Prof. Balozi K. Bekuta is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Resource Management, Department of Forestry and Wood Science. He joined the University in 2008 as a lecturer when it was still part of Moi University. Prof. Balozi K. Bekuta holds a BSc. Forestry (Second Class Honours, Upper Division; Moi University, 1990); MSc. (Forestry Science – University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1996); Certificate of Proficiency (Forest Silviculture, Forest Management, and Forest Management Applications – University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1996), and an earned PhD. (Forestry Science – University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 2000) with over 30 years of work experience; 18 of which were in forest research (KEFRI) and 13 in the University and in total over 13 years in senior management positions.

Since joining the University, he has taught many courses in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. He has also supervised students at both undergraduate and Postgraduate levels and examined numerous master's and Ph.D. theses. He was Head of the Department of Forestry and Wood Science, at the University of Eldoret, for 5 years (2013–2018), during which he oversaw the transformation of the Department of Forestry and Wood Science from one with traditional approaches to forestry research and teaching to a modern Department which had embraced modern approaches to teaching and research and with modern equipment (soil laboratory, inventory and mensuration equipment and ICT with 2 computer labs, Laptops and LCDs). During this time, the Department acquired equipment to start E-learning using the Moodle platform in 2015. The Department also got accreditation from the Pest Control Products Board of Kenya (PCPB) to carry out testing of chemicals brought into the country for building and construction timber against termite attacks.

Before joining the University, he worked as a senior research Scientist with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) where he held various management positions one of which was the National Co-ordinator of a large bilateral National project for 5 years (2002 – 2007) for Natural Resource Conservation around the Arabuko-Sokoke forest, at the Coast. It was during this time that he honed his business management skills and together with communities initiated many successful IGU/IGAs to improve livelihoods. He has published widely in refereed International Journals, including 8 Book chapters, and presented at numerous National and International conferences. He took lead positions in several bilateral research projects and collaborated with the National (Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, University of Egerton, Vision Institute of Professionals, Pest Control Products Board) and International Institutions (e.g. the University of Eastern Finland, Niras in Finland, Better Globe Forestry – a subsidiary in Kenya, KU Leuven University in Belgium, Arba Minch University in Ethiopia). He has organized meetings with other Institutions and Organizations successfully (e.g. Garfon (Germany), University of Eastern Finland). He was part of the University of Eldoret team that successfully signed MoUs with partner organizations spelling out working relationships (i.e. KEFRI, KFS, University of Eastern Finland, and Better Globe Forestry). Through his leadership and linkages, the University hosted an International workshop sponsored by Garfon of Germany in 2013. The workshop brought International scholars from all over the world, thus increasing UoE’s networks and funding opportunities.

Prof. Balozi Bekuta has featured in local dailies on several issues on Forestry and Natural resource management and conservation locally (2007, 2016, 2017) and overseas (2004, 2005), including social and community issues of improving peoples’ livelihoods at the grassroots. He has appeared in discussions on National radio (Radio New Zealand, 1996, KBC radio) and Television (Prime TV – Christchurch, New Zealand, 2000), Citizen TV in Kenya (2016 and 2017) on Forestry management and research issues and innovations in forestry. He also led a team of students to the National Innovations exhibitions at Nairobi University (2015, 2016). He has a special interest in ICT and oversaw the development of 3 Forestry Apps (MtiCalc, Eucalyps, and Entventure) which are on the Google Play Store.

He is an active member of Professional Bodies (e.g. Forest Society of Kenya – FSK, Ecological Society of Eastern Africa – ESEA, and the Kenya Forest Working Group - KFWG). He is also a life member of the International Red Cross Society. He has attended ISO 9001–2008 and ISO 9001-2015 and Strategic Management and Fraud Detection and anti-corruption training.