Lecturer

Dr.David Omolo Odera

Computing and Informatics

Professional biography

Dr. David Omolo Odera is a Computer Science Lecturer and researcher in the Department of Computing and Informatics at the Open University of Kenya, with over 14 years of experience in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, machine learning and enterprise systems. Dr. Odera holds a PhD in Information Technology Security and Audit and has a strong publication record, curriculum design expertise and experience in postgraduate supervision.

Dr. Odera has a proven ability to develop innovative undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, mentor students and lead AI strategy initiatives, and is an active researcher in federated learning, privacy-preserving computing and secure software development.

Research Interests

Distributed and Federated Learning
AI-Enabled IoT, Edge and Cloud Security Architecture
Privacy-Preserving Computing
Secure Software Development

Ongoing Research Projects

AI-Enabled IoT Architectures for Resilient Smart Manufacturing — Elsevier book chapter.

Academic matrix

Qualifications

PhD in Information Technology Security and Audit, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (2025)
MSc in Data Communications, KCA University, Nairobi (2014)
BSc in Computer Science, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (2008)

Core specialisations

Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Machine Learning
Federated Learning
Privacy-Preserving Computing
Secure Software Development

Selected peer-reviewed publications

Odera, D., & Nyangaresi, V. (2026, in press). Securing Federated Learning for EV Load Forecasting: A Benchmarking Study of HE and Robust Aggregation. Book chapter, CRC Press.
Odera, D., & Nyangaresi, V. (2026, in press). AI-Based Cybersecurity Management: Securing Digital Economy. Book chapter, CRC Press.
Odera, D., Agolla, J., & Agong', L. (2025). The formalisms of privacy leakage: Mathematical foundations of server-side inference attack strategies in federated learning. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.6.0925.3242
Odera, D., Agolla, J., & Agong', L. Proposed multi-metric defense framework against backdoor attacks in federated learning systems. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.6.0825.3012
Otieno, M., Odera, D., & Ounza, J. E. (2023). Theory and practice in secure software development lifecycle: A comprehensive survey. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews (WJARR). https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.18.3.0944
Odera, D., Otieno, M., & Ounza, J. E. (2023). Security risks in the software development lifecycle: A review. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences (WJAETS). https://doi.org/10.30574/wjaets.2023.8.2.0101
Odera, D., & Odiaga, G. (2023). A comparative analysis of RNN and SVM for SMS spam classification. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences (WJAETS). https://doi.org/10.30574/wjaets.2023.9.1.0142
Odera, D. (2023). Federated learning and differential privacy in clinical health: Extensive survey. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences (WJAETS). https://doi.org/10.30574/wjaets.2023.8.2.0113
Odera, D. (2023). A survey on techniques, methods and security approaches in big data healthcare. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances (GJETA). https://doi.org/10.30574/gjeta.2023.14.2.0035