By CTW Team
USIU-Africa delivers world-class education through a globally relevant curriculum and innovative teaching & learning methods that prepare our students for an interconnected world. Dr. Gabriel Otieno Okello, an Assistant Professor of Statistics and Data Science in the School of Science and Technology, has been at the forefront of coordinating and promoting several programs that have gained recognition in Kenya and beyond. He is the Coordinator of the Data Science Programs (Bachelor’s and Master’s) as well as the founder of the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics program at the university, one of the pioneering data science programs in Kenya. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and advancing the discipline of data science within the region.
Dr. Okello is a distinguished scholar, senior data scientist, and statistician with more than 15 years of experience in multidisciplinary research, statistical consultancy, and data science practice. He holds several leadership roles, including serving as Acting Dean of the School of Science and Technology and Chair of the Department of Data Science and Analytics. In addition to these responsibilities, Dr. Okello is pursuing a second PhD, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.
His research interests span Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Data Analytics, Mathematical Modelling, and Multidisciplinary Research. He has actively participated in numerous international and local conferences and has published extensively in refereed journals, contributing to the global body of knowledge in these fields.
As a mentor and supervisor, Dr. Okello has guided more than 15 Master’s and PhD students, fostering the next generation of scholars and professionals in data science and statistics. His dedication to teaching and mentorship reflects his passion for nurturing talent and advancing research capacity in Africa.
Among his notable achievements are the publication of two university-level textbooks: Statistical Methods Using SPSS (1st Edition): https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003386636, published by Chapman & Hall/CRC, and Simplified Business Statistics Using SPSS (1st Edition): https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003292654, also with Chapman & Hall/CRC. These works have become valuable resources for students and practitioners alike. He is currently authoring two additional books, Introduction to Data Science and Analytics and Algebra for Data Science, which are expected to further enrich the academic literature in his field.
Dr. Okello’s career exemplifies a rare blend of scholarship, innovation, and leadership. His contributions to academia, research, and program development continue to shape the landscape of data science education and practice in Kenya and beyond.
