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Biochemistry Department Programmes Entry Requirements

Graduate programmes

 

 

Dr. Joel Ltilitan Bargul PhD. Chairman, Department of Biochemistry Lecturer. Molecular Parasitology CV_Joel-Bargul_September-2023.pdf

Prof. Johnson Kinyua, PhD Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences Ass. Prof, Molecular Parasitology

Dr. Daniel Kiboi Muthui, PhD Lecturer, Molecular Medicine

Prof. Gabriel Magoma Prof, Molecular Biology

Prof. Naomi W. Maina Ass Prof, Molecular Parasitology

Prof. Daniel Kariuki Ass. Prof, Molecular Immunology & Toxicology

Prof. Fred Wamunyokoli, Molecular Oncology

Prof. Joseph K. Nganga, PhD Ass. Prof, Molecular Biology

Dr. Steven Reuben Ger Nyanjom PhD. Snr. Lecturer, Biochemistry Short-CV.pdf

Dr. Peter Ogoti Mose, PhD Lecturer, Biochemistry

Dr. Josephine Kimani, PhD CV Josephine Kimani Lecturer, Biochemistry

Dr. Kevin O. Mbogo PhD. Lecturer, Biochemistry

Dr. Florence A. Ngonga Lecturer, Biochemistry CV-FN

Dr. Christine N. Mutoro PhD. Lecturer, Biochemistry

Dr. Dorothy Wavinya Nyamai PhD. Lecturer, Biochemistry

Mr. George Kiprono Kisoi Tutorial Fellow, Biochemistry

Dr. Irene Waita Lecturer, Biochemistry Irene-Waita-CV-.pdf

Mr. Shellemiah Otieno Ouma Tutorial Fellow, Biochemistry

Ms. Brenda Wamae Tutorial Fellow, Biochemistry

Ms. Loise Gathigia Ndung’u Tutorial Fellow, Biochemistry

Mr. Francis K. Muthemba Ag. Chief Technologist

Mr. Joseph K. Kareithi Snr. Technologist

Mr. Justus O. Obwoge Snr. Technologist

Ms. Grace W. Kimani Technologist

 

Ms. Esther W. Nderitu Technician

Naftaly M. Njogu Lab. Attendant/Transport marshal

Ms. Margaret A. Odera Secretary

Ms. Martha W. Wamaliti Messenger/Cleaner

Perminus Kimanthi Laboratory Animals Attendant

Rael Ombara Messenger/Cleaner

Department of Biochemistry Faculty Members Research Profiles

Dr. Joel L. Bargul is currently the Chairman of the department of Biochemistry. He is a trained biochemist and molecular biologist with a PhD thesis on African trypanosomiasis, following his earlier master’s thesis on the biology of tsetse fly, the definitive vector of African trypanosomes – the causative agents of human sleeping sickness and nagana in livestock. His broad research interest is to employ molecular biology, bioinformatics, functional genomics, and live-cell imaging approaches to understand arthropod disease vectors and the disease transmission mechanisms to design new innovative strategies for disease control. Following completion of his doctoral thesis at the University of Würzburg, Germany, he wrote a research proposal on ‘camel trypanosomiasis and its vector-borne transmission by camel biting flies’ that won a competitive THRiVE-2 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (thrive.or.ug/). His work was mainly based at icipe (Nairobi), University of Cambridge (UK) and JKUAT (Nairobi), and focused on transmission of camel trypanosomiasis and other hemopathogens of zoonotic importance by the poorly-understood camel biting keds, Hippobosca camelina (louse flies). This work generated key findings, for instance, on the potential use of camel keds in xenosurveillance of camel blood-borne diseases (Kidambasi et al., 2020, AAS Open Research). Notably, they demonstrated, for the first time, the vector competence of camel keds in transmission anaplasmosis (caused by ‘Candidatus Anaplasma camelii’) from naturally infected camels to experimental mice and rabbits (Bargul et al., 2021, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases). They also catalogued three distinct species of keds that infest livestock in Marsabit County (Bargul et al., under review), and his next goal is to determine their species-specific roles in disease transmission, with focus on zoonotic pathogens that they have sequenced mainly from dog keds, and also from the livestock hosts they (keds) were collected from (Mwaki et al., 2022). Over the years, he has contributed to capacity development by training and mentoring interns/attachees, MSc and PhD students mainly in the fields of entomology and parasitology. His work has had substantial component of Community and Public Engagement in research (Bargul et al., 2022, Open Research Africa).

 

Professor Fred Wamunyokoli is a Professor of Biochemistry at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). He was born in the year 1965 in Bungoma County. Prof. Wamunyokoli has a PhD in Medical Biochemistry (oncology) from the University of Cape Town, Medical School. The doctorate thesis was mainly on oesophageal cancer. He undertook his post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Health (USA). The title of his post-doctoral research was Molecular basis of Mucinous Cancer supervised by Prof. Michael Birrer. He has an MSc and BSc from University of Nairobi. The Associate Professor of Biochemistry has extensive experience in research and administration, having been a Director and Chairman of Department. His research interest is translational research in the area of molecular medicine.

Contacts: Telephone: 254 721 801 065, (Email: fwamunyokoli@jkuat.ac.ke / fwamunyokoli@gmail.com)

Professor Daniel W. Mwangi Kariuki is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry JKUAT. He has a PhD in science (Biochemistry and Toxicology) from Panjab university, Chandigarh 1600014 India. His Doctorate thesis was entitled “Evaluation of N-glycolylneuraminic acid expression in chicken: Potential for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer”. He has a BSc in Biochemistry from the same University and an MSc in Biochemistry from University of Nairobi. He has previously held the position of Chairman, Department of Biochemistry, JKUAT; Industrial Development officer, Ministry of Industry, Kenya and Laboratory Analyst Government Chemists Department, Office of the President, Kenya. He has diverse experience in research with keen interest in immunology and immunochemistry

 

Prof. Johnson Kang’ethe Kinyua is currently the Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences JKUAT. He holds a Doctoral Degree in Biochemistry from University of Nairobi. His Doctoral thesis was entitled “Studies of Glossina pallidipes midgut molecules as vaccine candidates for Human African Trypanosomiasis”. He has a Bachelor of Science from Kenyatta University and an MSc in Biochemistry from University of Nairobi. He has previously worked as the Director, Gender and Mentoring Centre, JKUAT; Chairman, Departmental Postgraduate committee, Departmental Examination officer among other responsibilities. Before joining JKUAT as an Assistant Lecturer, he worked as a Research officer, Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Insttitute (KETRI) and later Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI). He has attended various courses in Bioinformatics, scientific writing, corporate Governance among others. He has vast research experience with more than 40 publications in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Kinyua is a co-inventor of two drug compounds against malaria. . His diverse interests are to apply novel strategies in Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics and Biotechnology in Training, research, innovation and technology transfer.

Dr. Florence Ngonga is a self-motivated scientist with experience in computational drug design and molecular biology techniques. Possess a range of skills required in both research settings and academia including the ability to self-manage, juggle competing demands and meet frequent deadlines. Areas of interest include computational biology, molecular diagnostics and epidemiology of neglected tropical diseases. Dr. Ngonga has PhD in Biochemistry from JKUAT. Her Doctorate thesis was entitled “Characterization and Functional analysis of tricorn interacting factor 3 in Trypanosoma brucei brucei as potential drug targets against African Trypanosomiasis”. She has held various responsibilities in the Department of Biochemistry including Examination officer, Time tabling officer and currently coordinator of Biochemistry courses to Mbchb students. She has BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and MSc in Biochemistry from JKUAT.

Dr. Daniel Kiboi has have a strong background and expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology. He has attracted, administered projects implemented and authored peer reviewed publications. He has made a scientific contribution to understanding the molecular basis of how parasite evades drug action. I identified important putative enzymes and transporters that are highly plausible candidates for mediators of drug action or resistance. He started transfection work using gene knockout and epitope tagging, PlasmoGEM vectors for P. berghei and used them in validating resistance markers/drug transporters/target. This was the First Malaria Parasite P. berghei transfection lab using PlasmoGEM vectors in Kenya and Africa. He then extended his focus in identifying and validating Plasmodium proteins associated not only with drug resistance but also to genes of interest in malaria immunity using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. He analysed and compared parasite transcriptomes from children with asymptomatic parasitemia versus those presenting with clinical malaria and requiring hospital treatment. He exposed differentially expressed proteins as novel parasite targets not only for vaccine development but also potential drug targets. Also, he initiated the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Kilifi, with the core intention of understanding the functions of selected genes in Plasmodium falciparum in vitro.

Professor Gabriel Magoma is a Full Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, JKUAT. He is currently the Director, Pan African University, Institute of Basic Sciences,Technology and Innovation (PAUISTI). He has a PhD in Biochemistry, JKUAT with a Doctoral thesis entitled ” “Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of the Kenyan Tea Germplasm”.

 

 

 

Dr. Dorothy Nyamai is a Lecturer in the Biochemistry Department and has a PhD in Bioinformatics (2020) from Rhodes University, South Africa. Her Doctoral thesis was titled “Bioinformatics analysis of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases as potential antimalarial drug targets”. She has a Masters of Science (Biochemistry) and Bachelors of Science (Biochemistry) both from Kenyatta University, Kenya. Her Masters thesis was titled “Growth perfomance and phytochemical profiles of prunus africana sampled from Muguga, Kobujoi and Karuri, Kenya”. Her research interest is combining structural bioinformatics, pharmacology and genomics for identification of biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of economically important human diseases (with special interest in cancer).

 

Dr. Irene Mwongeli Waita is a Lecturer in the Biochemistry Department, specialized in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. Her Research Interests are; Using modern tools in Molecular Biology for management of diseases. Specifically, the use of non-invasive molecular methods in diagnosis of various diseases such as reproductive diseases and Neglected Tropical diseases.   In addition, she has special interest in development of diagnostic methods, vaccines and drugs against human infections.

Email: iwaita@jkuat.ac.ke

 

Mr. George Kiprono Kisoi is a Tutorial Fellow in the department of Biochemistry. He has a BSc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MSc. in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics [ongoing]. He is specialized in Bioinformatics and his Research Interests includes; Genomic and genetic analysis, Phylogenetics and evolutionary biology, Metagenomics and Genomic sequencing and assembly. He aims to develop an innovate technique to solve biological problems using Bioinformatics approaches, to collaborate with experts for exchange of ideas and expansion of knowledge to foster scientific community, to contribute to scientific conferences and to contribute to advancements in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics. Publications:Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Psidium guajava (Pomifera and Pyrifera) Aqueous Leaf Extract Varieties’ Grace Gakii Keddy , Patrick Gachoki Kareru , Sammy Indire Wanakai , Mercy Wanjuki Karenju , George Kiprono Kisoi , Peter Lemei Njenga Published: 30 June 2023 and Kisoi G et al., (2016). Comparative analysis of Phytoconstituents, Caffeine levels, Anti- bacterial Activities and Evolutionary Analysis of Acacia nilotica (subalata) and Coffea arabica varieties. Published in the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR Journal). Vol. 11, Issue 2. Pages 23-27. Email:George.kisoi@jkuat.ac.ke

Prof. Naomi Maina is an Associate Professor in the Department and has a PhD in Cell Biology (2006) from University of Basel, Switzerland. Her Doctoral thesis was entitled “Isolation, propagation and characterization of T. b. gambiense isolated from sleeping sickness patients in south Sudan (2006”.She has Masters of Science (Pharmacology) (1992) from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. Thesis: Role of Monophosphoryl Lipid A on nitric oxide production in leishmania infected macrophages (1991). She has a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry and Zoology upper class Honours) (1989), degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Her research interests are; to improve the management of parasitic infections by; Improved diagnosis of diseases using molecular biology tools, Drug development, Determination of drug resistance and/or treatment failure  and Identification of biomarkers of disease. Previously she worked as a Senior Research Officer (2004-2005) at Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI).

Ms. Brenda Waithera Wamae is Tutorial Fellow at the Department of Biochemistry. She has a BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology [JKUAT, graduated in 2013], a MSc in Molecular Medicine [JKUAT, graduated in 2017] Investigation of the in vitro antioxidant activity, in vivo antidiabetic efficacy and safety of Capparis tomentosa roots aqueous extracts and a Ph.D. Biochemistry [ongoing, JKUAT]. She is Specialized in Biochemistry and Molecular biology. Her research interests are Biochemistry, Metabolomics, Molecular biology, Biotechnology and Genomic and genetic analysis. Her goals are to publish research findings in reputable scientific journals and contributing to the advancement of knowledge, to develop and innovate technique to solve nutritional problems using metabolomics and genetic analysis, to collaborate with experts for exchange of ideas and expansion of knowledge to foster scientific community and to contribute to scientific conferences. She has published the following articles; Laura Nyawira Wangai, Brenda Wamae, Muriira Geoffrey Karau, Ndura Boniface Koimburi, Philip Karanja Ndura, Rebecca Karanja, Michael Kimani Gitau, Peter Kirira (2015) Investigation of the in vitro antioxidant activity, in vivo antidiabetic efficacy and safety of Capparis tomentosa aqueous roots extracts in malealloxanized mice. Journal of Medicinal Plant Studies 2015;3 (1):42-47. EMAIL: brenda.wamae@jkuat.ac.ke

Ms. Loise Gathigia Ndungu is a Tutorial Fellow in the department of Biochemistry. She has a BSc in Biochemistry, MSc. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and a Ph. D in Biotechnology(ongoing). She is specialized in Molecular Parasitology. Her research interests are Genomic and bioinformatics approaches in study of insect and parasite science and the Use of both forward and reverse genetics such as CRISPR/Cas9 technology in parasitology. Her goals are to generate a patent from my research findings and to publish two papers from her PhD work. Selected publications include; Ndung’u L, Langat B, Magiri E, Ng’ang’a J, Irungu B, Nzila A and Kiboi D. (2017) Amodiaquine resistance in Plasmodium berghei is associated with PbCRT His95Pro mutation, loss of chloroquine, artemisinin and primaquine sensitivity, and high transcript levels of key transporters. Wellcome Open Res 2018, 2:44, Machuki, N., Mogire, R., Ndung’u¹, L., Mwitari, P., Kimani, F., Matoke-Muhia, D., Kiboi, D. and Magoma, G. (2018): Plasmepsin 4 is a potential target of the retroviral protease inhibitors; lopinavir and saquinavir in Plasmodium berghei.Plos ONE, 13(8): e0201556 and Bara F, Ndung’u L, Onchieku N, Irungu B, KAROU S, Kimani F, Matoke-Muhia D, Mwitari P, Magoma G, Nzila A and Kiboi D. (2019) “Efficacy of Lumefantrine against Piperaquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei parasites is selectively restored by probenecid, verapamil, and cyproheptadine through ferredoxin NADP⁺-reductase and cysteine desulfurase. EMAIL: Ndungu.loise@jkuat.ac.ke