My background is in Medical Science, with a specialization in Microbiology at the PhD level. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and an MSc in Biotechnology. I work at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) as an Assistant Principal Research Scientist and the Acting Director of the Directorate of Research Capacity Building. Additionally, I am a visiting scientist at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University and a Postdoctoral Fellow, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh.
In my management roles, I offer oversight and coordination of the capacity-building directorate and provide strategic leadership in the development and delivery of capacity-building initiatives at KEMRI Graduate School.
My research interests have focused mainly on characterizing food-borne pathogens and enteric bacteria associated with diarrheal disease in Kenya, identifying comprehensive approaches for the early detection of potential TB patients in the community, infection prevention and control, healthcare- associated infections, and capacity building in biosafety and biosecurity. Over the last 16 years, I have conducted research on acute enteric disease pathogens of public health importance, utilizing molecular and phenotypic methods to understand their ecology, pathogenic mechanisms, and antimicrobial resistance. Some of the pathogens I have studied include Vibrio cholerae, E. coli, and rotavirus.
I am a certified Biosafety Professional and a Global Biosafety mentor in Biorisk Management and Biosecurity by the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA). Since 2010, I have supported KEMRI in training new BSL-3 laboratory users, conducting biosecurity and biosafety trainings, and collaborating with the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC) in developing a training curriculum on Laboratory Leadership. I have also worked with Health Security Partners (HSP) to enhance cyberbiosecurity capacities across the Africa region. Currently, I serve as the President of the African Biological Safety Association (AfBSA), having previously served as a Council member representing the Eastern Africa region.
