Prof. Mugendi is a renowned scholar, researcher, consultant and higher education leader. He has made significant contributions in the area of agro-ecosystems research and management as well as the development of University education in Kenya. He is currently the Principal of Embu University College - a constituent college of the University of Nairobi. He is the Chairman of Board of Trustees of Kenya Forestry Research Institute ("KEFRI"). He has previously served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Finance, Planning and Development at Kenyatta University and also as the Dean of the School of Environmental Studies and Human Sciences. Prof. Mugendi holds a BSc. from Moi University, MSc. From University of Nairobi and a PhD from University of Florida.