Profile details
Prof. Samuel Mwituria Maina, PhD, IDr OGW, is a professor of industrial design at Department of Art & Design, Faculty of The Built Environment and Design of The University of Nairobi's. He holds a PhD in Industrial/Product Design from UoN and has taught across all academic levels since the early 1990s. With over 80 publications in academic journals, his research spans ergonomics, sustainable design, eco‑ethics, and material innovation in glass, ceramics, and waste recycling. He is also the author of several textbooks on design practice and methods, and contributes to design-related consultancies and exhibitions.
Professional Member of:
Association of Designers of Kenya (ADKE)
Association of Handweavers & Spinners of Kenya
Design Society of Kenya (DSK)
Research Interests
Prof. Samuel Mwituria Maina's research interests focus on:
- Ergonomics and Human Factors in Design – optimizing design for human use, safety, and comfort
- Sustainable and Eco-Design – creating environmentally responsible products and systems
- Eco-Ethics – integrating ethical considerations into sustainable design practices
- Material Innovation – exploring traditional and modern materials such as glass, ceramics, leather, and recycled waste
- Inclusive Design – developing solutions that cater to diverse user needs and abilities
- Design Theory and Methodology – advancing research frameworks and teaching tools for design practice
Books By Me
1. A Prehistoric People THE CENTRAL Kikuyu Before 1970
2. Introduction to Ergonomics; Fitting Tools, Man & Work
3. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods Simplified
4. Communication Skills, Edition for College and University Students
5. Integration of an Eco-Ethical Strategy into Product Life Cycle
6. Design Materials and Processes Volume 1
7. Design Materials and Processes Volume 2
8. Design Materials and Processes Volume 3
9. Design Materials and Processes Volume 4
10. Design Materials and Processes Volume 5
11. Design Materials and Processes Volume 6
12. The Language of Design
Internationally Published Research Papers
Qualitative and Quantitative research methods simplified, SM Maina PhD: ISBN 9966-7188-8 Frajopa Printers and Publishers Mall, Nairobi, Kenya (10 …70*2012
Co-Design: Tools, Methods and Techniques for Designing with Users, JA Akach, L Osanjo, S Maina, Africa Habitat Review 9, 2021
Social-Cultural Impact of Bead work in East Africa: the Nexus between the Dinka, Samburu & Masaai Ethnicities, SMMPD Mercy Mwihaki Nguru, International Journal of Innovative Research & Development 9 (7), 87-94, 6, 2020
Waste Minimization Strategy for Sustainable Interior Design, DSMMCM Mike Kemboi Chesaro, Africa Habitat Review Journal 14 (2), 1831-1841, 3*, 2020
COCONUT SHELL FLOORING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN KENYA, OGW AMREEN NAZIR, Samuel MMwituria Maina PhD, IDr, AFRICA DESIGN REVIEW JOURNAL 5 (1), 33-46, 2024
Enhancing Childrens Health Lifestyle through Desirable Durable Toys, SM Maina, ADRJ, 2019
Afrofuturism and its influence in raising contemporary East African designers to the world stage, TN Lubano, SM Maina, Africa Design Review Journal, 2022
The Role of Design in The Circular Design Economy In East Africa, AW Nazir, SM Maina, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (2), 105-117, 2022
Use of Sustainable Non-Contemporary Materials by East African Multi-Disciplinary Artists: Case of Sanaa Gateja, Evans Ngure and Samson Ssenkaaba, SMMPD Mercy Mwihaki Nguru, International Journal of Innovative Research & Development 9 (11), 140 - 148, 2020
Adoption of swahili iconography in hotel interior design to promote competitive advantage: a case of hotels in south coast of Mombasa, EW Muchika, University of Nairobi, 2017
FROM MYTHS TO MORPHOLOGY: POTENTIALS OF LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL TRACES OF EGYPT IN KIKUYU SOCIETY, KI Emmanuel Kariuki* & Prof. Samuel Mwituria Maina, International Journal of Research in Education Humanities and Commerce 6 (04 …2025
An Assessment of the Application of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Approach in Government-funded Projects: a Case Study of the Women Enterprise Fund in Mathioya Sub …, BN Maina, University of Nairobi, 2023
“Human Centered Design and Community Based Conservation in Kenya.”, S. M. Maina Ruth Mwangi, UGANDA DESIGN SUMMIT 2023 (Kyambogo University) “Weaving an African Design …023
FRUGAL INNOVATIONS/LOW TECH DESIGN: REDEFINING DESIGN FOR SOCIAL IMPACT, Samuel Mwituria Maina PhD: ASSOCIATION OF DESIGNERS OF KENYA ANNUAL DESIGNERS CONFERENCE ON 13TH – 15TH …2023
PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH (PAR) FOR COMMUNITY BASED CONSERVATION IN KENYA. MM Ruth Mwangi, Samuel M Maina, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (4), 481-496, 2023
Towards a Co-design Framework for Sustainable CBTEs in Homabay County J Akach, Samuel Maina, AFRICA HABITAT REVIEW 17 (1), 2509-2519, 2022
Human centered approach to community based conservation in Mbirikani, Kenya, M Ruth, Mwituria Maina, Design for all journal of India 17 (9), 101 - 116, 2022
Blankspace: Learning From an Animation Studio That Thrives Through Collaboration, TN Lubano, SM Maina, Africa Design Review Journal, 2022
Influences of 3D Animation on Kenyan Media and Advertising Led by an Analysis of Michael Muthiga’s Works, SW Gichina, SM Maina, JO Mosomi, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (2), 154-165, 2022
Impact of Social Media on Educating East African Designers, AW Nazir, SM Maina, Africa Design Review Journal, 2022
Impact of Multimedia Artist Syowia Kyambi on The Exposure Of African Socio-Economic, Cultural and Political Themes, AA Odundo, SM Maina, JM Ogake, Africa Design Review Journal, 2022
A Prehistoric People THE CENTRAL KIKUYU Before 1970, Maina, Dr Samuel Mwituria PhD, IDr, OGW, 2022
CONTEXTUALIZING CULTURAL SCULPTURE INTO PUBLIC SPACES FOR ALL, SM Maina PhD, Design For All Journal of India 16 (1), 147 - 182, 2021
HAIR THEN, HAIR NOW: AFRICAN STYLING BECOMING LEISURE FOR ALL, CKK Samuel Mwituria Maina PhD, Design For All Journal of India 16 (1), 112 - 146, 2021
RELATIVITY OF INDIGENOUS EAST AFRICAN DESIGN CHAMPIONS: JACQUE NJERI, MARC VAN RAMPELBERG AND WAMBUI KAMIRU COLLYMORE, SMM Nyakiige Ndugu, Design For All Journal of India 16 (1), 75 -111, 2021
TRANSITIONAL ITINERARY OF VERNACULAR BASKETRY IN EAST AFRICA, S. M.Maina Sonia Omindi, Design For All Journal of India 16 (1), 41 - 74, 2021
STRUCTURE OF DESIGN FIRMS WITHIN NAIROBI: CASE STUDY OF A+ PLUS INTERIORS, AVOCADO CREATIVE STUDIOS AND DALBERG DESIGN, S.M.Maina, Alex Kemboi, Daniel Munyaga, Arisi Mounde, Design For All Journal of India 16 (1), 12 - 40, 2021
From Vernacular to Modern: Transitioning East African Traditional House Design to Contemporary
MWW, S.M, Maina PhD, Africa Habitat Review Journal 14 (3), 2081 - 2093, 2021
Co-Design: Catalyst for Inclusion in the Design Process, JA Akach, L Osanjo, S Maina, Machakos University Press, 2021
Flexibility of Interior Spaces for Low Cost Housing in Kenya-A Case Study of the Kibera Soweto East Housing Project in Nairobi, Kenya, GW Njeru, S Maina, M Munene, MksU Press, 2021
Towards Adaptive Standards for Multi-Purpose Interior Design in Low-Cost Housing Projects in Kenya, MM Samuel Mwituria Maina, Grace Wawira, Africa Habitat Review Journal 14 (3), 2020
Women’s socio-economic empowerment and environmental wildlife conservation, RWM Dr Samuel Mwituria Maina, THE AWSC THIRD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE STATUS OF AFRICAN …2020
Ontology of Vernacular Interior and Exterior House Decorations in East Africa, SMM Sonia Omindi, International Journal of Innovative Research & Development 9 (8), 32 - 41, 2020
Design Materials and Processes Vol 6, SM Maina PhD, ISBN 978-620-2-68240=4 6, 309, 2020
Graffiti Artists in East Africa, IWRSM Maina PhD, Africa Habitat Review Journal 14 (2), 1869-1885, 2020
Towards adaptive standards for multi-purpose interior design in low-cost housing projects in Kenya
SM Maina, M Munene, GW Njeru, Africa Habitat, 2020
Traditional Jewellery Of Agîkûyû of Central Kenya: Material And Use, J Kamuiru, SM Maina, ADRJ, 2019
Perception of Visual Semiotics in Cartoon Character Design for Advertising, FO Odundo, SM Maina, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (1), 61-81, 2019
FLEXIBILITY OF INTERIOR SPACES FOR LOW COST HOUSING IN KENYA A case study of The Kibera Soweto East Housing Project in Nairobi, Kenya, MMPD Njeru Grace Wawira, Samuel Mwituria, Maina PhD, School of the Arts & Design, University of Nairobi, 2019
Mainstreaming adaptive standards for multi-purpose interior design in low-cost housing projects: a case study of the kibera Soweto east housing project in Kenya, MM Njeru Grace Wawira, Samuel Mwituria Maina, International Journal of Innovative Research & Development 8 (Issue 10), 315-239, 2019
Traditional Jewellery of Agikuyu of Central Kenya: Materials and Use, Kamuiru Julia, S. M. Maina, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (1), 124-160, 2019
Inclusive Paradigm Integrating Innovation to Industrialising Economies, M Ambole, Samuel M Maina, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (1), 115-122, 2019
Design-led Innovation for Improved Manufacturing: A Case of Paints Manufacturing Companies in Nairobi, O Mukhwana, Maina, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (1), 87-95, 2019
Matatu Design Culture: An Iconographic Analysis, MG Ashivende, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (1), 74 - 86, 2019
An Evaluation of Interior Styles in the Serviced Apartment Sector In Nairobi
MG Mundia, Samuel Maina, Makunda, Africa Design Review JOurnal 1 (1), 54 -73, 2019
Enhancing Children's Health Lifestyle Through Desirable Durable Toys, Samuel M Maina, Francesca Odundo, Africa Design Review Journal 1 (Issue 1), 26 - 53, 2019
Design Materials and Processes Vol 5, SM Maina PhD, 978-6200437891 5, 181, 2019
How to write a Good Proposal, (Book) S Maina PhD, ISBN 9966-7188-4-2, 2019
Stress as a hindrance to productivity in the healthcare work place in Kenya; The Karoshi Effect, SM Maina PhD, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) ERGONOMIC PRINCIPLES OF WORKLOAD ANALYSIS …2019
CAREGIVERS AS AIDS TO PEOPLE WITH VISUAL MOBILITY DISABILITY IN INTERIOR SPACES IN KENYA., M MICHAEL, SM MAINA, Africa Habitat Journal, 2019
Looking at Traditional use of Leather as Dress in Kenya: A Case Study of Keiyo Traditional Clothing, SM Maina, Africa Habitat Review Journal 12 (2), 1391-1399, 2018
Interior Design Strategies for Acomodating the Visually Impared in Commercial Banking Services in Nairobi, Kenya, MA Munene, S. M. Maina,Africa Habitat Review 12 (2), 1367-1378, 2018
Consumer Response to Design Elements on Packaging in Nairobi, FO Okwiri, SM Maina, P, Chepkuto, L Masibo, Creativity and Innovation Journal, Vol. 10, 2308 – 2319. 10, 2018
Design Materials and Processes Vol 4, (Book) SM Maina PhD, ISBN 978-613-9-89761-2 4, 370, Frajopa Printers and Publishers Mall, Nairobi, Kenya (10 Feb. 2018) 4, 4132018
The Role of Education Institutions in Nurturing Evolution of Design-Led Innovation, OM Wanakuta, S. M. Maina, Africa Habitat Review 12 (2), 1351-1358, 2018
2Infusing Design In The Jua Kali (Informal Sector) Production Processes, S. M. Maina Samuel M.., Rukwaro Robert W.,Onyango, IOSR Journal 22 (3 (Version - 2)), 69, 2017
The Language of Design, (Book) SM Maina PhD, ASIN: B0767DMR1G Printers and Publishers Mall, Nairobi, Kenya (10 Feb. 2018), 2017
Design Materials and Processes VOL 3, (BOOK) SM Maina, ISNB 978-620-2-06867-3 3, 307, 2017
Design Materials and Processes VOL 2, DR. S.M. Maina PhD, Frajopa Printers and Publishers Mall, Nairobi, Kenya (10 Feb. 2018) ISBN 978 …2017
Design Materials and processes VOL 1, Samuel Mwituria Maina, ISBN 978-620-2-00534-0 Frajopa Printers and Publishers Mall, Nairobi, Kenya …2017
AN AMALGAMATION OF KENYAN CULTURES TO CREATE EMOTIONAL DURABLE PRODUCTS. S Maina, University of Nairobi, 2015
Looking, Learning & Seeing: the role of design in developing exhibition and display in Nairobi, SM Maina, G Gatere, Africa Habitat Review 9 (9), 2015
Synthesis of the" eco" and product design, SM Maina, Design for all of india 10, 2015
THE ROLE OF DESIGN IN DEVELOPING EXHIBITION AND DISPLAY FOR MUSEUMS IN KENYA, GN GATERE, Prof. S.M. MAINA, Africa Habitat Journal, 2014
Mainstreaming Indigeneous natural Fibres foe Eco-Friendly African Product Design in Kenya: A case study of (mugio) triumphetta macrophylla fibre, SM Maina, WM Gachigi, Africa Habitat Review, Journal of the School of the Built Environment …2014
communication Skills, Edition for University and College Students, (Book) S.M. Maina, ISBN 996-7188-3-6 Frajopa Printers and Publishers Mall, Nairobi, Kenya (10 …2014)
Development of Disgust, Effects of Delay in Re-delopment of Occupied Buildings: A Case Study of ADD Building, S.M. Maina, University of Nairobi, 2013
Integration of an Eco-ethical strategy into product life cycle in Nairobi S.M. Maina, University of Nairobi, Kenya, 2011
Alleviating Gaia’s Poly-mess; An Archetypical Eco-Ethical Product Design Outlook, SM Maina, Africa Habitat Review, Journal of The School of The Built Environment 5 (5), 2011
Adopting a new Eco-Ethical Philosophy of Living; The Diminishing Options for Nairobi and Humanity, S.M. Maina, W Olima, T Anyamba, Africa Habitat Review 4 (4), 2010
An exploration into the creative potentials of glass using various kiln and decorative techniques to produce items for interior and exterior spaces, (Thesis) S. Maina, 2006
Recycling: Innovative Breakthrough Saving The Environment, Lives And Money, (Project Paper) SM Maina, 2006
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