Dr. Eddy Odari, an accomplished scholar in Medical Virology and a Senior Lecturer from the Department of Medical Microbiology JKUAT has been appointed as the Chairperson Technical Advisory Group, for the first-ever Kenya Health Security Convention (KHSC) 2026.
The convention, organized by Kenya’s National Public Health Institute (NPHI), will be held from 5th–7th May 2026 in Mombasa. It is expected to bring together over 1,200 delegates from diverse sectors and partner institutions to discuss the Kenya Health Security agenda and develop a policy framework to strengthen the country’s health security systems.
Running under the theme: “Advancing Health Security Through Science, Innovation, and Equity,” the convention will feature topics under various themes. These are: One Health approach and climate-sensitive health threats; Pandemic preparedness and response; Vector-borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases; Strengthening Public Health for Economic Development: Vaccine-preventable diseases, AMR, and IPC; Technological advancements in public health; as well as Public health interventions towards Universal Health Coverage.
These sessions will facilitate knowledge sharing, innovation, and strategic discussions among policymakers, scientists, public health professionals, security experts, healthcare practitioners, industry leaders, and other stakeholders, bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice in public health security.
Congratulating Dr. Odari on his appointment, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, said his selection highlights JKUAT’s growing role in national and global discussions on public health, disease surveillance, and pandemic preparedness.
“Dr. Odari’s contributions to health research and his experience building collaborations with academic and institutional partners both locally and internationally make him well suited for this role. His leadership of various academic teams, including his involvement in the Africa International Biomedical and Biotechnology Conferences in different capacities, has provided him with valuable experience for this appointment,” she said.
Prof. Ngumi added that the appointment also demonstrates JKUAT’s continued leadership in health research, innovation, and policy engagement at both national and international levels.
As Chairperson, Dr. Odari will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the convention, while overseeing key processes such as programme coordination and the quality assurance of submitted abstracts, among other responsibilities.
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Odari expressed both excitement and humility. “It is an honour to lead a distinguished group of experts drawn from diverse and influential sectors, including national government agencies, the One Health platform, the Council of Governors and county governments, academic and research institutions, the private sector, security agencies, and strategic partners of the Ministry of Health such as the World Health Organization, the U.S. and Africa Centres for Disease Control, among others,” he said.
He added that JKUAT’s active leadership in this important initiative demonstrates the strong trust the university (and particularly the College of Health Sciences) has earned from key national institutions such as the Kenya National Public Health Institute and the Ministry of Health.
“I look forward to the university contributing meaningfully across several thematic areas and playing a central role in developing the policy framework that will guide Kenya’s health security in the years ahead. I believe that this convention will further enhance the university’s visibility among national stakeholders and global partners, while strengthening the standing of the College of Health Sciences among its peers,” said Dr. Odari.