16 KEMRI Graduate School Graduands Honoured at the 46^th JKUAT-KEMRI Joint Graduation Ceremony

The KEMRI Graduate School proudly celebrates its new graduands who were conferred with postgraduate degrees during the 46^th Graduation Ceremony of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), marking another milestone in its commitment to postgraduate training and capacity building in health and medical research.

The sixteen (16) graduands, comprising eight (8) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)  and eight (8) Master’s students all specializing in diverse fields  The sixteen (16) graduands  were among the 5,035 graduands were conferred with their respective academic qualifications at JKUAT’s Graduation Square on Friday, 14^th August 2026. The ceremony, graced by the Principal Secretary, State Department for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria representing the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Ogamba, underscored the longstanding KEMRI-JKUAT collaboration in developing the next generation of research and health leaders.

The event provided an ideal platform for seasoned scholars, industry leaders, and policy makers to emphasize the importance of translating research and knowledge into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

During the rehearsal and graduation ceremonies, which were attended by KEMRI Graduate School staff and faculty, including Dr. Joseph Mutai, representing the Director General and Vice Chancellor, KEMRI University; Dr. Elizabeth Matey, representing the Acting Director, Research and Capacity Building, Dr. Martin Bundi; Dr. Raphael Lihana-Biomedical Programme Coordinator; Dr. Mariciannah Onono-Principal Clinical Research Scientist; and Dr. Willy Sang, Principal Research Scientist, the officials congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to remain committed to conducting impactful research that addresses community needs.

“Your graduation is not the end of your learning journey, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to use the knowledge and skills you have gained to address real challenges facing our communities,” Dr. Muoria said.

The emphasis on community-driven research reflects the KEMRI Graduate School’s commitment to developing researchers who can translate scientific knowledge into practical, community-responsive solutions that improve health.

The KEMRI graduates at the 46^th Congregation are as follows:

PhD Graduates

• Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology: Dr. Daniel Mwendwa Muvengei, and Dr. Joan Chelang’at Soi
• Doctor of Philosophy in International Health: Dr. Egla Chepkorir
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health: Dr. Sophia Muthoni Ngugi, Dr. Raymond Kiprop Sudoi, Dr. Silas Lodeke, and Dr. Jackson Githinji Muriithi
• Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Parasitology And Entomology: Dr. Hellen Syombwii Koka

Master’s Graduates

• Master of Science in Molecular Medicine: Ms. Sarah Bosibori Atambo, Ms. Maurine Mumo Mutua, Ms. Noel Adhiambo Oduor, and Ms. Anne Sein Saitoti
• Master of Science in Medical Microbiology:Mr. Briton Matata Kavulavu
• Master of Science in Public Health: Mr. George Gichuki Muthui
• Master of Science in Epidemiology: Ms. Rehema Mwachuo Omar
• Master of Science in Parasitology and Entomology: Ms. Mercy Owendy Achulu

KEMRI congratulates all the graduands on this remarkable achievement and wishes them continued success as they embark on the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys.