nuclear Applications (Stable Isotope Techniques) in Human Nutrition, prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Social Behaviour Change, Adolescence nutrition, Food security and food systems, Maternal and child nutrition, nutrition in emergencies

• Kutwah MA, David-Kigaru DM, Kobia J (2026) Are teenagers in Kenya physically active? The nexus between physical activity and nutrition status of Kenyan teenagers: A cross-sectional study. PLOS Glob Public Health 6(1): e0005807. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0005807
• Lang'at, P. C., Mbithe David-Kigaru, D., Ndung’u, Z., & Kimeto, P. (2025). The Anthropometric Changes among Women of Reproductive Age Using Contraceptives in Nyeri County, Kenya: A Six-Month Prospective Study. African Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, 4(02). https://doi.org/10.58460/ajnd.v4i02.166. Sept. 2025
• Lang'at PC, David-Kigaru DM, Ndung'u ZW, Kimeto P (2025) Hormonal contraceptives and body composition by use of stable isotope dilution techniques among women of reproductive age in Nyeri County, Kenya. PLoS One 20(9): https://doi. org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332299. Sept. 2025.
• L.M Were, Z. Ndung’u, and D. Mbithe (2025). Body-Weight Misclassification among Women of Reproductive Age in Nyeri Central Sub-County, Kenya; A Cross-sectional Study. East African Medical Journal Vol. 102 No. 4 April 2025
• Gilbert Mangusho, Eunice Njogu, Rhona Kezabu Baingana and Dorcus Mbithe David-Kigaru (2024) Vitamin A-related nutrition knowledge gaps and predictors among caregivers of preschool children in Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nutrition. (2024) 10:85. Doi: oi.org/10.1186/s40795-024-00891-5.
• Mutuura Caroline Hilda Karambu, Dorcus Mbithe Kigaru, & Zipporah W. Ndung’u (2024) Parenting Approaches on Children Food Uptake and Nutrition Status in Kiambu County, Kenya. East African Nature & Science Organization/International Journal of Advanced Research, Volume 7, Issue 1, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/ijar.7.1.1822
• Tetsuhiro Kidokoro, Xiaojie Tian, Noriyuki Fuku, Luka B. Waiganjo, Elijah G. Rintaugu, Mbithe D. Kigaru and Francis M. Mwangi (2021) Segmented physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns among children in Maasai village and Nairobi city. American Journal of Human Biology. Am J Hum Biol. 2021e23649. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23649.
• Dorcus Mbithe D Kigaru, Zipporah W Ndung’u and Catherine W Macharia-Mutie (2020) Application of stable isotope dilution techniques to assess body fat and comparison with WHO BMI-for-age classification as a measure of obesity among schoolchildren in Nairobi, Kenya. Public Health Nutrition: 1- 5. doi:10.1017/S1368980020001950
• Tetsuhiro Kidokoro, Noriyuki Fuku, Toshio Yanagiya, Tomonari Takeshita, Mizuki Takaragawa, Michael Annear, Tian Xiaojie , Luka B. Waiganjo , Lamec F. Bogonko, Juliet K. Isika, Mbithe D. Kigaru and Francis M. Mwangi (2020) Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Patterns among Kenyan and Japanese Children: A Comprehensive Cross-Country Comparison. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 4254; doi:10.3390/ijerph17124254
• Wesley Bor, Dorcus Mbithe, Irene Ogada and Wesley Too (2020) Nurse’s Knowledge Aspects of Enhancing Haemoglobin Level and Safety through Delayed Cord Clamping Time in a Semi-urban Hospital in South-Rift Region, Kenya. Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation. Vol.9.
• Jacqueline Macharia, Dorcus Mbithe, Harun Kimani and Peter chege (2019) Feeding Practices and Nutrition Status among Children Aged 6-23 Months after Discharge from Supplementary Feeding Program in Isiolo County, Kenya. Food Sci Nutr Res. 2019; 2(2): 1-6.
• A. El Hamdouchi, T. Adom, A. Aouidet, V.D. Agueh, A. Diouf, N.I. Joonus, G.H. Leyna, K. Dorcus Mbithe, T. Moleah, M.A. Monyeki, D. Nakimbugwe, H.L. Nashandi, A.F. Simpara, S.M.A. Somda, J.J. Reilly and C. Loech (2019) Protocol for validating simple measures of body fatness and physical activity of children in twelve African countries: The ROUND-IT Africa Study. African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences (AJPHES) Volume 25(2), pp. 142-173.
• Silas Tumpeine, Dorcus Mbithe Kigaru and Peter Chege (2019) Dietary Practices Among Adults Living with HIV and AIDS Attending Clinics at Narok County Referral Hospital, Kenya. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2019) Volume 46, No 2
• Adama Diouf, Theodosia Adom, Abdel Aouidet, Asmaa El Hamdouchi, Noorjehan I Joonas, Cornelia U Loechl, Germana H Leyna, Dorcus Mbithe, Thabisile Moleah, Andries Monyeki, Hilde Liisa Nashandi, Serge MA Somda & John J Reilly (2018) Body mass index vs deuterium dilution method for establishing childhood obesity prevalence, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, Tunisia and United Republic of Tanzania. World Health Organization (WHO) Bulletin. Bull World Health Organ 2018.96:772–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.17.205948.
• Faith K Munoru, Elizabeth N Kuria and Dorcus Mbithe K. (2018). Dietary and care practices and nutritional status of the elderly in Meru County, Kenya. International Journal of Medical and Health Research. Volume 4; Issue 6; June 2018; Page No. 01-06
• Kavithe K. Rachel, Dorcus Mbithe D. Kigaru and Maoga W. Nyamota. (2018). Dietary intake and factors affecting food service of male prisoners living with human immunodeficiency virus at selected prisons in Kenya. International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism Vol 10 [2] (2018): 6-15. DOI: 10.5897/IJNAM2017.0229.
• Magali Leyvraz, Dorcus M. David-Kigaru, Catherine Macharia-Mutie, Grant J. Aaron, Marlene Roefs and Alison Tumilowicz (2017) Coverage and Consumption of Micronutrient Powders, Fortified Staples, and Iodized Salt Among Children Aged 6 to 23 Months in Selected Neighborhoods of Nairobi County, Kenya. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 1-9. DOI: 10.1177/0379572117737678. journals.sagepub.com/home/fnb
• Khasoa Carolyne Wasike, Erick VO. Fwaya and Dorcus Mbithe D. Kigaru (2017) Factors influencing customer needs for healthy eating products in selected restaurants of Nairobi City, Kenya. International Journal of Scientific Progress & Research: 2349-4689 104, Vol.36, No.02
• Mary M Milelu, Dorcus Mbithe D Kigaru, Elizabeth N Kuria (2017) Demographic and socio-economic determinants of availability and access dimensions of household food security in Kitui County, Kenya. International Journal of Food Science & Nutrition. Vol. 2; Issue 5;93-101
• Ndungu, Z. W., Kuria, E. N., Gikonyo, N. K. and Mbithe, D. K. (2017) Efficacy of amaranth grain consumption on CD4 count and morbidity patterns among adults living with HIV in Nyeri, Kenya. Journal of AIDS and HIV Research 9 (4), 81-88. DOI: 10.5897/JAHR2017.0415
• Dorcus Mbithe D Kigaru, Mary M Milelu (2017) Dietary diversity, water and sanitation practices and nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in Kitui County, Kenya. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. Volume 2; Issue 5; Sept 2017; 113-120
• Mary N. Makau, Sophie Ochola and Dorcus Mbithe (2017) Feeding Practices of Children Aged 0-59 Months Accompanying Incarcerated Mothers in Selected Womens Prisons in Kenya. The Open Nutrition Journal. 2017, 11, 3-12. DOI: 10.2174/1874288201711010001
• Khasoa Carolyne Wasike, Erick V. O. Fwaya, Dorcus Mbithe D. Kigaru (2017). The relationship between healthy eating products on offer in restaurants and customer needs. International Journal of Scientific Progress and Research (IJSPR). Issue 100, Vol.35, 01, 2017
• Isaac Nthiga, Dorcus Mbithe, Beatrice Mugendi, Tabitha Wambui (2017). The nutritional status of pulmonary tuberculosis patients aged 25-44 years attending tuberculosis clinic at Lodwar County and Referral Hospital, Turkana County, Kenya. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. Volume 2; Issue 1; January 2017; Page No. 119-122
• Isaac Nthiga, Dorcus Mbithe, Beatrice Mugendi, Daudi Nyangaresi, Tabitha Wambui (2017). Dietary practices of pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending clinic at Lodwar county and referral hospital, Turkana County, Kenya. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. Volume 2; Issue 1; January 2017; Page No. 123-127
• Lucy Maina, Dorcus Mbithe D. Kigaru, Anne Korir-Rugutt and Okello Agina (2016). Determinants of Screening Patterns for Invasive Cervical Cancer among Patients Attending Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Research journali’s Journal of Public Health Vol.2 No.11, 2016
• W.Bor, W. Too, D. Mbithe, B. Mugendi, E. N. Mutemi, R. Musyoki and W. C. Bor (2016). Nutritional Status of Adult Male on ART at Kericho District Hospital, Kericho County, Kenya. East African Medical Journal Vol. 93 No. 8
• Dorcus Mbithe D. Kigaru, Cornelia Loechl, Thabisile Moleah, C. W. Macharia-Mutie, Zipporah W. Ndungu (2015). Nutrition knowledge, attitude and practices among urban primary school children in Nairobi City, Kenya: a KAP study. BMC Nutrition. Kigaru et al. BMC Nutrition (2015) 1:44. DOI 10.1186/s40795-015-0040-8
• W. Bor, Dorcus Mbithe and B. Mugendi (2015). Lipidemia status among HIV positive adult male on HAART attending the HIV clinic at Kericho District Hospital, Kericho. East African Medical Journal Vol. 92 No. 12
• Gladys Njura Gitau, Judith O Kimiywe, Judith N Waudo and Dorcus Mbithe (2015). Primary School Pupils in Kenya Learn and Practice Good Hygiene. Journal of Child & Adolescent Behavior.http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2375-4494.1000267.
• Naiman N. Mbise, Dorcus Mbithe D-Kigaru and Moses Miricho (2014). The Quality of Service Standards and Related Factors in Tourist Hotels in Arusha, Tanzania. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Vol. 2, No. 9, 376-382, doi: 10.17265/2328-2169/2014.09.004
• Dennis J Matanda, Maurice BM and Dorcus Mbithe D Kigaru (2014). Breast-, complementary and bottle-feeding practices in Kenya: stagnant trends were experienced from 1998 to 2009. Nutrition Research (2014) 507–517.
• Dennis J Matanda, Maurice B M and Dorcus Mbithe D Kigaru (2014). Child undernutrition in Kenya: trend analyses from 1993 to 2008–09. BMC Pediatrics 2014, 14:5.
• Gladys Njura Gitau, Judith O. Kimiywe, Judith N. Waudo and Dorcus Mbithe (2013). Effects of nutrition education on nutrition knowledge and iron status in primary school pupils of Gatanga District, Muranga County, Kenya. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science. Vol. 1(2), 115-123 (2013) http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CRNFSJ.1.2.02
• Nelia P Steyn, Nel J., W Parker, Ayah R., Dorcus Mbithe (2012). Urbanisation and the nutrition transition: A comparison of diet and weight status of South African and Kenyan women. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. 2012; 40: 229–238. DOI: 10.1177/1403494812443605
• Mbithe Dorcus David, Judith Kimiywe and Judith Waudo (2012). Nutritional knowledge, attitude and practices and nutritional status of school-going children in Machakos District, Kenya. Nutrition and Food Sciences IACSIT Press. Singapore. 2012. Volume 39: 147-152
• Nelia P Steyn, Whadi-ah Parker, Johanna H Nel, Ayah Rosemary, Dorcus Mbithe (2012). The nutrition transition and adequacy of the diet of pregnant women in Kenya. Nutrition and Food Sciences IACSIT Press. Singapore.2012. Volume 39.137-141.
• Nelia P. Steyn, Johanna H. Nel, Whadi-Ah Parker, Rosemary Ayah & Dorcus Mbithe (2011). Dietary, social, and environmental determinants of obesity in Kenyan women. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. 2011; 39: 88–97
• Were GM, Ohiokpehai O, Okeyo-Owuor JB, Mbagaya GM, Kimiywe J, Mbithe D and M Okello (2010). Soybean (Glycine Max) complementation and the zinc status of HIV and AIDS affected children in Suba District, Kenya. AJFAND, African Journal of Food, Agriculture Nutrition Development. Volume 10. No. 3 ISSN: 16845374
• Omo Ohiokpehai, Dorcus Mbithe David and Joyce Kamau (2009). Serum zinc levels of school children affected by HIV/AIDS on a corn soy blend feeding trial in primary schools in Suba District, Kenya. Journal of Applied Biosciences Volume 17. 904-912
• Brenda King'olla, Omo Ohiokpehai and Dorcus Mbithe David (2009). The impact of a nutrition and health programme on the socio-economic status and food access of households in Suba district, Kenya. Journal of Applied Biosciences. 21.1226-1236.
• Omo Ohiokpehai, Dorcus Mbithe David & Joyce Kamau (2009). The effects of soybean (Glycine max) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) food mixtures on the nutritional status of school children in Suba District, Kenya. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, JFAE.Vol.7 (2) 59-63.
• Gertrude M. Were, Omo Ohiokpehai, Grace M., J.B. Okeyo-Owuor, Joyce Kamau, Dorcus Mbithe, Judith Kimiywe (2008). Nutritional status and morbidity among HIV/AIDS affected children aged 6-9 years in Suba District, Kenya. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment (JFAE). Vol. 6 (2) 68-73.
• Dorcus Mbithe D, Judith Kimiywe, Judith Waudo and John A. Orodho (2008). Promotion of nutrition education interventions in rural and urban primary schools in Machakos District, Kenya. Journal of Applied Biosciences. 128 Volume 6 130-139
• Joyce Kamau, Omo Ohiokpehai, Judith Kimiywe, Lawrence Oteba, Dorcus Mbithe D, Gertrude Were & Brenda King’olla (2008). Effects of soybean (Glycine Max) supplementation on nutritional status of school children aged 6-9 years from HIV affected households in Suba District, Kenya. Journal of Applied Biosciences. Volume 4. 94-102
• Judith Kimiywe, Judith waudo, Dorcus Mbithe D., and Patrick Maundu (2007). Utilization and medicinal value of indigenous leafy vegetables consumed in urban and peri-urban Nairobi. African Journal of Food, Agriculture Nutrition Development AJFAND. Volume 7 No. 4. ISSN 1684-5374
• Omo Ohiokpehai, Judith Kimiywe J. Chianu D. Mbithe and N Sanginga (2007). Socioeconomic and demographic profiles of households with children aged 6-59 months, Mbita Division, Suba District Kenya. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment–JFAE. Vol. 5. (2)45-49.

• Book Title: Food Safety, from Farm to Fork: Emerging and Re-emerging Issues (2020) Cambridge
• Scholars Publishing. Chapter Two: Understanding the Livelihood Challenges of Food Vendors in Three Markets in Selected Informal Settlements in Nairobi County: A Crisis or Opportunity? Christine Njuguna, Dorcus Mbithe D. Kigaru and Patrick Kamande
• Dorcus Mbithe and others. 2011. Book Title – Innovations as Key to the Green Revolution in Africa. Chapter Title – Enhancing Agricultural Production Potential through Good Nutrition and Health: The Case of Suba District, Kenya. Springer Sciences + Business Media B.V 2011
• Republic of Kenya/Dorcus Mbithe (List of contributors, page iv) (2017). A Facilitators’ Guide on Adolescence Nutrition: Nutrition Education and Weekly Iron and folic Acid Supplementation for Adolescents in Kenya. Nairobi, Kenya

• https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6663-5285