The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) held a 5-day training on Molecular Techniques, Bioinformatics, Flow Cytometry and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Diagnostic Research and Innovation.
The workshop, supported by Excella Biotechnologies Limited, commenced on February 23, 2026 with the aim to bridge the gap between class theory and practical field application of techniques that can be useful in managing drug resistance.
The training sessions were conducted by field experts from JKUAT and Excella through practical sessions which, included laboratory illustrations to help professionals anticipate unlikely transmissions of infectious diseases and tackle drug resistance in diseases like cancer.
“Molecular biology is helping to tackle the growing problem of drug resistance by studying mutations that make medicine ineffective,” Dr. Kevin Mbogo said.
The workshop was opened by the Chairman of Department MLS, Dr Amos Mbugua, who highlighted the importance of such forums in improving health systems. He urged the trainees to use the workshop to build networks that will facilitate future collaboration in research.
“The problems faced in low middle-income countries are an opportunity to work together to find solutions but as we all know rapport must precede requests,” he said.
The trainees were welcomed by the Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences (SOBS), Prof. Johnson Kinyua who urged them to utilize their training to improve health systems in their respective countries. The Dean also commended his team for organizing continuous training workshops meant to improve the health sector.
“My time studying the TseTse fly inspired me to pioneer the Masters in Molecular Biology in JKUAT. Now as beneficiaries of this training, it is upon you to go out and improve the standards of living in your home countries,” he said.
The official event partners Excella Biotechnolgies Limited shared their expertise during the training, instructing trainees in both theory and practical sessions in the laboratory.
Addressing the workshop Excella CEO Linda Muringo, stated that their mission is to simplify market entry for researchers and supplement existing curriculum to better tackle emerging threats.
“We hope to bridge the gap for students and industrial needs especially where the curriculum does not change fast enough like in the cross-border screening of infectious diseases,” she said.
During the workshop, trainees were given a walkthrough of modern medical databases, which facilitate rapid diagnosis and identify mutations. These health databases host valuable data useful to identify new viruses like SARS COV and help monitor mutations essential to understanding drug resistance. The trainees were also taken through platforms like BLAST, MEGA, Py RX, Chimera X and Biovia. All crucial in rapid diagnosis and tackling drug resistance.
The trainees conducted practical processes in the laboratory like Extraction of RNA from Plasma and Apmlification. They relished the chance to combine class theory with practical application.
Speaking on his experience during the training, Isaiah Mugambi, a trainee said, “I have been able to bridge the theory I learnt in class with practical application. I have acquired skills in molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence. I look forward to attending more sessions.”
Lilian Mwisati, a microbiologist, made some observations during a session on molecular docking on cancer targets. “This training will help us at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral hospital, as we are in the process of establishing a research lab. Oncology is especially crucial in our hospital.”
The workshop brought together a diverse pool of post graduate students and professionals from Egypt, Kenya, Mali, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan. They shared a background in molecular biology working and studying in various fields such as Research, Infectious diseases, cancer diagnostic, microbiology, mathematics and biology.
The event concluded on February, 27 2026 with a joint call by MLS Chairman, Dr Amos Mbugua and Excella CEO Linda Muringo to increase collaboration between the academia and the industry in order to do fit for purpose research.
The trainers included; Dr Kevin Mbogo, Prof. Mutinda Kyama, Christine Kalekye, Millicent Ogutu, Patrick Koech, Eudia Kimei, Dr. Peter Karanja, Dr James Komu, Dr. Nderu, Hellen Saisi, Nahashon Ngao, Dr Amel Elbasyouni, Peterson Macharia, Jackan Moshe and Dr. Damaris Katutsu.
