Amir Kabunga

Assistant Lecturer, P.O. Box 342- 01000 Thika Tel. +254720201540 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Languages: English, Swahil, Arabic, Luganda, Lunyakitara
Bio-data
Amir Kabunga Counselling Psychologist/Project Consultant/ Educationist.Amir Kabunga is Ph.D. fellow at Egerton University and his thesis title is “Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Variations in Levels of Compassion Fatigue among Psychotherapists in Northern Uganda”. He obtained MA in Counselling Psychology from Mount Kenya University in 2013, Post Graduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Uganda Management Institute (UMI) and BA (Ed) from Makerere University in 2001.
Amir is a lead Trainer and Therapist in Individual and Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with trainings in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology. His research interests are Clinical depression, Burnout, Emotional Intelligence, Compassion Fatigue, Stress, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Human Sexuality, among others. Amir has published many papers in refereed journals and presented paper in Conference proceedings. He is an active Counselling Psychologist, Educationist and Researcher.
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PUBLICATIONS
1. WORK STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS: A CASE OF NORTHERN UGANDA
Citation: Kabunga A. & Muya F. K. (2014). Work stress and coping strategies among social workers: A Case of Northern Uganda. International Journal of Liberal Arts and Social Science, Vol. 2, (8) pp. 33-38
Abstract Social workers are exposed to potent stressors due to the nature of their work. The study examined work stress and coping strategies among social workers in Northern Uganda. The target population consisted of 353 social workers in Northern Uganda. Simple random sampling was employed to select 188 respondents. Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess the level of stress while researcher developed questionnaires captured both the contributing and mitigating factors. The findings established that majority of the respondents (91%) had high stress levels. Significant factors contributing to stress included finances, work demand, safety concerns, family and violence from the rebels. The most effective mitigating strategies for job stress included spirituality, planning, goal setting, time-management and positive thinking. It was recommended that stress reduction programs and strategies be implemented to mitigate work stress.
2. SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS AMONG MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS IN BUTABIKA AND MULAGO REFERRAL HOSPITALS IN UGANDA
Citation: Kabunga A., Muya F.K., Gitau E.W. & Njuguna J.M. (2014). Secondary Traumatic Stress among Mental Mental Health Practitioners in Butabitka and Mulago Referral Hospitals in Uganda. International Journal of Liberal Arts and Social Science, Vol. 2, (9) pp. 1-7
Abstract: Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) leaves the care-givers feeling depleted, confused, anxious and depressed. This research aimed at establishing the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among Mental Health Practitioners (MHPs) in Butabika and Mulago referral hospitals in Uganda. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 123 respondents. 61 respondents worked in Butabika hospital while 62 were from Mulago hospital. The study used a retrospective cohort study design. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and corresponding percentages while continuous variables were summarized as frequencies, means and standard deviations. Chi- square tests were used to check association between variables in the two cohorts (P-value =0.05). The study revealed that 27.9 % of the MHPs in Butabika hospital and 32.3% in Mulago hospital had STS. The study showed that some MHPs in both hospitals were fatigued and recommended psychological care services for them.
3.COMPASSION FATIGUE AMONG PRACTICING COUNSELLORS IN ELDORET MUNICIPALITY
Citation: Kabunga A., Adina J. & Disiye M. (2014). Compassion Fatigue among Counsellors: Burden of Caring. LAB Lambert, Academic publishers.
Abstract The manifestation of the effects of post traumatic stress disorder in traumatized individuals has been well documented. The management of the consequences of helping these primary victims of trauma is of key importance to counselling practitioners’ psychological, physical and emotional well-being. These ancillary effects, afflicting those not directly traumatized are often defined as secondary trauma or compassion fatigue. This research aimed at establishing the prevalence of compassion fatigue among practicing counsellors in Eldoret Municipality. The specific objectives were to establish the levels of compassion fatigue among practicing counsellors in Eldoret, to determine the relationship between the levels of compassion fatigue and counsellor performance at the workplace and the available strategies for the management of this phenomenon. The study was guided by psychoanalysis theory by Sigmund Freud. It provides insights to the concept that people are often unaware of the factors that determine their emotions and behaviour. The study therefore, explores how these unconscious factors affect current relationships and patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour. The target population consisted of 80 counsellors in Eldoret Municipality and a simple random sampling procedure to select a sample size of 67 counsellors was used for the study. The study adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. The survey’s validity and reliability was established through pre-test of the questionnaires during the pilot study. Data was collected through use of hybrid questionnaires and analysis of data involved descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies which were used in presentation of data by use of Tables and pie-charts. The findings of the study indicated that most practicing counsellors (52%) in Eldoret municipality had average compassion fatigue. The study found that respondents who had experienced a traumatic event in their lives, 12 (31%) had their duties affected by this traumatic event, while 27 (69%) did not have their job performance affected. It showed that the counsellors with average compassion fatigue have almost 4 times increased risk of having their performance affected compared to those with low compassion fatigue. The study recommended that counsellors and their employers must be adequately trained to recognise compassion fatigue. Counsellors must accept and embrace their vulnerability, as this may help them to adequately address the challenges they face when dealing with traumatized clients and seek support. They should be actively engaged in self-care practices that ensure their overall well-being.
Institute of Security studies,Justice & Ethics
The Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics was established on 9th November 2012 to address national, regional and international needs in the field of Security, Justice, Governance and Ethics within Africa and beyond. The Institute is committed to offering essential, practical skills geared towards attaining sustainable peace, security, justice and good governance. Its core services include teaching, training, workshops and conferences through collaboration and maintaining close relationships with other institutions both locally and internationally. The Institute is currently based at Nairobi campus.
The Institute’s concept goes beyond the classroom, syllabus oriented-learning to reach out and provide stimulation for self-development and capacity for life-long education. In line with the vision of Mount Kenya University, the Institute is committed to enhance innovation and Research, Strategic Partnerships, Academic and Outreach programs. It is in this vein, with the establishment of institute for capacity building, we are liaising particularly to venture in short courses and partnerships.
Vision To be a dynamic and leading Institute in Africa and beyond recognized for its contribution in the field of academia, research and partnerships.
Mission To offer dynamic, relevant and market driven courses that will contribute towards enhancing national, regional and global peace and security.
PROGRAMMES |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
DURATION & FEES |
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Management
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KCSE average grade of C+ or A diploma in a relevant area with at least C plain at KCSE.
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8 semesters (Regular) Ksh. 60,000 per semester
School based 8 sessions Ksh. 33,000 per session
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Bachelor of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (BA PS & CR)
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KCSE certificate with a minimum of C+ or above and grade C+ in relevant subjects. Or Diploma in relevant disciplines in the field of social sciences from an institution of higher learning recognized by the Mount Kenya University Senate with a C at KCSE.
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8 semesters (Regular) Ksh. 60,000 per semester
Distance Learning Ksh. 50,000 per semester
School based 8 sessions Ksh. 33,000 per session
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Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Security Studies (BA J & SS)
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A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with an average grade of C+ Or A diploma in a relevant area with at least C plain in KCSE.
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8 semesters (Regular) Ksh. 60,000 per semester
School based 8 sessions Ksh. 33,000 per session
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Diploma in Forensic Science |
KCSE mean grade C Or A certificate in a relevant area with at least C- in KCSE. |
4 trimesters Ksh. 20,550 per trimester |
Diploma in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolutions |
KCSE mean grade C Or A certificate in a relevant area with at least C- in KCSE. |
4 trimesters Ksh. 20,550 per trimester |
Diploma in Criminology and Security Management |
KCSE C (plain) Or KCE Div III Or A certificate in a relevant area with at least C- in KCSE. |
4 trimesters Ksh. 20,550 per trimester |
Certificate in Criminology and Security Management |
KCSE certificate with a minimum of grade C - or equivalent qualification recognized by University senate |
3 trimesters Ksh. 20,550 per trimester |
Certificate in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolutions |
KCSE certificate with a minimum of grade C- |
3 trimesters Ksh. 20,550 per trimester |
Functions of the Institute The Institute of Security Studies, Justice & Ethics will focus on four (4) thematic areas namely.
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Department of Social and Development Studies
PROGRAMMES |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
DURATION & FEES |
Bachelor of Social Work and Administration |
KCSE with a mean grade of C+ or its equivalent.Or Diploma in relevant disciplines from an institution of higher learning recognized by the University Senate and a minimum of C in KCSE. |
8 semesters Ksh. 60,000 per semester |
Bachelor of Development Studies
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KCSE or equivalent certificate with a minimum of C+ and grade C in English and any one Humanity subject (History/Religious Education/ Geography/Commerce. Or A diploma in a relevant area with at least C plain in KCSE. |
8 semesters Ksh. 60,000 per semester
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Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
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KCSE or equivalent certificate with a minimum of C+ and grade C in English and any one Humanity subject (History/Religious Education/ Geography/Commerce. Or similar grades in an equivalent examination approved by the university Senate in liaison with CHE. Or KACE or equivalent certificate with a minimum of the principles pass and O’ level credit in English language and any Humanity subject. Or any other requirement approved by the university Senate. |
8 semesters Ksh. 60,000 per semester
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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
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KCSE or equivalent certificate with a minimum of C+ and grade C in English and any one Humanity subject (History/Religious Education/Geography/Commerce. Or similar grades in an equivalent examination approved by the university Senate in liaison with CHE. Or KACE or equivalent certificate with a minimum of the principles pass and O’ level credit in English language and any Humanity subject. Or Diploma in relevant field of Development, Sociology and Social work from an institution recognized by the university Senate. |
8 semesters Ksh. 60,000 per semester
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Bachelor of Sociology and Development Studies
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KCSE or equivalent certificate with a minimum of C+ and grade C in English and any one Humanity subject (History/Religious Education/ Geography/Commerce. Or similar grades in an equivalent examination approved by the university Senate in liaison with CHE. Or KACE or equivalent certificate with a minimum of the principles pass and O’ level credit in English language and any Humanity subject. Or Diploma in relevant field of Development, Sociology and Social work from an institution recognized by the University Senate. |
8 semesters Ksh. 60,000 per semester
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Diploma in NGO Management
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Be a holder of aggregate grade of C in KCSE and grade C- in Mathematics and English. Or Be a holder of an accredited certificate with a credit pass that is recognized by the University Senate Or Be a holder of any other qualification accepted by the University Senate as equivalent to any of the above. |
4 trimester Ksh. 20,550 per semester
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Diploma in Community Development and Social Work |
Be a holder of aggregate grade of C in KCSE and grade C- in Mathematics and English. Or Be a holder of KCE certificate with a Division III in KCE with credit passes in mathematics and English |
4 trimester Ksh. 20,550 per semester |
Certificate in Community Development and Social Work |
Be holders of aggregate grade of C- in KCSE and grade C- in Mathematics and English. |
2 trimester Ksh. 20,550 per semester |
Certificate in Project Management |
KCSE certificate with a minimum of grade C - or equivalent qualification recognized by University Senate. |
2 trimester Ksh. 20,550 per semester |
Department of Journalism & Mass Communication
Our Department bring a wealth of skills in journalism and strategic communications to their interactions with students. This is complemented by their outstanding records of scholarly achievements, which has resulted in a program ranked among the most influential and esteemed in the field of communications.
PROGRAMMES |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
DURATION & FEES |
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Animation Studies (BFAS) |
A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with an average grade of C+ Or A diploma in a relevant area with at least C plain in KCSE |
8 semesters Ksh. 60,000 per semester |
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication |
KCSE with an average grade of C+ Or A diploma in a relevant area with at least C plain in KCSE. |
8 semesters Ksh. 60,000 per semester |
Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication |
KCSE aggregate grade of C and grade C- in Kiswahili and English |
4 trimesters Ksh. 22,550 per trimester |
Diploma in Film Production |
KCSE Mean grade of C and C plain in English & Kiswahili or KCSE with an average grade C- and certificate in film related area with a credit from a recognized institution. |
4 trimesters Ksh. 30,000 per trimester |
Diploma in Animation and Motion Graphics |
Mean grade of C and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and C Plain in both English and Kiswahili. Or KCSE average grade C- (C minus) and certificate in film related area with a credit from a recognised institution. |
4 trimesters Ksh. 50,000 per trimester |
Diploma in Public Relations & Diplomacy |
KCSE certificate with a minimum of grade C plain or equivalent qualification recognized by University Senate, and C Plain in both English & Kiswahili. Or KCSE an average grade C- and certificate in film related area with a credit from a recognised institution. |
4 trimesters Ksh. 22,550 per trimester |
Diploma in International Relations |
Mean grade of C and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) |
4 trimesters Ksh. 22,550 per trimester |
Certificate in Journalism and Mass Communication |
KCSE aggregate grade of C- and grade C- in Kiswahili and English |
2 trimesters Ksh. 22,550 per trimester |
Department of Kiswahili and other African Languages
PROGRAMMES |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
DURATION & FEES |
Bridging Certificate in Kiswahili |
KCSE mean grade C plain with a C plain in Kiswahili |
Ksh.30,000 per session/semester |
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