JKUAT Excels at National Medical Laboratory Science Conference - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Erick Kateti the 4th year Medical Lab Student who emerged overall best presenter*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) emerged as a top performer at the 30th Association of Kenya Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers (AKMLSO) Scientific Annual Conference, held at PrideInn Paradise, Mombasa, from October 14 to 17, 2025.

The University produced both the Best Overall Student Presenter and the Best Institutional Research Team.

Eric Kateeti, a fourth-year MLS student, was named the Best Student Presenter, earning the Scientific Microscope Award for his innovative project on integrating Artificial Intelligence in medicine through smart pill adoption to promote adherence to medication for conditions such as Tuberculosis and HIV.

Additionally, the JKUAT Laboratory Students Association (JKULSA) Research Club (JKULREC) clinched the Best

*Ms. Joyce Gachoki Matron JKULSA and Lecturer Department of Medical Lab Science*

Institutional Research Team award for their outstanding project exploring the use of blue light as an innovative, drug-free method to eradicate harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, thereby reducing reliance on antibiotics.

At a time when antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing global health threat, the project offers a safe, affordable, and sustainable disinfection solution with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, schools, and households, and also inspires young scientists to develop creative, home-grown solutions that make communities safer, healthier, and more self-reliant.

While congratulating the nine students on this exceptional achievement—which also featured a project by Phanuel Sunday—the Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences, Prof. Johnson Kinyua, and the Chairman, Department of MLS, Dr. Amos Mbugua, commended the students for the stellar performance and their supervisors, Ms. Joyce Gachoki (Matron, JKULSA) and Ms. Hellen Saisi, (both from MLS) for their mentorship and commitment to nurturing innovation and research excellence among the students.

Over the years, students from the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) program, domiciled at the College of Health Sciences (COHES), have maintained a winning streak in competitions anchored on innovation, excellence, and leadership in Medical Laboratory Sciences research.