BSc. Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)

Minimum Entry Requirement:

KCSE C+ (Plus) Mean grade. In addition, applicants must have the following alternative combinations of cluster subjects, at the minimum grades shown:

Alternative A Alternative B Biology	C+(plus)	Biological Sciences	B- (minus)
Chemistry	C+(plus)	Physical Sciences	B- (minus)
Mathematics/Physics	C+(plus)	English/Swahili	C+(plus)
English/Swahili	C+(plus)

Or Holders of K.A.C.E. with a minimum of 2 Principal passes in Biology and Chemistry

Mode of study: Full-time

Course duration: 4 (Four) academic years,

BSC. Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) (Upgrading Module)

Minimum Entry Requirement:

Applicants must have a Diploma/Higher National Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology from an Institution recognized by the University Senate.

In addition, the candidates MUST be registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB). Foreign-trained technologists must be registered with respective professional bodies in their respective countries of training.

NB: Part-time classes for upgrading module held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Mode of study: Full-time

Course duration: 3 (Three) academic years,

CODE & UNIT NAME OF UNITS OFFERED

1st Year 1st Semester

HRD 2101: Communication Skills

HRD 2102: Development Studies and Social Ethics

MLS 2100: Mathematics for Medical Sciences

MLS 2102: Physics for Medical Sciences

MLS 2104: Human Anatomy

MLS 2105: Human Physiology I

MLS 2111: Biochemistry I

SZL 2111: HIV/AIDS

1st Year 2nd Semester

MLS 2101: Chemistry for Medical sciences

MLS 2103: Medical Diagnostic Imaging Science

MLS 2106: Human Physiology II

MLS 2107: General Microbiology

MLS 2108: Principles of Organic Chemistry

MLS 2109: Experimental Animal Science

MLS 2110: Biomedical Analytical Techniques

MLS 2112: Biochemistry II

2nd Year 1st Semester 

MLS  2200:  Introduction to Computing

MLS  2202:  First Aid

MLS  2204:  Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy

MLS  2206:  General and Systemic Pathology

MLS  2207:  Clinical Haematology I

MLS  2209:  Principles of Immunology

2nd Year 2nd Semester

MLS  2200: General Parasitology

MLS  2203: Food and Water Microbiology

MLS  2205: Clinical Pharmacology

MLS  2208: Clinical Haematology II

MLS  2210: Immunological Techniques

MLS 2211: Human Nutrition, Dietetics & Nutritional Disorders

MLS  2212: Medical Laboratory Practical/Oral I

3rd Year 1st Semester

MLS 2300:  Clinical Chemistry I

MLS 2302:  Clinical Protozoology

MLS 2304:  Clinical Virology I

MLS 2306:  Clinical Cytology

MLS 2308:  Clinical Bacteriology

MLS  2310:  Principles of Blood Transfusion

MLS  2311:  Immunopathology

3rd Year 2nd Semester

MLS 2301: Clinical Chemistry II

MLS 2303: Clinical Helminthology

MLS 2305: Clinical Virology II

MLS 2307: Histopathology

MLS 2309: Clinical Mycology

MLS 2312: Biomedical Research Methodology

MLS 2313: Institutional Attachment

MLS 2314: Medical Laboratory Practical/Oral II

4th Year 1st Semester

HRD  2401:  Entrepreneurship Skills

MLS  2400:  Biomedical Research Project I

MLS  2402:  Medical Entomology

MLS  2404:  Medical Statistics

MLS  2406:  Medical Molecular Genetics

MLS  2408:  Health Systems Management

MLS  2410: Healthcare Ethics and Law

MLS  2412:  Clinical Laboratory Rotation

4th Year 2nd Semester

MLS 2401: Biomedical Research Project II

MLS 2403: Forensic Medicine

MLS 2405: Epidemiology

MLS 2407: Medical Biotechnology

MLS 2409: Health Economics

MLS 2411: Radionuclide Technology

MSC. Medical Laboratory Sciences

The Master of Medical Laboratory Sciences (MMLS) degree allows a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (BSc MLS) graduate to pursue a full-time research option, possibly leading on to a PhD.

These postgraduate qualifications also allow experienced scientists with relevant bachelor’s qualifications to undertake research-based graduate study, which may assist them in participating in clinical laboratory-related research and academic careers. There is a strong focus on assisting the individual to develop self-directed research skills.

The MMLS programme is designed to provide practicing medical laboratory scientists with upgrades in their areas of practice.

The JKUAT MMLS has been benchmarked against the Master of Science in Medical/Clinical Laboratory Sciences offered by other internationally recognized Universities.

The JKUAT MMLS program will support Kenya’s Vision 2030 by developing competencies for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and human resource development and ensure efficient, motivated and well-trained clinical laboratory personnel.

The JKUAT MMLS degree is a professional degree designed to meet the needs of the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

With the amount of, and demand for, laboratory testing increasing each year, a significant need exists for MLS professionals, but particularly for individuals with advanced technical knowledge, research skills, management skills, and leadership abilities.

With a Masters level degree, the graduate will be equipped to become a leader in healthcare, helping to guide medical laboratory professionals into the future. The JKUAT MMLS program will equip the MMLS graduate with research skills, which will be applied in the clinical laboratory, an area that has not been adequately accessed by researchers because of regulatory restrictions to non-medical Laboratory Sciences researchers.

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Holders of Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences of JKUAT or any other KMLTTB-approved training institution recognized by the JKUAT senate, having at least the equivalent grades for an upper second-class honours degree.
• Must be registered by KMLTTB and have 2 years post-graduation clinical laboratory experience.
• Applicants with a previous Higher National Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology will be eligible for a waiver of the 2 years post-graduation clinical laboratory experience OR
• Must be registered by KMLTTB and have 2 years post-graduation clinical laboratory experience.

LIST OF COURSES OFFERED

1. MMLS (Clinical and Public Health Bacteriology Option)
2. MMLS (Clinical and Public Health Mycology Option)
3. MMLS (Clinical and Public Health Virology Option)
4. MMLS (Clinical and Public Health Parasitology Option)
5. MMLS (Clinical and Public Health Immunology Option)
6. MMLS (Clinical Haematology & Blood Transfusion Option)
7. MMLS (Clinical Chemistry Option)
8. MMLS (Clinical Histopathology & Diagnostic Cytology Option)

BSC. Radiography

The JKUAT Bachelor of Radiography program is an integrated academic and clinical course of 4 years duration. The Bachelor of Radiography will offer an opportunity to ‘O’ Levels graduates and Diploma holders to pursue a Degree course and enable them to advance in Health Sciences.

This will enhance the scope and satisfy a professional base recommended by the WHO of at least one Radiographer to 20,000 citizens. This will also enhance performance in practice, education and research in Radiography and Medical Imaging. Current statistics show that Kenya has only 20 graduate radiographers in a population of about 38 million. The clinical component of this course requires students to rotate progressively in a hospital radiology department. The students will pursue their practical hands-on training at leading hospitals. Additional training will be obtained at collaborating radiology diagnostic facilities. In the clinical setting, students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under the supervision of experienced Radiographers and Radiologists. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. Throughout the course, the biological sciences are closely integrated with radiologic science, and students develop a range of professional skills in the assessment and management of patients. In the final year, students complete a research project in an aspect of medical imaging and radiation sciences of interest to them. On successful completion of this degree, the graduate can apply for registration as a diagnostic radiographer as well as become a member of the Society of Radiography in Kenya.

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Direct entry applicants to first year: K.C.S.E. Mean grade C+ (plus) or equivalent with:

Alternative a: C+ (plus) in physics, C+ (plus) in biology, C+ (plus) in mathematics/chemistry and C+ (plus) in English/Kiswahili

Alternative b: b – (minus) in biological sciences, b – (minus) in physical sciences and C+ (plus) in English/Kiswahili

Or K.A.C.E. With 2 relevant principal passes in physics and biology

Mature entry applicants to the upgrading module in 3rd year: diploma or HND in medical imaging science

 

Bachelor of Radiography (Upgrading Module) – Part-Time

Minimum Entry requirement:

Applicants must have a Diploma or HND in Medical Imaging Science.

NB: Learning for the upgrading module is held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Course duration: 2.5 (two and a half) academic years.

Tuition fees per academic year: Kshs. 277,002/= (Kenya shillings two hundred seventy-seven thousand and two only).

 

JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY LABORATORY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

(JKULSA)

Jomo Kenyatta University Students Laboratory Association alias JKULSA is a union of students from the Medical Laboratory Sciences department (MLS) at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Main Campus. It is an alliance that was born on 19^th March 2022. Its foundation was laid to foster unity and mentorship among first, second, third and fourth-year students.

VISION

Fostering Excellence in Healthcare by inspiring innovation and Research to shape the Future.

MISSION

To engage in mentorship and training, extensive research innovations and medical summits, and fellowship in the spirit of incubating excellence for health care reformation in laboratory medicine services.

OFFICIALS

Chairperson – Kateeti K. Eric

Vice Chairperson -Rael Akama

Secretary General – Eunice Mauwa

Treasurer – Leornadus Odero

Organizing Secretary – Duncan Ogembo

Public Relations Officer – Sunday Phanuel

Sports Director – Ibrahim Mfunga

CLUBS ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Hepatitis B Vaccination Programme – The Medical Laboratory Students have been transforming students through student engagement programs. Thus, the JKULSA club in the MLS department, led by their Matron, Mdm. Joyce Gachoki, organized and successfully administered the 3 doses of Hepatitis Vaccine to all first years of COHES who hadn’t been vaccinated prior. The first dose was administered on 6^th September 2023. It was such a swift activity that even staff members were recruited for the same. As advised, all medical professionals should get immunized against this highly prevalent virus in hospital setups. In addition, the club walked around the school sensitizing students about this virus that attacks the liver.
2. Kenya Medical Laboratory Students Association (KeMeLSA) in collaboration with JKULSA planned a Symposium on 11^th November 2023, that brought together 6 universities namely JKUAT, MKU, KEMU, KISII University, KU, Muranga University. The academic competition took place at JKUAT. With such competent medics, JKUAT emerged as the overall winner. Students who participated in the symposium vowed not to let the winning slip away and thus maintained the top spot for 2 years consecutively. This brought much public admiration to the Medical Laboratory Profession. In partnership, Lancet Kenya, Wondfo Kenya Biotech were among the brands invited to grace the successful events.
3. WONDFO Training Program– The Wondfo Group Kenya provided an opportunity on November 17 and 23, 2023 for the Medical Laboratory Students to train on different machines that the Hospital Laboratory uses in patient care. Co-joined with the University of Nairobi (UON), JKUAT students interacted with much-emphasized Point Of Care Machines. Bear Xiong, the Kenyan Director for Wondfo Biotech, shared with the students about different specific principles employed by machines that will be of knowledge to the personnel diagnosing to maintain quality and thus better patient management.
   

   

4. Kenya Medical Laboratory Students Association (KeMeLSA) launched a tournament on 10^th
   February 2024 at Kenyatta University pulling in 6 universities for football, chess, cards, sacks, potato races and athletics. JKULSA presented players in all events. For football, the team managed to reach the Semi-Finals. Athletics clinched position 1 while chess proudly achieved position 3. This was an extracurricular activity in the process of networking and transforming class work into skills.
5. Women Sensitization Talk– Amid the feminine crisis in the country, a time when female genocide was witnessed around Kenya, JKULSA was privileged to host a ladies talk session in collaboration with #CAMPUSMETOO to sensitize and give advisories on 02 February 2024. Led by the Matron Ms. Joyce Gachoki and Ms. Eudia Kemei, Class Advisor first and second years, the large number that turned out was provided an opportunity to lay all problems affecting them. Providing solutions
   whenever possible, changed the entire JKUAT population. #CAMPUSMETOO patron Mr. Isaac Muinde spoke against girls misuse and domestic violence and he emphasized that no lady is entitled to such inhumane actions.
6. JKULSA 1^st Anniversary- JKULSA is a generation of positively-minded, forward thinkers who are always clinical in tackling any due duty. The spirit of JKULSA was tested on the much-anticipated event, JKULSA ANNIVERSARY PARTY which was a great success. On 6^th October 2023, JKULSA brought one of the greatest men in the world, Hon. Reuben Kigame who was a presidential candidate in 2022. Hon. Kigame, who is a musician, writer, and author, encouraged the whole team to fight for their rights when the time bears. “This is the time, Act now” was the powerful closing sediment he gave. In attendance were also the Laboratory Medicine Society of Kenya (LMSK) representatives. The Young Scientists were encouraged that the future is set for the strong, let each rise up!
7. JKULSA ELECTIONS & INAUGURATION- The club conducted the elections on 8^th March 2024. The process was a heat exchange between the candidates. However the following were elected into the JKULSA 2024- 2025 Executive Committee.

The leaders were inaugurated on 28^th March 2024. An event that was graced by the Medical
Laboratory Department.

CONTACT: jkulsa@gmail.com

THE CHAIRPERSON

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES

JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

P.O BOX 62000 – 00200 NAIROBI, KENYA

E-mail: mls@jkuat.ac.ke

Dr. Amos Mbugua

Position: Chair of Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Senior Lecturer

Qualifications: PhD in Parasitology

Area of Specialization: Neglected Tropical Diseases, Molecular Parasitology

Contacts: ambugua @jkuat.ac.ke

Dr. Michael Kahato

Position:  Examination Officer Medical Laboratory Sciences, Senior Lecturer

Qualifications: PhD in Entomology

Area of Specialization: Parasitology and Entomology

Contacts: mkahato@jkuat.ac.ke

Prof. Mutinda C. Kyama

Position: Associate Professor

Qualifications: PhD in Biomedical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Human Disease)

Area of Specialization: Clinical Cytology, Molecular & Cellular Pathology

Contacts: mkyama@jkuat.ac.ke

C.V Prof. Kyama

Dr. Perpetual Ndung’u

Position: Senior Lecturer

Qualifications: PhD in Microbiology

Area of Specialization: Bacteriology

Contacts: pndungu@jkuat.ac.ke

CV_Dr. Ndungu

Publications_Dr. Ndungu

Dr. Damaris Katsutsu

Position: Lecturer

Qualifications: PhD in Clinical Hematology and Blood Transfusion Science

Area of Specialization: Hematology and Blood Transfusion

Contacts: dkatsutsu@jkuat.ac.ke

CV_Dr. Katsutsu

Dr. James Komu

Position: Lecturer

Qualifications: PhD in Veterinary Sciences (Virology)

Area of Specialization: Virology

Contacts: jkomu@jkuat.ac.ke

KOMU CV

Publications_Komu

Dr. Peter Karanja

Position: Lecturer

Qualifications: PhD in Microbiology

Area of Specialization: Bacteriology

Contacts: pkaranja@jkuat.ac.ke

Ms. Joyce Gachoki

Position: Tutorial Fellow

Qualifications: MSc in Clinical Chemistry, PhD (Ongoing).

Area of Specialization: Clinical Chemistry

Contacts: joygachoki@jkuat.ac.ke

CV_Joyce

Dr. Peter Martin Gitu

Position: Adjunct Lecturer, Radiography

Qualifications: M.Med Radiology

Area of Specialization: Radiology, Public Health, Clinical Medicine

Contacts: gitumart@gmail.com

Dr. GITU CV

Ms. Eudia Kemei

Position: Tutorial Fellow

Qualifications: MSc in Clinical Histopathology and Diagnostic Cytology

Area of Specialization: Histopathology and Cytology

Contacts: eudia.kemel@jkuat.ac.ke

Mr. Peterson Maingi

Position: Tutorial Fellow

Qualifications: MSC. in Clinical and Public Health Parasitology Option

Area of Specialization: Parasitology

Contacts: peterson.maingi@jkuat.ac.ke

 

Mr. Godfrey Omondi Ogollah

Position: Part time Tutor

Qualifications: MSC. in Health Management & Executive MSC of Business Administration (Ongoing)

Area of Specialization: Radiography and Health Education

Contacts: godfreyomondi46@gmail.com

ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7098-0222

Pulication:https://cognizancejournal.com/vol6issue3/V6I319.pdf

 

 

Mr. Jackan Moshe

Position: Acting Chief Technologist

Qualification: Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology

Area of Specialization: Biotechnology and Molecular Biology

Contacts: moshe@jkuat.ac.ke

Dr. Hellen Onyango

Position: Senior technologist

Qualifications: PhD  in Medical Microbiology (Infection and Global Health)

Area of Specialization: Infectious Diseases

Contacts: Helenonyango@jkuat.ac.ke

• PUBLICATIONS H. Onyango

MR. JACK MWONGERA

Position: Senior technologist

 

MS HELEN SAISI

Position: Senior technologist

 

MR. DAVID MWAURA

Position: Senior Radiographer

 

MS. MARY KIMATHI

Position: Laboratory technologist

MS. MERCY GITAU

Position: Laboratory Attendant

 

MS. JANE THUO

Position: Secretary

MS. FAITH MUNENE

Position: Messenger

Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences Faculty Members Research Profiles

Prof. Dr. Mutinda C. Kyama is an Academician, Scholar, Top Notch Biomedical Scientist – Clinical Cytologist with expertise in the field of Molecular Cytopathology and Clinical Molecular Diagnostic applications. He is currently Associate Professor with over 20 years of academic and research leadership experience. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Masters of Science in Clinical Cytology from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences a Magna Cum Laude and Doctor of Biomedical Sciences in Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Human Disease from the Katholieke University of Leuven, Belgium. He was a visiting postdoctoral fellow at the Laboratory of Experimental Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, KULeuven in 2011 under Interfacultaire Raad voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (IRO) specialization award offered by KULeuven Interfaculty Council for Development Cooperation. He is also a recipient of the World Endometriosis Society Rodolphe Maheaux Travel award (2011). This international award is given in recognition of outstanding research conducted by individuals who are young researchers in endometriosis. Prof. Kyama is a recipient of the KULeuven Interfaculty Council for Global Development-VLIROUS award (2022). The award fit the Global Minds philosophy to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and innovative research, which culminated to his visit as an Associate Professor, at the Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg – Leuven, Belgium in 2023. He has special research interest in the development of advanced diagnostic technologies and understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, breast cancer, and gynaecologic malignancy, with over 150 scientific publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, contributed a book and several book chapters and has filed 6 patents. He was a member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, cum member of the Special Interest Group in Endometriosis and Endometrium from 2003 to 2009, member of Belgium Society for Reproductive Medicine from 2003 to 2009, and a member of the World Endometriosis Society since 2008. Associate Faculty Member of the Faculty of 1000 Medicine from 2008 to 2011. Member of the Kenya Society for Immunology since 2011. Member of the Society for Clinical Cytologist Kenya from 2019 to date. He is adhoc reviewer of several international journals including Human Reproduction, Gynecological Surgery, American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, Molecular Human Reproduction and Gynecologic & Obstetric Investigation. His goal is to enhance the linkage between academia and industry through promoting research and development, technology transfer, artificial intelligence/ machine learning tools, bioproduct development and commercialization of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic options in low resource settings. He currently has active projects in endometriosis, breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, Ovarian cancer, development of advanced diagnostic tools, Network pharmacology for traditional Africa Medicine and he is extensively involved in mentorship programs through supervision of masters and doctoral students.

Contact information: mkyama@jkuat.ac.ke

Dr. James Komu currently works as a Lecturer at the Medical Laboratory Sciences department, JKUAT. He holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences (Virology) from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Japan. He has focused on development of safe, reliable and labour-saving methods for diagnosis of important human respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2. He also has extensive experience on the molecular and serological diagnosis of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. His Research Interests includes Zoonotic viral diseases, molecular virology, diagnostics methods for infectious diseases, infections, Natural-based antiviral agents, HIV and co-infections and Avian Influenza. Professional affiliations: KMLTTB, Contact information: jkomu@jkuat.ac.ke

Dr. Hellen Onyango is a senior technologist and researcher with a distinguished background in Medical Laboratory Sciences. She holds a BSc in Medical Microbiology and an MSc in Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya. She earned her PhD in Medical Microbiology (Infection and Global Health) from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom. Her doctoral research, which integrated microbiological and social science approaches, explored the healthcare landscape of urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis and management in Kenya https://hdl.handle.net/10023/31920. Her research interest targets rapid laboratory diagnosis of diseases of global public health importance, the application of One Health strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), strengthening diagnostic systems in low-resource settings, and the molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases. Her career objective is to achieve excellence in diagnostic research, contribute to novel scientific innovations that enhance public health outcomes, and actively engage in public education and awareness campaigns. Dr. Onyango serves as the coordinator of the St Andrews Africa Health Research (StAARH) network (StAARH), fostering collaborative health research partnerships between Africa and the global community. She welcomes opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations worldwide.

Contact: helenonyango@jkuat.ac.ke

Ms. Joyce Muthoni Gachoki currently works as a Tutorial Fellow  at the Medical Laboratory Sciences department, JKUAT. She  holds an MSC. in Medical Laboratory Sciences(clinical chemistry Option), Ph.D. Infectious Diseases (ongoing). Her Research Interests includes Endocrine Immunology, Drug discovery and therapeutic monitoring, Vaccine development. She has extensively worked on Comparative study on Diabetes testing methods, immune response post covid-19 vaccination, Hematological and Biochemical changes post vaccinations and she is currently working on Cytokines storm post vaccination and Harnessing traditional medicine for cancer treatment.

Contact:jgachoki@jkuat.ac.ke

 

 

 

Ms. Eudia Kemei currently works as a Teaching Assistant  at the Medical Laboratory Sciences department, JKUAT. She  holds an MSC. in Medical Laboratory Sciences (Clinical Histopathology and Diagnostic Cytology Option).  Her MSC. work was on Determination of performance characteristics of Endometrial Tao Brush in the detection of Endometrial Cancer and atypical hyperplasia. She has also worked on the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of Solanum incanum fruit extracts against clinical samples of Staphylococcus aureus. Her Research Interests includes Cancer diagnosis, Cancer treatment, Organoids development, Immunohistochemistry and drug discovery.

Contact:eudia.kemel@jkuat.ac.ke

 

Dr. Perpetual W. Ndungu (PhD) currently works as a Senior Lecturer at the Medical Laboratory Sciences department, JKUAT. She has a PhD Medical Microbiology and the
Thesis was on Tuberculosis recurrence and risk factors associated with multidrug
resistance in TB patients attending various clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. She has previous done research on Bacterial an Rotavirus causes of diarrhea in children under five years and the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance and Recurrence of tuberculosis and its association with emergence of multidrug resistant strains of Mycobacteria in Nairobi Her research interests are Mycobacteriology research including drug resistance, Drug resistance in bacteria.

Contact:pndungu@jkuat.ac.ke