Dr. Johnmark Obura is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Accounting and Finance in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship; and Currently the Head of Research, Innovation, Training and Extension at Bomet University College. He Holds a PhD in Business Administration (Finance) from Maseno University, Master of Business Administration (Finance), Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science; all from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. His research interests are in Quantitative Finance, Quantitative Analysis, Business Statistics and Research; and Business Information Systems. Dr. Obura is a Certified Public Secretary (CS-K). He is a member Kenya National Statistical Society (KNSS). He has previously served as a Chairman of Department of Management Science at Maseno University for over five years where he served as a Lecturer for 10 years. He has supervised a number of postgraduate students and has published in a number of International Refereed Journals. Dr. Obura Headed the Rapporteur Team to DIES Dialogue Event Coordinated and Hosted on a blended platform by Bomet University College (a Costituent College of Moi University) in Collaboration with German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Inter University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) through Webinar Series. Moreover, he was In-charge of Secretariat to the 1 st and 2 nd Bomet University College International Conferences. Dr. Obura has been involved in a number of funded research projects including DAAD- DIES 2022 NMT Micro-fund Project on Innovative Pedagogies and Quality Assurance in Online and Blended Learning in Universities/Higher Education amidst Coronavirus(COVID-19) Pandemic

Gwendolyn Machira is an Education Management and Research Professional serving in the Department of Research, Innovation, Training, and Extension (RITE) as a Research Assistant. She has broad experience in research coordination, education administration, and institutional development, complemented by leadership training from the Kenya School of Government. At Bomet University, Gwendolyn strengthens research capacity supporting innovation initiatives and promoting sustainable education practices within higher education institutions. She has actively participated in academic conferences where she has presented research papers and engaged in scholarly exchanges that promote knowledge sharing and collaboration. She has also attended various research trainings aimed at enhancing research methodologies, academic writing, and project implementation skills. With a background in teaching, she integrates practical experience into research and institutional programs, supporting evidence-based decision-making and collaborative academic initiatives. Her work enhances the University’s research profile, fostering innovation and strengthening institutional impact through research, partnerships, continuous professional development, and ensuring that its programs deliver real value to students, staff, and the wider community. Email: gwmachira@bu.ac.ke