Prof. Mutinda Kyama has been elected Dean of the School of Biomedical Sciences (SOBMS) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). He will serve a two-year term following an election held on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The election was presided over by Acting Registrar (Academic Affairs), Mr. William Nyariki, who congratulated Prof. Kyama on his election and confirmed that the exercise was conducted successfully, transparently and in full compliance with the university’s electoral guidelines. He further commended the high level of professionalism the contenders displayed throughout the process.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Kyama thanked his colleagues for entrusting him with the Deanship and acknowledged the vigorous campaign put up by his opponent, Dr. Steven Reuben Geri Nyanjom.
Prof. Kyama reaffirmed his commitment to advancing biomedical education and innovation, pledging to build a dynamic, student-centred environment that produces graduates equipped not only with knowledge but also with the ability to solve real-world problems.
“I want to emphasize the need to continuously enhance curriculum relevance, promote student-centred learning, and ensure our graduates remain globally competitive and responsive to emerging scientific and healthcare needs. I also believe that entrepreneurship should be integrated into academic programs,” said Prof. Kyama.
He further expressed support for the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), noting that education must be aligned with workplace needs and market demands. He added that stronger alumni engagement would play a key role in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
On research and innovation, Prof. Kyama pledged to cultivate a vibrant research ecosystem that empowers both staff and students through mentorship, multidisciplinary collaborations, increased grant acquisition, and enhanced scholarly productivity. He further underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening the school’s visibility, expanding research opportunities, and increasing its impact on society.
Equally important to the new Dean is staff welfare, which he recognized as a foundation for academic excellence and student success. He pledged to foster a supportive, transparent, and inclusive working environment that values teamwork, professional development, fairness, staff motivation, gender equity, and participatory leadership.
Having previously served as Chair of Department, Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) at JKUAT from 2018 to 2022, Professor Kyama managed the department’s academic programs, maintained well-equipped training laboratories, and forged partnerships with hospitals and research institutions to benefit students.
Prof. Kyama holds a PhD in Molecular Cytopathology and Endometrial Biology from KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) in Belgium, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Nairobi.