curriculum vitae...4.7 mycorrhizal training: assessment of mycorrhizal diversity in soils and roots,...
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CURRICULUM VITAE
Sheila A. Okoth PhD, FSB CV
Associate Professor Tel: +254 020 4442316
School of Biological Sciences +254 020 447865/449004/442014/5/6 Ext. 2420
University of Nairobi Fax: +254-2-4449902
P.O. Box 30197 – 00100 E-mail: [email protected]
Nairobi, KENYA Cell phone: 0720006908, 0733559250
1.0 PROFILE
A professionally Trained Science Teacher with experience in Educational Management, Tests
and Measurements, Training of Trainers, Curriculum Development; and Scientific Research
experience resulting in several Publications both Locally and Internationally on fungi and fungal
related science.
Besides being a holder of Bachelor of Education Science Second Class Honours Upper Division
(Kenyatta University); Master of Science Degree in Botany (Mycology), (University of
Nairobi); and Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (Mycology), (University of Nairobi) and has
undergone a wide range of specialized Training Programmes in several specializations in
Mycology and Biotechnology both locally and internationally
I supervise both Masters and PhD Students being part of my duties as a University of Nairobi
Senior Lecturer, apart from training undergraduate students and doing research.
At national level, I have participated in the reviewing of the Kenyan Secondary School 8-4-4
System (1987) with the Ministry of Education Science and Technology. I am presently a
member of the Health Sciences Committee of The National Council for Science and
Technology; the National Coordinator (Kenya Chapter) of the Conservation and Sustainable
Management of Below Ground Biodiversity (CSM-BGBD) Project funded by UNEP-GEF - A
global project involving seven developing countries: Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire, Indonesia, India,
Kenya, Mexico, Uganda (January 2007 – to date), Principal investigator in the project ‘Building
capacity in the feed dairy chain with special focus on health risk associated with biological
contaminants - Safe Food Safe Dairy’ funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland (2010
– 2013).
Most recently, on the 9th December 2010, I have had the honour to be awarded an international
recognition, Fellow of Society of Biology, UK. Earlier in May 2007, I was elected member of
the Kenya Academy of Science.
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2.0 EDUCATION
2.1 UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
YEAR
Doctor of Philosophy 1997
(PHD) in Mycology
(University of Nairobi)
Master of Science 1990
(MSc) in Botany (Mycology)
(University of Nairobi)
Bachelor of Education, Science 1986
B.Ed Science (Botany/Zoology)
Second Class, Honours
Upper Division
(Kenyatta University)
2.2 SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION
YEAR
2 Principals and 2 Subsidiaries 1982
Kenya Certificate of Advanced Level Examinations
Ngiya Girls High School
1st Division 1979
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Ngiya Girls High School
3.0 LANGUAGES
LANGUAGE SPEAKING READING WRITING
English Good Good Good
Kiswahili Good Good Fair
4.0 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
4.1 Detection techniques for mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi in the food chain. Bari, Italy 4th -8th
October 2010
4.2 Molecular Techniques for fungal identification. Laboratory Attachment at Stellenbosch
University, South Africa 1st June to 31st August 2010
4.3 Training on mycotoxin and antibiotics residue analysis in foods and feeds at Finnish Food
Safety Authority (EVIRA) and Agrifood Research (MTT) Finland. 8th – 25th May 2010
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4.4 Training in Proposal/Scientific Writing & Policy Development in Agricultural Research ,
Livingstone, Zambia, Lusaka 8th – 19th June, 2009
4.5 Botanical Research and Herbarium Management System (Brahms) Course, East African
Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya. 5th – 9th Nov, 2007
4.6 Regional AMF Inoculum production training by Christian Plenchette (2007). Chiromo
Campus, University of Nairobi
4.7 Mycorrhizal Training: Assessment of mycorrhizal diversity in soils and roots, and nursery
inoculation to improve the survival and growth of seedlings. Kenya Forestry Research Institute.
14th – 21st March 2007
4.8 Protein and Proteomics techniques. Nucleic Acid and Genomics Techniques, University of
Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom. 5th - 9th Sept 2005
4.9 GIS Tools, Regional Center for Resource Mapping and Remote Sensing, Kenya. 3rd –14th
Nov. 2003
4.10 BIO-EARN Biological background Information course on Botanical Files. International
Agricultural Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands. 27th – 29th May, 2002
4.11 Plant Bioetchnology and Biosafety Course organized by the International Agricultural
Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands. 13th - 24th May, 2002
4.12 Training on Medicinal plants processing held at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. Organised by Commonwealth Secretariat, London. 8th - 12th April 2002
4.13 African Career Awards (ACA) Nairobi, Kenya Training program organized by the Rockefeller Foundation. 12th -16th November 2000
4.14 Systematics of the Ascomycota and their Anamorphs I organized by the International Mycological Institute and U.K. Department of the Environment as a component of the Darwin Project "Conservation of endangered plants and their associated fungi in Kenya". 27th Sept – 1st October 1999, Chiromo Campus University of Nairobi
4.15 Systematics of the Ascomycota and their Anamorphs I organized by the International Mycological Institute and U.K. Department of the Environment as a component of the Darwin Project "Conservation of endangered plants and their associated fungi in Kenya". 27th – 31st July 1998, Chiromo Campus, University of Nairobi
4.16 Systematics of the Ascomycota and their Anamorphs I organized by the International Mycological Institute and U.K. Department of the Environment as a component of the Darwin Project "Conservation of endangered plants and their associated fungi in Kenya 7th – 11th July, 1997 Chiromo Campus University of Nairobi
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4.17 International Training Course on Molecular Biology Techniques and Biotechnology
18th -29th August 1997 Chiromo Campus, University of Nairobi
4.18 Regional Training Course on Molecular Biology Techniques and Biotechnology organized
by the Biotechnology Plat Form, Kenya (20th January – 14th February 1997 Chiromo Campus,
University of Nairobi
4.19 Regional Training Course on Diagnostic Techniques in Plant Pathology organized by the
Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, 6th – 15th May 1996, Kabete Campus,
University of Nairobi.
4.20 International Workshop on the Identification of Micro fungi of Significance in crops,
organized by the International Mycology Institute , 3rd – 5th November 1991, Kabete Campus,
University of Nairobi.
5.0 EMPLOYMENT
YEAR
5.1 University of Nairobi 1991 – to Date
5.1.1 Associate Professor of Botany March 2011
5.1.2 Senior Lecturer, Department of Botany 2002 – 2011
Teaching courses:
Undergraduates
SBT 301 General Mycology
SBT 416 Microorganism as Biological Control Agents
Post Graduate
SBT 526 Medical and Veterinary Mycology
SBT 529 Mushroom Biology and Cultivation
SBT 523 Taxonomy of Fungi
SBT 543 Environmental Mycology
SBT 527 Agricultural and Forestry Mycology
5.1.3 Lecturer, Department of Botany 1995 – 2001
Teaching courses: SBT 101 Survey of Plant Kingdom
SBT 301General Mycology
SBT 204 Plant Structure and Function
5.1.4 Tutorial Fellow, Department of Botany 1991
Teaching curses: SBT 101 Survey of Plant Kingdom
SBT 301General Mycology
SBT 204 Plant Structure and Function
5.2 Kenya Medical Training College 1990 – 1991
Part Time Lecturer
Teaching Course; Medicinal Plants
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5.3 Jomo Kenyatta College of Agriculture and Technology 1989 - 1990
5.3.1 Graduate Assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences
Teaching Course; Plant Pathology
5.3.2 Assistant Lecturer in The Department of Biological Sciences
Teaching Course; Plant Pathology
5.4 The Teachers Service Commission 1986 – 1987
Highway Secondary School Class Teacher, Chairperson of
General Paper Committee; Representative in 8.4.4 Curriculum
Review Committee; Teaching Subjects, Biology and
General Paper.
6.0 PUBLICATIONS IN PEER REVIEWED JOURNALS
6.1 Okoth, S; Nyongesa, B.; Ayugi V.; Kang’ethe E.; Korhonen H.; Joutsjoki V. 2012.
Toxigenic Potential of Aspergillus Species Occurring on Maize Kernels from Two Agro-
Ecological Zones in Kenya. Toxins 4: 991-1007
6.2 Musieba F, Sheila Okoth
and Richard K. Mibey, Stella Wanjiku and Knight Moraa. 2012.
Suitability of locally available substrates for cultivation of the Kenyan Pleurotus citrinopileatus
Singer. Amer J.Food Tech 7 (10): 650-655
6.3 Jefwa Joyce Mnyazi, Sheila Okoth, Peter Wachira, Nancy Karanja, James Kahindi,
Susan Njuguini, Stephen Ichami, Joseph Mung'atu, Peter Okoth, Jeroen Huising, 2012. Impact
of land use types on occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Taita-Taveta district Kenya.
J. of Agri., Ecosy. and Environ. 157: 32– 39
6.4 Otieno, P. K, Ochanda, J. O and Okoth, S 2012. A Short Communication-Isolation and
characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis from coastal intertidal brackish sediments and from
farmlands in Machakos District Kenya.J. Trop.Microbiol and Biotechnol 7(1): 16-20
6.5 Otieno, P. K, Ochanda, J. O and Okoth, S 2012. Evaluation of potency of native Bacillus
thuringiensis against maize insect pests and aflatoxin producing fungi in Kenya
J. Trop.Microbiol and Biotechnol 7(1): 9-15
6.6 Musieba F, Sheila Okoth
and Richard K. Mibey, 2011. First record of the occurrence of
Pleurotus citrinopileatus Singer on new hosts in Kenya. Agric. Biol. J. N. Am.2(9): 1304-1309
6.7 Okoth S. A and Kola M., 2012. Market samples as a source of chronic aflatoxin exposure
in Kenya Afr J Health Sci. 2012; 20:56-61
6.8 Mwangi M. Monda F, Okoth S and Jefwa J., 2011. Inoculation of tomato seedlings with
Trichoderma harzianum and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their effect on growth and
control of wilt in tomato seedlings. Braz. J. Microbiol. vol.42 (2) Apr./June
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6.9 Okoth S. A., Otadoh J. and Ochanda J., 2011. Improved seedling emergence and growth of
maize and beans by Trichoderma harziunum. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical
Agroecosystems. 13: 65-71.
6.10 Kawaka J. F., J.W. Kimenju, G. Ayodo, S. W. Mwaniki, J.O. Muoma, S.O. Okoth, G. O.
Orinda, 2011. Impact of land use on the distribution and diversity of entomopathogenic
nematodes in Embu and Taita Districts, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical
Agroecosystems 13: 59-63.
6.11 Otadoh J. A., Okoth, S. A., Ochanda J. and Kahindi J, 2011. Assessment of Trichoderma
isolates for virulence efficacy on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Phaseoli. Journal of Tropical and
Subtropical Agroecosystems. 13: 99-107.
6.12 Siameto E. N., Okoth S., Amugune N. O. and Chege N. C., 2011. Molecular
characteriszation and identification of biocontrol isolates of Trichoderma harziunum from Embu
District, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems.: 13: 81-90
6.13 Wachira P. M.,Okoth S, Kimenju K, Mibey R. K and Kiarie J, 2011. Effect of soil fertility
management practices on nematode destroying fungi in Taita, Kenya. Accepted for publication
in the Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems. 13: 43-49.
6.14 Okoth S. A. and E. Siameto, 2010. Suppression of Fusarium spp. in maize and beans by
soil fertility management. Journal of Yeast and Fungal Research.Vol. 1(2); 35-43.
6.15 Siameto E. N., S. Okoth, N. O. Amugune, and N. N. Chege, 2010. Antagonism of
Trichoderma harzianum isolates on soil borne plant pathogenic fungi from Embu District,
Kenya. Journal of Yeast and Fungal Research.Vol. 1(3); 47-54.
6.16 Okoth S. A. and Odhiambo J., 2009. Influence of soil chemical and physical properties on
Trichoderma spp. occurrence in Taita Region, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical
Agroecosystems, 11: 403-413.
6.17 Mwangi, M. W., Jefwa, J.M. Monda, E. O.and Okoth, S.A. 2009. Effect of Trichoderma
harzianum and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth in tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum
Mill) seedlings and napier (Pennisetum purpureum l) and tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cuttings.
Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 11: 423-429.
6.18 Okoth S. A. Okoth P. and Muya E., 2009. Influence of soil chemical and physical
properties on occurrence of Trichoderma spp. in Embu, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and
Subtropical Agroecosystems, 11: 303- 312.
6.19 Okoth Sheila A, Okoth P, Wachira, P., Roimen H, 2009. Spatial distribution of
Trichoderma sp. in Embu and Taita regions, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical
Agroecosystems, 11: 291 - 302.
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6.20 Wachira P. M. and Okoth S. A., 2009. Use of nematode destroying fungi as indicators of
land disturbance in Taita Taveta, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems,
11: 313 – 321.
6.21 Mukundi N. D, Okoth, S. A. and Mibey R. K., 2009. Influence of land use on the
distribution and diversity of Pythium spp. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems,
11: 347 – 351.
6.22 Wachira P. M. , Kimenju, J. W. Okoth, S. and Mibey R. K. 2009. Stimulation of nematode
destroying fungi by organic amendments applied in management of plant parasitic nematodes
Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 8 (2): 153-159.
6.23 Maina P. K. S. Okoth, C. N. Njoroge and E. Monda, 2009. Genetic relatedness among
Fusarium species isolated from Taita Taveta region, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical
Agroecosystems, 11: 337– 345.
6.24 Maina, P. K., S. Okoth, and E. Monda. March 2009. Impact of land use on distribution and
diversity of Fusarium species in Taita Taveta, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical
Agroecosystems, 11: 323 – 335.
6.25 Wasonga C, Okoth S, Mukuria JC and Omwandho CA, 2008. Mushroom polysaccharide
extracts delay progression of carcinogenesis in mice. Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and
Oncology, 7:147-152.
6.26 Wachira P. M. , Kimenju, J. W. Okoth, S. and Mibey R. K. 2008. Effect of land use on
occurrence and diversity of nematode destroying fungi in Taita Taveta, Kenya. Asian Journal of
Plant Sciences, 7 (5): 447-453.
6.27 Wachira P. M., Okoth, S., Kimenju, J. W and Mibey R. K. 2008. Influence of land use and
soil management practices on the occurrence of nematode destroying fungi in Taita Taveta,
Kenya.Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 10: 213 – 223.
6.28 Wachira P., Mibey, R. Okoth, S. A. and Kimenju. J. W. 2008. Diversity of nematode
destroying fungi in Taita Taveta, Kenya. Fungal Ecology, 2: (2) 60 – 65.
6.29 Jefwa, J.M, Khayota B, Ngugi G, Otieno V., Musila Winnie, Okoth, S. 2007. Biodiversity
and utilization of edible mushrooms by forest margin communities of the lowland coastal forests
of Kenya.Proceedings of the 1st World Conference on the conservation and sustainable use of
wild fungi. 10-16 December 2007. Pg. 33-35.
6.30 Okoth, S. A. , Roimen, H, Mutsotso B., Muya E., Okoth, P. 2007. Land use systems and
distribution of Trichoderma species in Embu region, Kenya. Journal of Tropical and Subtropical
Agroecosystems, 7:105-122
6.31 Okoth, S. A. and Ohingo M. June 2004. Dietary aflatoxin exposure and impaired
growth in young children from Kisumu District, Kenya: Cross sectional study. Afr J Health Sci
11 : 43 - 54.
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6.32 Okoth, S. A. 2004. An overview of the diversity of microorganisms involved in
decomposition in soils. J. Trop. Microbiol. 3: 3-13.
6.33 Okoth, S. A. and G. M. Siboe, 2003. Influence of soil lead (Pb) levels on fungal
occurrence, growth and sporulation. J. Trop. Microbiol. 2:27-34.
6.34 Okoth, S.A. and Ogola, J.S. 2002. Distribution of Fungi and Climate Change: A Case
Study of Mucoraceous Fungi in Kenya. World Resource Review Vol. 14 No. 2: 223 – 234.
6.35 Ogola, J.S. and S.A. Okoth, 1999. Climate Change: Potential Impacts on Kenya’s
Ecosystem and Biodiversity. World Resource Review Vol. II No. 2: 161 – 173.
6.36 Okoth, S.A., Siboe, G.M. and Dirk van Speybroeck 1997/8. The distribution of mucorales
in some parts of Kenya. International Journal of BiochemiPhysics Vol. 6 & 7, (Nos. 1 & 2): 45
– 50.
6.37 Okoth, S.A., 1997. Ph.D. Thesis. The flora and ecology of soil mucorales in a dry upland
forest and grassland ecological zones in Kenya.
6.38 Okoth, S.A., 1989. MSc. Thesis. Studies on Alternaria crassa (Sacc.) Rands as a possible
mycoherbicide on Datura stramonium L.
7.0 BOOKS AND REPORTS PUBLISHED
7.1 Nancy K. Karanja, Sheila A. Okoth, Jeroen Huising and Peter Okoth, 2011.
Special Issue - Conservation and Sustainable Management of Belowground
Biodiversity in Kenyan agro ecosystems. Tropical and Subtropical Agro
ecosystems Vol. 13 (1) 2011. ISSN 1870 – 0462
7.2 Okoth et al, 2010. Ecofarming is the future: Soil is alive and Soil is life
7.3 Kimenju J, Karanja N, Okoth S, Wachira P, Kahindi, J, Jefwa J, Nyamasyo, G, Muya E,
Mutsotso B, Gikungu M, Roimen H and Kibberenge M. 2010. Effect of land use intensification
and soil fertility management practices on soil biodiversity in Embu and Taita, Kenya. Farmer
Report.
7.4 Nancy K. Karanja, Sheila A. Okoth, Jeroen Huising and Peter Okoth, 2009.
Special issue - Below Ground Biodiversity (BGBD). Tropical and Subtropical
Agro ecosystems. Vol. 11 (2) 2009. ISSN 1870 – 0462
7.5 Acknowledged for contribution in A Handbook of Tropical Soil Biology: Sampling and
characterization of Belowground Biodiversity, Oct, 2008. Edited by FMS Moriera, EJ Huising
and DE Bignell
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7.6 Okoth, S. A. 2005. General Mycology. Teaching Module for Faculty of Science and Faculty
of External Studies, B.Sc. (Education) Biology. University of Nairobi. 194 pages.
7.7 Pauline B. and Okoth S. A. 2004. Secondary School Biology Pupils’ Book Form 1.
University of Nairobi Press. 238 pages.
8.0 RECENT POSTERS
8.1 Okoth S. A., Karanja N. K., Kahindi, J, Jefwa, J., Kimenju J. and Wachira P. 2010
Assessing effect of selected soil fertility management strategies on performance of soil
biodiversity and crop growth in Embu and Taita,Kenya. Conservation and Sustainable
Management of Belowground Biodiversity Project Global Closing Workshop, 17th – 21st May
2010
8.2 Okoth S. A., P. Okoth, P.M. Wachira and H. Roimen, 2010. Spatial distribution of
Trichoderma spp. in Embu and Taita regions, Kenya. Conservation and Sustainable
Management of Belowground Biodiversity Project Global Closing Workshop, 17th – 21st May
2010
8.3 Okoth S. A., R. K. Mibey, Ethel Monda, Peter K. Maina, David Mukundi, and Taabu
Tepeny. 2010. Impact of land use on distribution and diversity of soil born pathogenic fungi in
Taita Taveta, Kenya. Conservation and Sustainable Management of Belowground Biodiversity
Project, Kenya. Stakeholders Reporting Workshop, Taita. 28th – 29th January 2010.
9.0 PRESS RELEASE
9.1 March 15, 2010. The Standard Business Review. The Below-ground Biodiversity (BGBD) -
Kenya Eco-Farming is the Future: Soil is alive and Soil is Life
9.2 Nairobi, Kenya (17 May 2010): United Nations Environment Programme. Environment for
Development. Soil Organisms Aid Crop Productivity by Increasing Yields. Website: http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=624&ArticleID=6573&l=en&t=long. 9.3 IPS Inter Press Service News Agency
http://www.ipsnews.net/africa/nota.asp?idnews=52530
AFRICA
Woman Researcher Tackles Aflatoxin Poisoning
NAIROBI , Aug 18 (IPS) - Despite a bumper harvest of maize just a few months ago, many
residents in the eastern part of Kenya are facing hunger and starvation. While granaries in the
region may be full, the grain cannot be sold, let alone be eaten.
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10.0 COMPETITIVE AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS
10.1 September 2008 - 2010 African Women in Agricultural Research and Development
(AWARD) Competitive Fellowship. This is a two year fellowship funded by Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation and implemented by the CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program
10.2 March 2008 UNESCO travel grant to 17th International Conference of the Society for
Mushroom Science (ISMS), Cape Town, South Africa 20th – 24th May 2008
10.3 September 2005 - British Council travel award to Protein and Proteomics techniques.
Nucleic Acid and Genomics Techniques, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United
Kingdom.
10.4 August 2002 - CTA travel grant to The Seventh International Mycological Congress
(IMC7), Oslo, Norway. 10th – 18th August 2002
10.5 May 2002 - Dutch Government scholarship to a short course in Plant Biotechnology and
Biosafety Wageningen, The Netherlands
10.6 April 2000 UNESCO travel grant to the the International Symposium on Bioactive Fungal
Metabolites: Impact and Exploitation, University of Wales Swansea, United Kingdom.
10.7 March 1995 - UNESCO travel grant to the 3rd Regional Mycology Conference held in
Harare, Zimbabwe. 7th – 10th March, 1995.
11.0 RESEARCH GRANTS
11.1 November 2012 – National Council for Science and Technology. Evaluation of
effectiveness of selected storage technologies in controlling aflatoxins accumulation and pest
infestation of maize during storage in Makueni County (Kshs 3,000,000)
11.2 June 2011- National Council for Science and Technology. Strategy to reduce mycotoxin
levels in maize during storage (Kshs 2,000,000)
11.3 January 2010 - Government of Finland Grant for the project: Project. Building capacity to
improve safety in the feed – dairy chain, with special focus on health risks associated with
biological contaminants (‘Safe Food Safe Dairy’ Project) (€ 587,000)
11.4 January 2007 - UNEP/GEF research grant renewal to Kenyan chapter of the Sustainable
Management of Belowground Biodiversity Project (US$ 889,050)
11.5 March 2000 - Rockefeller Foundation African Career Awards (ACA). Aflatoxins in
weaning foods (US$ 49,689)
11.6 January 1997 – 2000 Darwin Initiative Project on Conservation of Endangered Fungi in
Arabuko Sokoke and Kakamega Forests (£ 320,000)
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11.6 1995 - German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD) scholarship to do PhD at the
University of Nairobi
11.7 November 1993 - African Academy of Science research grant award towards PhD research
11.8 February 1990 - National Council for Science and Technology research award towards
writing and publishing MSc. Thesis.
11.9 July 1989 - East African Wildlife Society research grant award towards MSc Degree
11.10 October 1988 - German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD) scholarship to do
Master of Science at the University of Nairobi
12.0 PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
12.1 December 2010 – Elected Fellow of Society of Biology (FSB), UK.
12.2 May, 2007 Elected member of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences
13.0 TRAINING CONSULTANCY AND REPORT WRITTING
13.1 November 14th – 15th 2012 Identification of Fusarium and Trichoderma. Regional Training
for COMPRO Project staff/students – CIAT, Kenya
13.2 September 10th – 11th 2012 Training of cereal millers on aflatoxin testing and quality
control funded by FAO.
13.3 September 25th – 26th 2012 Trainer in ‘Working safely with Plants/Plant material
workshop’ for ILRI staff.organised by ILRI.
13.4 June 30th 2012 Report on status current understanging of soil microorganisms, biological
control agents and pathogens.
13.5 October 2012 Consultant’s tasks to produce a protocol covering the production and
application of inoculums and training of AflaSTOP staff on how to apply inoculums to
maize being treated
13.6 Oct 4th -8th 2011 Training Workshop Kenya Bureau of Standards Nairobi. “Detection
techniques for mycotoxins in the food chain”
13.7 September 28th – 30th 2012 FAO training on “Prevention and control of aflatoxin
contamination in the maize value chain in Kenya”
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13.8 May 16th – 27th 2011 Training Workshop at Kabete and Chiromo Campus, University of
Nairobi. “Detection techniques for mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi in the food chain”
13.9 April 19th – 23rd 2010 Training Workshop at Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
(CEBIB), University of Nairobi. “General laboratory safety and handling of
microorganisms”.
14.0 CONFERENCES, SYMPOSIA AND WORKSHOPS ATTENDED
14.1 Okoth S. A., 2010. ‘General laboratory safety and handling of microorganisms’. Presented
as a Resource Person in the ‘Laboratory techniques and Biotechnology Training Workshop’ at
the Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (CEBIB), 19th – 23rd April 2010. Nairobi
14.2 Okoth S. A., 2010. Effect of land use intensification and soil fertility management
practices on soil biodiversity in Embu and Taita, Kenya. Proceedings of the Conservation and
Sustainable Management of Belowground Biodiversity Project, Kenya. National Stakeholders
Workshop, Nairobi. 15th – 16th March 2010
14.3 AWARD East African Regional Progress Meeting for 2008 Fellowship Winners and their
mentees. Pan Afric Hotel, Nairobi. 22nd – 25th February 2010
14.4 Okoth S. A., R. K. Mibey, Ethel Monda, Peter K. Maina, David Mukundi, and Taabu
Tepeny. 2010. Impact of land use on distribution and diversity of soil born pathogenic fungi in
Taita Taveta, Kenya, Proceedings of the Conservation and Sustainable Management of
Belowground Biodiversity Project, Kenya. Stakeholders Reporting Workshop, Taita. 28th – 29th
January 2010.
13.5 Okoth S. A., Karanja N. K., Kahindi, J, Jefwa, J., Kimenju J. and Wachira P. 2010.
Assessing effect of selected soil fertility management strategies on performance of soil
biodiversity and crop growth in Embu and Taita,Kenya. Belowground Biodiversity Project,
Kenya. Stakeholders Reporting Workshop, Embu 18th – 19th January 2010
13.6 Pan – African AFRITrace Conference. “Adding Value for Consumer and Supplier- Where
to Now for Food Safety and Traceability” Red Court Hotel, Nairobi. 13th – 15th October 2009.
13.7 Worldwide Mycotoxin Reduction in Food and Feed chains. International Society for
Mycotoxicology Conference. Tulln/Vienna. September 9th-11th 2009
13.8 Exploring the Scope of Cost-Effective Aflatoxin Risk Reduction Strategies in Maize and
Groundnuts Value Chains so as to Improve Market Access of the Poor in Africa: Stakeholders
Workshop. Nairobi Safari Club, Nairobi Kenya. March 27-28, 2009
13.9 African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Women’s
Leadership and Management Course. Nairobi Safari Park Hotel 24th – 30th January 2009
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13.10 Project Steering and Advisory Committee meeting of the Conservation and Sustainable
Management of Below-Ground Biodiversity, UNEP-GEF project. 17-21 November 2008
13.11 African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Mentoring
Orientation Workshop 27th Oct- 1st Nov 2008, Mombasa, Kenya
13.12 Plant Resources of Tropical Africa (PROTA) Stakeholders Meeting 2. Proactive
utilisation of PROTA information in development of Africa. Alliance Naro Moru River Lodge,
Kenya 8th – 11th June 2008
13.13 Meeting of Course Leaders of the African Virtual University, Nairobi 2nd – 3rd June
2008
13.14 17th International Conference of the International Society for Mushroom Science (ISMS),
Cape Town, South Africa 20th – 24th May 2008
13.15 National Workshop to set priorities for mainstreaming gender in science and technology.
Organised by Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology. 12th-15th May 2008, Sun
N Sand Mombasa, Kenya
13.16 Plant Resources of Tropical Africa (PROTA) Stakeholders Meeting 1. Proactive
utilisation of PROTA information in development of Africa. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge,
Lake Nakuru, Kenya 14th – 15th April 2008
13.17 Lake Victoria Research (VICRES) Initiative Harmonisation Workshop, Jinja Uganda.
Organised by The Inter-University Council for East Africa. 16th – 22nd March 2008
13.18 Annual meeting of the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Below-Ground
Biodiversity, UNEP-GEF project, Calicut, India. 29th Oct– 3rd Nov, 2007
13.19 Okoth S, Jefwa M. J, Karanja, N., Kahindi, J., Muya, E., Okoth,
P, September 2007. Exploring the potential of beneficial soil fungi to enhance
productivity in agricultural systems. International symposium; Innovations as key to the Green
Revolution in Africa: Exploring the scientific facts. Arusha, Tanzania, 17 – 21
September 2007
13.20 Participated in the Teacher Education Curriculum Design and Development Workshop,
Nairobi, Kenya. Organised by African Virtual University and African Development Bank,
Abidjan. 23rd – 29th Oct, 2005
13.21 Mushroom Stakeholder workshop, GTZ project, Nairobi, Kenya 13th Oct, 2005
13.22 Leadership workshop for African women in science and engineering, Nairobi, Kenya.
16th – 20th Aug, 2004
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13.23 Peer Reviewing and editing workshop for B. Ed Science 2nd Year study material for
distance learners, Matuu, Kenya. 5th – 12th June, 2004
13.24 Annual meeting of the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Below-Ground
Biodiversity, UNEP-GEF project, Manaus, Brazil. 11th – 18th April, 2005
13.25 Annual meeting of the Conservation and Management of Below-Ground Biodiversity,
UNEP-GEF project, Manaus, Brazil 23rd – 29th Feb, 2004
13.26 Managing Institutional Intellectual Assets and Intellectual Property Workshop, Nairobi,
Kenya Sponsored by ISNAR, ILRI, Central Advisory Service on Intellectual Property. 17th –
19th Sept 2003
13.27 National Biotechnology Policy and Biosafety Bill Workshop Organised by UNEP,
National Council for Science and Technology, African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum,
Nairobi, Kenya. 14th – 18th Aug, 2003
13.28 Attended the workshop “Towards the development of National Biosafety framework for
Kenya scientists communication workshop on biotechnology” 4th – 6th Aug, 2003
13.29 Attended the National Biotechnology Policy and Biosafety Bill Workshop, Nairobi
Kenya. Sponsored by UNEP, GEF, National Council for Science and Technology, ABSF. 14th –
18th April 2003
13.30 Attended seminar on Developing National Biosafety Systems: Identifying critical
decision points and information requirements. Seminar for East and Central Africa, Nairobi,
Kenya. Sponsored by ASARECA, CTA, BIO-EARN, ISNAR. 26th – 28th Nov. 2002
13.31 Attended The Seventh International Mycological Congress (IMC7), Oslo, Norway. 10th –
18th August 2002
13.32 Attended the Biosafety workshop on Botanical files, in Wageningen, The Netherlands.
27th - 29th May 2002
13.33 Attended the Workshop on Capacity Building in Biotechnology and Biosafety at The
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya. 11th – 13th July 2001
13.34 Attended the International Symposium on Bioactive Fungal Metabolites : Impact and
Exploitation, University of Wales Swansea, United Kingdom. 22nd – 27th April 2001
13.35 Okoth S.A.,2001. ‘Team Work in Research’. Presented as a Resource Person at the
Research Proposal Writing Workshop organised by University of Nairobi in partnership with the
Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya. 29th Jan – 2nd Feb 2001
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13.36 Okoth S. A., 2000. ‘Taxonomy and Preservation of Fungi’. Presented as a Resource
Person at the Regional Course in Herbarium Techniques, East African Herbarium, Kenya.
30thOct - 3rd Nov 2000
13.37 Attended the Workshop on Systematics and Conservation of Small-Bodied Organisms in
East Africa. 8th – 9th May 2000:
13.38 Attended the International Workshop on Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Land Use and
Global Environmental Benefits (MAGLUS) at ICRAF, Kenya. 17th – 22nd Jan 2000:
13.39 Organized and attended the National Stakeholders Workshop on Management of
Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Land Use and Global Environmental Benefits (MAGLUS) held
at Farmers Training Centre, Ngerenyi, Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta District, Kenya. 2nd December,
1999
13.40 Attended the First National Symposium of the Kenya Society of Microbiology, Nairobi,
Kenya. 16th – 17th April, 1999
13.41 Organized and participated in the 4th Regional Mycological Congress held in Nairobi,
Kenya. 17th – 18th August, 1998
13.42 Okoth, S.A. and Siboe, G.M., 1996. Elevated levels of lead in soil affect the distribution
of soil mucorales. Proceedings of the First Pan-African Conference on Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology 2nd – 6th September, 1996, Nairobi, Kenya.
13.43 Okoth, S. A., Siboe GM and Mibey RK., 1995. Influence of vegetation cover on the
distribution of Mucorales. Proceedings of the 3rd Regional Mycology Conference held in Harare,
Zimbabwe. 7th – 10th March, 1995
13.44 Attended the Regional Symposium on Biotechnology for Development, sponsored by
UNESCO at ILRAD, Nairobi. 17th – 21st February, 1992
14.0 MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
14.1 Fellow of Society of Biology (FSB), UK.
14.2 Member, Kenya National Academy of Sciences
14.3 Member, International Society for Mycotoxicology
14.4 Member, Association of African Women in Science and Engineering
14.5 Member, International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists
14.6 Member, Kenya Society of Microbiology
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14.7 Member, African Mycological Association
15.0 SUPERVISION OF POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECTS AND
EXAMINATION OF THESIS.
15.1 Past Students
(a) Project Title - Cultivation of Pleurotus mushroom using agricultural and industrial wastes
by Peter Wachira – 2001-2003 (MSc.) Graduated
(b) Project Title – Effects of edible Basidiomycete fruit body extracts on induced liver tumor in
mice by Carolyne Wesonga – 2004-2006 (MSc.) Graduated
(c) Project Title - Effect of Trichoderma sp. and AMF fungi on growth vigour and disease
incidence in tea, tomato seedlings and napier by Margaret Wanjiru 2007-2009 ( MSc.)
Graduated
(d) Project Title - Morphological and molecular methods of identification of Fusarium spp.
from Irangi forest by Peter Maina (MSc.) Graduated
(e) Project Title – Molecular characterisation of biocontrol isolates of Trichoderma harzianum
from Embu District, Kenya by Elizabeth N. Siemeto 2007-2009 (MSc.) Graduated
(f) Project Title – Effect of land use and fertility management practices on the population
dynamics of nematophagous fungi as biological control agents of nematodes in vegetable
gardens in Taita Taveta; Werugha Division. By Peter M. Wachira 2006-2009 (PhD)
Graduated
(g) Project Title - Isolation characterisation and evaluation of potency of native Bacillus
thuringiensis against maize borer (Prostephanus truncates) and mycotoxin producing fungi
(Fusarium spp and Aspergillus spp. By Phanice Kheseli Otieno (MSc.) Graduated Dec
2010
(h) Project Title – Distribution of Pythium spp. in indigenous forests and the adjacent farmlands
by Peter Mukundi ( MSc). Graduated Dec 2011
(i) Project Title - Arbuscular mycorhizae fungi status and mycorhizae dependency of indigenous
trees of the maasai-mau forest, Kenya by Salome Thuo Wanjiru ( MSc). Graduated Dec
2011
(j) Project Title - Molecular and antifungal drug characteristics of dermatophytes from clinical
sources in Nairobi by Olga Mukasia Mashedi (MSc Student). Graduated Dec 2011
(k) Project Title – Effect of Trichoderma based biofertilisers/Biocontrol on growth of common
beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by Charles Mazereku (MSc Student 2011) Graduated Dec
2012
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15.2 Current Students
(a) Project Title – Effect of land use and soil management practices in the control of the
phytopathogenic Rhizoctonia species in Taita hills by Taabu Tepeny (PhD Student 2007)
Completed field work, Laboratory work
(b) Project Title – Trichoderma sp. as biocontrol agent against soil born fungal pathogens by
Jane Otado (MSc Student 2010). Writing Thesis
(c) Project Title – Characterization and domestication of indigenous Pleurotus sp. in Kenya by
Fredrick Musieba (PhD Student 2009). Completed field work, Laboratory work
(d) Project Title - screening of Kenyan soybean cultivars for resistance to different races of
Phakopsora pachyrhizi (soybean rust). By Hellen Adhiambo Ogot (PhD student 2010)
Completed field work, Laboratory work
(e) Project Title – Evaluation of local Trichoderma isolates for their efficiency in biological
control of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp phaseoli by Judith Oloo (MSc Student 2011)
Submitted thesis
(f) Project Title – Atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus spp as possible biocontrol against toxigenic
strains by Beatrice Mutele (MSc Student 2011) Submitted thesis
(g) Project Title – Survey of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species in Makueni District by Deborah
Kiaye (MSc 2011) Completed field work, now doing laboratory work
(h) Project Title – Incidence of Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin accumulation in Nandi District
– Vincent Ayugi (MSc Student 2011) Defended thesis
(i) Project Title – Occurrence and management of Fusarium vertticilloides and fumonisin
accumulation in maize and feeds in Makueni District. Samuel Kihara (MSc Student 2011)
Writting thesis
(j) Project Title – Molecular and phylogenetic characterization and evaluation of native
Bacillus thuringiensis strains , and optimization of conditions for their production of delta
toxins with differential potency against fumonisin producing Fusarium. Sandy Otieno .
Submitted thesis
Thesis Examined:
(a) Kariuki George Muhia (1999) MSc thesis titled: Identification, Pathogenicity and
Epidemiology of Fungi associated with water hyacinth Eichhnornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms
in Kenya. University of Nairobi.
(b) Ondiaka Sopher (2006) MSc thesis titled: Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic fungi
Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin to
Cylas puncticollis on sweet potato tubers University of Nairobi
(c) Kangogo Mourine Chepkorir (2008) MSc thesis titled: Characterisation of Candida species
from clinical sources in Nairobi, Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology, Nairobi.
(d) David Mugisho Bugeme (2008). PhD thesis titled: The potential of entomopathogenic fungi
in the control of the economically important spider mite species Tetranychus urticae Koch
and Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology, Nairobi.
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(e) Mwongera David Thuranira (2010). MSc thesis titled: Effect of soil management and
Trichoderma asperellum on severity of wilt disease of passion fruits. Jomo Kenyatta
University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi.
(f) Benson Odhiambo Onyango (2010). MSc thesis titled: Evaluation of phonetic characters and
growth performance of native wood ear mushrooms (Auricularia sp.) on partially
composted agricultural wastes, Maseno University
(h) Willis Ndeda Ochilo (2010). MSc thesis titled: Impact of soil fertility management practices
on major insect pests of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and yield in Taita District, Kenya.
University of Nairobi
(i) Mukhasia Mashedi Olga (2011). MSc thesis titled: Characterization and antifungal drug
profile of dermatophytes from clinical sources in Nairobi, Kenya. University of Nairobi
(j) Lucy Mumbi Mutonga (2011). MSc thesis titled: Microbial biomass in limed and perturbed
areas in sandy grassland soils in Sweden. University of Nairobi
Membership of Board of Thesis Examination:
Member of the Board of Examiners for Master of Science and PhD Thesis for:
(a) Geoffrey K. Kirui, thesis titled “Glycoalkaloid content of some potato (Solanum tuberosum
L.) varieties grown in Kenya as influenced by light and different storage conditions” in the
Department of Botany, University of Nairobi, 18th Sept. 2002.
(b) Lucy N. Kangethe, thesis titled “Synergistic effects of Artemisia annua phytochemicals
against in vitro cultures of Plasmodium falciparum” in the Faculty of Science, University of
Nairobi, 5th April, 2006.
(c) Sopher Ondiaka titled “Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana
(Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin to Cylas puncticollis
on sweet potato tubers” in the Faculty of Science, University of Nairobi, 30th October, 2006.
(d) Mourine Chepkorir Kangogo titled “Characterisation of Candida species from clinical
sources in Nairobi, Kenya” in the Faculty of Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of
Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Wednesday, 12th March, 2008.
(e) Samuel Mwandawiro Maghanga titled “Screening of glycosidases from yeast isolated from
Lake Bogoria, Kenya” in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, 30th July
2008.
(f) Fredrick M. Gicheha titled “Evaluation of cropping systems and pesticides as strategies of
managing flower thrips in snap bean crop in Mwea Tebere” at the School of Biological
Sciences, University of Nairobi, 13th August, 2008.
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(g) David Mugisho Bugeme (2008). PhD Thesis titled “The potential of entomopathogenic fungi
in the control of the economically important spider mite species Tetranychus urticae Koch
and Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard”. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology, Nairobi.
(h) Leonida Kerubo Omosa (2009). PhD Thesis titled “Phytochemical investigation of surface
exudates of Dodonea angustifolia and Senecio roseiflorus for bioactive principles”.
Chemistry Department, University of Nairobi
(i) Willis Ndeda Ochilo (2010). MSc thesis titled “Impact of soil fertility management practices
on major insect pests of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and yield in Taita District, Kenya”.
University of Nairobi
(j) Betty Naziriwo (2011). PhD thesis titled “Interaction of trace metals with natural particles
and their influence on Phytoplankton production in waters of Lake Victoria”, Chemistry
Department, University of Nairobi. 14th January 2011.
(k) Tom Oduor Okumu (2011). MSc thesis titled “Investigation of Tylosema fassoglense seed as
an alternative source of protein in animal feed”, Department of Chemistry, University of
Nairobi. 8th June 2011.
16.0 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
16.1 Examinations Officer, School of Biological Sciences, April 2006 – September 2008
16.2 Botany Department, UoN Examinations Coordinator, 2000 – April 2006.
16.3 Teaching plant and microbiology science courses to undergraduate and postgraduate
students at the School of Biological Sciences since June 1991.
16.4 School of Biological Sciences Representative to the College Newsletter Committee.
16.5 Member of postgraduate committee board, School of Biological Sciences.
16.6 Member of the Faculty of Science Board; 1991 to present.
16.7 Botany Department, UoN Representative to the Agricultural Society of Kenya Show
Committee 1998 - 2005.
16.8 Botany Department, UoN Representative to the College Science Workshop Committee
1998 – April 2006.
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17.0 POLICY DEVELOPMENT, RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCIES
17.1 National Coordinator of the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Below Ground
Biodiversity (CSM-BGBD) Project funded by UNEP-GEF. A global project involving seven
developing countries: Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire, Indonesia, India, Kenya, Mexico, Uganda. –
January 2007 – to date.
17.2 Principal investigator in the project “Building capacity to improve safety in the feed-dairy
chain, with special focus on health risks associated with biological contaminants (Safe Food-
Safe Dairy)” funded by Government of Finland. Collaborating Institutions are Egerton
University and Kenya Agricultural Research Institute. University of Nairobi is the host
institution. March 2010 – March 2013
17.3 Course Leader, Biology. African Virtual University, June 2008 to date.
17.4 Developed Teacher Education Curriculum for Biology for the African Virtual University,
2006.
17.5 Peer Evaluator for the African Virtual University for the following teaching modules,
Year 2007:
(i) Diversity of Algae and Plants
(ii) Microbiology and Mycology
(iii) Evolution Biology
Year 2010:
(i) Animal Diversity
(ii) Plant and Animal Physiology
(iii) ICT Integration in Biology
17.6 Peer Evaluator for University of Nairobi Distance Learning Teaching Module:
SBT 101 Microbiology, 2006
17.7 Principal Researcher and Finance Controller of the Conservation and Sustainable
Management of Below Ground Biodiversity Project. A global project involving seven
developing countries: Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire, Indonesia, India, Kenya, Mexico, Uganda and
funded by GEF - March 1999 – Dec 2006.
17.8 Researcher in the Darwin Initiative Project on Conservation of Endangered Plants and their
associated fungi in Kenya. A joint project between Centre for Agricultural Biology International
(CABI), University of Nairobi and Kenya Forestry Research Institute, June 1997 to June 2000.
17.9 Principal Researcher on Mycotoxins in the weaning foods of Kenyan children
sponsored by The Rockefeller Foundation. Oct. 2000 to Nov. 2003.
17.10 Member of the National Gender Advisory Board. Oct.2001- Dec 2008.
17.11 Member of the Health Sciences Committee of the National Council for Science and
Technology
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17.12 Principal Researcher in the Biosafety East Africa Research Network (BIO- EARN).
Research involving Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and The Plant Research Centre,
Wageningen, The Netherlands. 2002 – 2004.
17.13 Reviewer of the Kenyan Secondary School 8-4-4 System, 1987. Ministry of Education
Science and Technology.
18.0 COMMUNITY AND EXTENSION WORK
18.1 Working with one hundred and twenty farmers in Embu and Taita to demonstrate
alternative farm management options including bioinoculants (2002-2011)
18.2 Working with 520 households in Nandi and Makueni Districts to survey food and feed
handling in relation to aflatoxin and fumonisin accumulation (2010-2013)
REFEREES
1. Prof Richard Mibey
Vice Chancellor Moi University
P. O. Box 3900
Eldoret
Email: [email protected]
2. Prof John Kokwaro
School of Biological Sciences
University of Nairobi
P. O. Box 30197
Nairobi
Email: [email protected]
3. Prof Mary Abukutsa
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
P. O. Box 62000 0200
Nairobi
Email: [email protected]