Dr. Winnie Rugutt is a Lecturer and Head of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Riara University, Kenya. She holds a PhD in International Studies from the University of Nairobi, a Master of Arts in International Relations, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the United States International University (USIU). Her academic and professional work focuses on Africa’s international relations, foreign policy, diplomacy, development cooperation, international political economy, and Africa’s engagement with major global powers.

Dr. Rugutt’s research explores how international partnerships, foreign development assistance, and competition among global powers shape Africa’s development trajectories. She has published on issues relating to development cooperation, industrialization, governance, security, and international relations.

Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Rugutt has held several academic leadership positions. She previously served as Director of the Africa Center for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at the University of Nairobi, where she led initiatives aimed at strengthening scholarly and policy engagement on Africa–U.S. relations. She has also served as Program Coordinator for academic programs at Kenya’s National Defence College and Joint Command and Staff College