The Department of Chemistry at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted a one-week Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) workshop from August 11–15, 2025.
The training, supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) through the Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN), aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering participants valuable hands-on experience with the LC-MS instrument.
LC-MS is a powerful analytical technique that combines the separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with the sensitive detection and identification offered by mass spectrometry. Renowned for its sensitivity, selectivity, and ability to analyse a broad range of compounds, it is widely applied in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and clinical diagnostics, particularly for complex samples unsuitable for gas chromatography.
Eighteen participants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia were trained in key areas including method preparation, instrument servicing, and results interpretation.
Speaking during the official launch, JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, in remarks delivered by Prof. George Thiong’o, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), commended the participants for their enthusiasm and urged them to make the most of the training.
“Your presence here reflects the regional impact of this initiative and the growing network of chemical science professionals committed to addressing real-world challenges through analytical chemistry. I hope you will take full advantage of our facilitators’ expertise and build meaningful connections that lead to fruitful collaborations in the future,” noted Prof. Ngumi.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed gratitude to the RSC for their support and for selecting JKUAT as a regional LC-MS training hub.
PACN Executive Secretary (Kenyan Hub) based in Nairobi, Prof. Solomon Denese, thanked JKUAT and the Chemistry Department for hosting the workshop. He stressed the value of collaboration and urged participants to maintain the networks built during the training.
“The network formed here will be invaluable for future research. I encourage you to share feedback to guide future trainings,” Prof. Denese said.
Dean of the School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Prof. Antony Waititu, encouraged collaboration with sponsors and peers, and emphasized the importance of ethical practices in data handling.
“As chemical analysts, you must uphold professionalism, especially in data ethics. You often deal with sensitive data that must be protected,” Prof. Waititu emphasized.
One participant, Dr. George Kwesiga, Head of the Chemistry Department at Kabale University in Uganda, explained his motivation for attending.
“I am working on a research project on natural products and herbal medicine development. We need to identify active components, and LC-MS is the most preferred technique. Attending this workshop has given me a clear understanding of how it works,” Dr. Kwesiga said.
Dr. Kwesiga added that as a department head, he is able to share the knowledge with colleagues and ensure more members attend future sessions.
The workshop’s trainers included Prof. Antony Gachanja, Dr. Elijah Ngumba, and Ms. Josephine Ouma, all from JKUAT
