Prof. Sammy M. Njenga is a Senior Principal Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and former Centre Director of the Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC). He is also a Distinguished Visiting Professor of the Nagasaki University, Japan. He has PhD in Tropical Health Research from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom. He also has MSc (First Division) in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Guru Nanak Dev Amritsar University, India and BSc (Hons) in Zoology & Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Prof. Njenga has many years of experience in human health research and has risen through the various ranks in KEMRI since starting his research career in 1991 as a Research Assistant. Research and development activities in KEMRI are directed by the Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) for which Prof. Njenga served as the Secretary from 2009 to 2017.

Prof. Njenga’s research group is involved in conducting health research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), including lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), schistosomiasis (bilharzia), soil-transmitted helminthiasis (intestinal worms) and dengue fever. He has contributed to publishing of more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. He is often invited to serve as a scientific reviewer by several peer reviewed journals. He has supervised and mentored a large number of students while undertaking their masters and doctoral degree programmes. Prof. Njenga holds a visiting professor position in the Department of Parasitology of Nagasaki University, Japan.

Prof. Njenga is often invited to serve as a World Health Organization (WHO) temporary advisor on NTDs during workshops and technical meetings. He has provided technical assistance to NTD programmes in several countries in the African region particularly in mapping, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). He is also an active member of several committees of Kenya’s Ministry of Health NTD Programme. He is and member of the national NTD Expert Committee and the current national chairperson of the national Lymphatic Filariasis Technical Advisory Group (LF TAG). Prof. Njenga is a member of the WHO NTD Diagnostics Technical Advisory Group (DTAG).

1. Sammy M. Njenga, Henry M. Kanyi, Benjamin F. Arnold, Sultani H. Matendechero, Joyce K. Onsongo, Kimberly Y. Won, Jeffrey W. Priest. Integrated cross-sectional multiplex serosurveillance of IgG antibody responses to parasitic diseases and vaccines in Coastal Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020 Jan; 102(1): 164–176. (View Publication)
2. Jacqueline K. Lim, Sultani H. Matendechero, Neal Alexander, Jung-Seok Lee, Kang S. Lee, Suk Namkung, Esther Andia, Noah Oyembo, Sl-Ki Lim, Henry Kanyi, So Hee Bae, Jae S. Yang, Mary A. Ochola, Tansy Edwards, In-Kyu Yoon, Sammy M. Njenga. Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics associated with dengue fever in Mombasa, Kenya. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 100 (2020) 207–215. (View Publication)
3. Njenga SM, Kanyi HM, Arnold BF, Matendechero HS, Onsongo JK, Won KY, Priest JW. Multiplex serologic testing within a cross-sectional lymphatic filariasis sentinel site survey in coastal Kenya reveals community-level differences in IgG antibody responses to parasitic diseases and vaccines. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2019 Nov 25. (View Publication).
4. Mwandawiro C, Okoyo C, Kihara J, Simiyu E, Kepha S, Campbell SJ, Freeman MC, Brooker SJ, Njenga SM. Results of a national school-based deworming programme on soil-transmitted helminths infections and schistosomiasis in Kenya: 2012-2017. Parasit Vectors. 2019 Feb 7;12(1):76. (View Publication).
5. Njenga SM, Kanyi HM, Mutungi FM, Okoyo C, Matendechero HS, Pullan RL, Halliday KE, Brooker SJ, Wamae CN, Onsongo JK, Won KY. Assessment of lymphatic filariasis prior to re-Starting mass drug administration campaigns in coastal Kenya. Parasit Vectors. 2017 Feb 22;10(1):99. (View Publication)
6. Sammy M Njenga, Charles S Mwandawiro, Erastus Muniu, Mariam T Mwanje, Fatma M Haji, Moses J Bockarie. Adult population as potential reservoir of NTD infections in rural villages of Kwale district, Coastal Kenya: implications for preventive chemotherapy interventions policy. Parasit Vectors. 2011; 4: 175. (View Publication)

Dr. Kepha is an infectious disease epidemiologist, with a background in laboratory and field research, and training in quantitative methods. Her research undertakings have focused on the control of infectious diseases. Specifically, in the past 13 years, she has focused on control of helminths in light of planned helminth elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Kepha works with multi-disciplinary research teams focused on control of infectious neglected diseases using epidemiological, spatial and parasitological tools to achieve this goal.

Currently D. is coordinating various studies domiciled in ESACIPAC in collaboration with LSHTM, Isglobal and Spotlab

•  PhD Public Health (Epidemiology), Makerere University, Kampala
•  MSc. Medical Parasitology , University of Nairobi, Nairobi
• University of  Nairobi, Bachelor of Science (Biology)

1. Dacal E, Bermejo-Pelaez D, Lin L, Alamo E, Cuadrado D, Martinez A, Mousa A, Postigo M, Soto A, Sukosd E Vladimirov, A, Mwandawiro, C., Gichuki, P, Williams, N Munoz, j., Kepha, S. & Lengo-Oroz, M (2021): Mobile microscopy and telemedicine platform assisted by deep learning for the quantification of Trichuris trichiura infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021, 15(9): (View Publication)
2. Gandasegui J, Martinez-Valladares M, Grau-Pujol B, Krolewiecki AJ, Balana-Fouce R, Gelaye W, van Lieshout L, Kepha S, Mandomando I, Munoz J et al: Role of DNA-detection-based tools for monitoring the soil-transmitted helminth treatment response in drug-efficacy trials. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020, 14(2): (View Publication).
3. Gelaye W, Williams NA, Kepha S, Junior AM, Fleitas PE, Marti-Soler H, Damtie D, Menkir S, Krolewiecki AJ, van Lieshout L et al: Performance evaluation of Baermann techniques: The quest for developing a microscopy reference standard for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021, 15(2):(View Publication)
4. Legge H, Halliday KE, Kepha S, McHaro C, Witek-McManus SS, El-Busaidy H, Muendo R, Safari T, Mwandawiro CS, Matendechero SH et al: Patterns and Drivers of Household Sanitation Access and Sustainability in Kwale County, Kenya. Environ Sci Technol 2021, 55(9):(View Publication)
5. Legge H, Kepha S, Prochazka M, Halliday K, Pullan R, Gwayi-Chore MC, Njomo D: Implementer and recipient perspectives of community-wide mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminths in Kwale County, Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020, 14(4):(View Publication)
6. Oswald WE, Kepha S, Halliday KE, McHaro C, Safari T, Witek-McManus S, Hardwick RJ, Allen E, Matendechero SH, Brooker SJ et al: Patterns of individual non-treatment during multiple rounds of mass drug administration for control of soil-transmitted helminths in the TUMIKIA trial, Kenya: a secondary longitudinal analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2020, 8(11):(View Publication)

Prof. Mbogo is a  public health entomologist with over 30 years’ experience in the conduct of entomological studies in Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea. He is an Assistant Principal Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Geographic Medicine Research and the KEMRI- Wellcome Trust Research Programme. He is the head of Vector Biology and Ecology Department and the vector public health unit at KEMRI Wellcome Trust, Nairobi. Recently, he joined the ESACIPAC as a visiting scientist and assists in mentoring young scientist at the centre.

His research interests include the ecology and behaviour of mosquitoes and other disease vectors, transmission dynamics and control of vector-borne diseases, and development of new vector control tools. He has worked on the large-scale evaluation of insecticide-treated bednets, insecticide resistance, and integrated vector management (IVM) strategies. Prof. Mbogo’s long-term goal is to establish a foundation for designing and implementing novel malaria strategies targeting anopheline vector. He is committed to developing science capacity in Africa. He supervised and mentored 12 PhDs, 18 Master of Science students and several post-doctoral. Prof has published widely in internationally peer reviewed journals and has over 130 publications.

Prof. Mbogo developed and implemented vector surveillance systems at local and national scales in the Eastern Africa region. He has served on various national and international technical committees including World Health Organization and maintains a keen interest in translating research into policy and practice. Prof. has played an important role in the formulation of Kenya national malaria policy guidelines including Integrated Vector Control Strategy for Malaria Control – Kenya: 2020–2024; Insecticide Resistance Management Plan – Kenya: 2020–2024.

Prof. is the founder and the current President of the Pan African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA), an initiative that offers mosquito control professionals across Africa opportunities for exchange of information and ideas, mutual building of entomological and operational capacity, and development of professional networks while serving as the voice of professional mosquito control to African people, governments and global policy makers.

1. Karisa J, Muriu S, Omuoyo D, Karia B, Ngari M, Nyamwaya D, Rono M, Warimwe G, Mwangangi J, Mbogo CM. 2020. Urban Ecology of Arboviral Mosquito Vectors Along the Kenyan Coast [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 5]. J Med Entomol 2021; 12;58(1):428-438. PMID: 32623459; DOI: (View Publication)
2. Kinoti S, Mbogo C, Hayim R, Ferro S, Hirji Z, Yeung E, Zwingerman N, Kinyari T, Schiff M, Ndungu J (2020). Novel mobile technology to improve Accuracy, Completeness and Timeliness of research data compared with a non-digital system in Kenya”, East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, June 2020 issue
3. Githinji EK, Irungu LW, Ndegwa PN, Machani MG, Amito RO, Kimei BJ, Murima PN, Ombui GM, Wanjoya AK, Mbogo CM, Mathenge EM (2020). Impact of Insecticide Resistance on P. falciparum Vectors’ biting, feeding, and resting behavior in selected clusters in Teso North and South Sub-counties in Busia County, Western Kenya. Journal of Parasitology Research (View Publication)
4. Githinji EK, Irungu LW, Ndegwa PN, Machani MG, Amito RO, Kemei BJ,4 Murima PN, Ombui GM, Wanjoya AK, Mbogo CM and Mathenge EM (2020). Species Composition, Phenotypic and Genotypic Resistance Levels in Major Malaria Vectors in Teso North and Teso South Sub-counties in Busia County, Western Kenya Journal of Parasitology Research 20: 1-17; (View Publication)
5. Moyes CL, Wiebe A, Gleave K, Trett A, Hancock PA, Padonou GG, Chouaïbou MS, Sovi A, Abuelmaali SA, Ochomo E, Antonio-Nkondjio C, Dengela D, Kawada H, Dabire RK, Donnelly MJ, Mbogo C, Fornadel C, Coleman M (2019). Analysis-ready datasets for insecticide resistance phenotype and genotype frequency in African malaria vectors. Sci Data. 2019 Jul 15;6(1):121.
6. Cook J, Tomlinson S, Kleinschmidt I, Donnelly MJ, Akogbeto M, Adechoubou A, Massougbodji A, OkSopoh M, Corbel V, Cornelie S, Hounto A, Etang J, Awono-Ambene HP, Bigoga J, Mandeng SE, Njeambosay B, Tabue R, Kouambeng C, Fondjo E, Raghavendra K, Bhatt RM, Chourasia MK, Swain DK, Uragayala S, Valecha N, Mbogo C, Bayoh N, Kinyari T, Njagi K, Muthami L, Kamau L, Mathenge E, Ochomo E, Kafy HT, Bashir AI, Malik EM, Elmardi K, Sulieman JE, Abdin M, Subramaniam K, Thomas B, West P, Bradley J, Knox TB, Mnzava AP, Lines J, Macdonald M, Nkuni ZJ  (2018). Implications of insecticide resistance for malaria vector control with long-lasting insecticidal nets: trends in pyrethroid resistance during a WHO-coordinated multi-country prospective study. Parasites & vectors, 11 (1). p. 550. ISSN 1756-3305 DOI: (View Publication)

Dr. Mwandawiro is research scientist with interest in malaria and NTDs (mainly helminths) having conducted research in KEMRI for over 25 years and holding various positions (centre director to deputy director) the highest being Deputy Director, Administration and Finance in 2009/2010 in acting capacity. He has written research proposals and got funding for more than 20 proposals (some of the funders include WHO, JICA, BMGF, EDCTP, CIFF, GoK etc), published 74 papers in peer-reviewed journals, trained and supervised to graduation 12 MSc and 5 PhD students and mentored 7 colleagues. He has served as a unit lecturer for medical entomology at the KEMRI graduate school.

Currently he is conducting research in malaria and in soil-transmitted helminths as the Principal Investigator (PI), and monitoring the national school-based deworming programme that covers the Western, Nyanza, parts of Rift Valley and Coast regions.

He holds a PhD in Medical Entomology (Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University) and a Masters in Medical Parasitology from the University of Nairobi

• Coordinated and organized 9 International Training Courses (from 2003 to 2011) on school-based parasite control with participants coming from Africa and beyond. The courses were in 2 categories; one for national-level managers and the other for district-level implementers.
• Coordinated and initiated the National School Health Programme for Kenya (bringing together officers from the ministries of education and health). The programme covers the whole country (starting with deworming of 3.6 million school children in 2009) and enjoys the support of major partners such as the World Bank, WHO, Partnership for Child Development (PCD) of the UK and Deworm the World.
• Currently coordinating M&E activities of the National School-Based Deworming Programme (2012-to date) supported by Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) of the UK. 200 schools are being monitored throughout the country where over 5 million school-age children are annually dewormed.

June 2019- Now: Chief Research Officer

2017-2019: Assistant Director, KEMRI Commercial   Enterprises (KCE)

2011-2017: Assistant Director, Partnership & Collaboration (KEMRI)

2009-2011: Acting Deputy Director, Administration & Finance (KEMRI)

2006 –   : Chief Research Officer Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

2003 –2009: Director, Eastern & Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), KEMRI

2003 –  : Unit Lecturer (Medical Entomology and Parasitology), Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (ITROMID), Nairobi, Kenya.

2003 – 2006: Principal Research Officer, Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Nairobi, Kenya

2000 – 2003: Senior Research Officer (Entomology), Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Nairobi, Kenya

1995 – 2000: Research Associate, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University

1991 – 2000: Research Officer, Centre for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute

1993:                     Japan International Co-operation Agency (JIC) Individual Training Fellowship

1995-2000:           Monbusho scholarship by Ministry of Education of Japan for PhD

2001-2003:           WHO/TDR Re-entry grant fellowship

.

2015:    Chair of the Operational Research subcommittee of    the STH Advisory Committee, Children Without Worms, USA (CWW)

2014:   WHO Temporary Advisor, Technical Support to Seychelles-Mapping of STH 17-30 November

2014: WHO Temporary Advisor, Regional NTD mapping, planning workshop 2–6 June 2014,  Gaborone, Botswana.

2014:   Member, Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) partners meeting to discuss progress and challenges in expanding STH control, organized by CIFF and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from 3^rd to 7^th April 2014 at the Institut Pasteur, Paris France (accompanied the Hon Cabinet Secretary for Health, Kenya)

2013:   Member, member of the Soil-Transmitted    Helminthiasis (STH) Advisory Committee meeting in Seattle USA, 6^th to November 2013

2013:  WHO Temporary Advisor, to Provide Technical Support to Kenya on Mapping of NTDs, 18-22 February 2013, Nairobi, Kenya

2012-2014: Strategic Advisor for East Africa, Partnership for Child Development, Imperial College, UK

2012:      WHO Temporary Advisor, in a Workshop on Guide for Mapping Neglected Tropical Diseases in the WHO Africa Region Lusaka, Zambia, 22-24 October 2012

2012: Member, CIFF Deworming Advisory Panel Meeting in London UK, 14^th to 17^th October 2012

2011: WHO Temporary Advisor, in a WHO meeting in Brazzaville Congo on the development of Centres of Excellence for Diagnostics and Response to disease outbreaks

2011: WHO Temporary Advisor, in a WHO meeting in Harare and Zanzibar on the development of the Strategic Plan for Control of Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted Helminths

2007: WHO Temporary Advisor, in a WHO-World Bank meeting on “Monitoring of Drug Efficacy in Large Scale Treatment Programmes for Human Helminthiasis” in Washington DC

2006 –2009:  Secretary, Scientific Steering Committee of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

2006 ;  WHO Temporary Advisor, in a meeting to develop guidelines on integrated parasite control, in Lusaka Zambia

2001 – 2006: Coordinator of the KEMRI/JICA Project on the Global Control of Parasitic Diseases (Hashimoto Initiative)

1. Paton RS, Kamau A, Akech S, Agweyu A, Ogero M, Mwandawiro C, Mturi N, Mohammed S, Mpimbaza A, Kariuki S, Otieno NA, Nyawanda BO, Mohamed AF, Mtove G, Reyburn H, Gupta S, Bejon P, Lourenço J, Snow RW. Malaria infection and severe disease risks in Africa. Science, 2021 Aug (New York, N.Y.)373(6557): (View Publication)
2. Johnson O, Fronterre C, Amoah B, Montresor A, Giorgi E, Midzi N, Mutsaka-Makuvaza MJ, Kargbo-Labor I, Hodges MH, Zhang Y, Okoyo C, Mwandawiro C, Minnery M, Diggle PJ. Model-Based Geostatistical Methods Enable Efficient Design and Analysis of Prevalence Surveys for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases. Jun 2021Clinical infectious diseases 2021 Jun : Infectious Diseases Society of America72(Suppl 3): (View Publication)
3. Legge H, Halliday KE, Kepha S, Mcharo C, Witek-McManus SS, El-Busaidy H, Muendo R, Safari T, Mwandawiro CS, Matendechero SH, Pullan RL, Oswald WE. Patterns and Drivers of Household Sanitation Access and Sustainability in Kwale County, Kenya. Environmental science & technology May 2021; 55(9):(View Publication)
4.  Oswald WE, Kepha S, Halliday KE, Mcharo C, Safari T, Witek-McManus S, Hardwick RJ, Allen E, Matendechero SH, Brooker SJ, Njenga SM, Mwandawiro CS, Anderson RM, Pullan RL. Patterns of individual non-treatment during multiple rounds of mass drug administration for control of soil-transmitted helminths in the TUMIKIA trial, Kenya: a secondary longitudinal analysis. The Lancet 2020 Nov. Global health8(11):(View Publication)
5. Okoyo C, Medley G, Mwandawiro C, Onyango N. Modeling the Interruption of the Transmission of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Infections in Kenya: Modeling Deworming, Water, and Sanitation Impacts. Frontiers in public health 2021 Jan (View Publication)
6.  Okoyo C, Campbell SJ, Minnery M, Owaga C, Onyango N, Medley G, Mwandawiro C. Prevalence and Correlation Analysis of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Infections and Treatment Coverage for Preschool and School Aged Children in Kenya: Secondary Analysis of the National School Based Deworming Program Data. Frontiers in public health 2021 Jan (View Publication)

Janet is a Senior Research Scientist, at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi, working mainly on Public Health, Social and Behavioural Science. She Holds a Master of Science Degree (MSc) in Community Health and Development (CHD). She has a wealth of experience in conducting operational research on School Based Deworming Programme (SBDP) and implementational research on Neglected tropical Diseases (NTDs) and other Parasitic diseases.

She has coordinated various Research projects/programmes on both quantitative and qualitative studies and published papers in peer-review Journals. She also mentors undergraduate and post graduate students. Her main interest is Public health and Social behavioural science research in control and elimination of NTDs and other infections/diseases affecting different communities.

Janet is a member of Technical Advisory committee on Neglected Tropical Diseases of the Ministry of Health (MOH).

• MSc – Community Health and Development (CHD) – GLUK
• BSc – Medical Laboratory Sciences – KEMU

• Evaluation of the National School-Based Deworming Programme and Determination of Drug Efficacy in Soil-Transmitted Helminths in selected Counties of Kenya 2018 SERU # 3775. Currently on ongoing.
• A cross-sectional study to compare the levels of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis infection between Early Childhood development (ECD) and non- Early Childhood development Pre-School Age Children in Busia County, Western Kenya 2016 (SERU # 3284). Currently ongoing.
• Determinants of health-seeking behavior for intestinal schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths related symptoms among adults living in Mwea West district, Kirinyaga County, Central Kenya 2014 (SSC # 2608).
• Factors contributing to re-infection with Schistosoma mansoni among primary school children: a case study of cohort schools in Mwea irrigation scheme central Kenya 2011(SSC # 1951).

1. Janet Masaku, Doris W. Njomo, Ann Njoka, Collins Okoyo, Faith M. Mutungi and Sammy M. Njenga Soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis among pre-school age children in a rural setting of Busia County, Western Kenya: a cross-sectional study of prevalence, and associated exposures. BMC Public Health (2020) 20:356. (View Publication)
2. Elizabeth Njambi, Dennis Magu, Janet Masaku, Collins Okoyo, and Sammy M. Njenga. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Risk Factors among School Children in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. Hindawi Journal of Tropical Medicine Volume (2020), ArticleID3974156,9pages. (View Publication)
3.  Paul M. Gichuki, Stella Kepha, Damaris Mulewa, Janet Masaku, Celestine Kwoba, Gabriel Mbugua, Humphrey D. Mazigo and Charles Mwandawiro. Association between Schistosoma mansoni infection and access to improved water and sanitation facilities in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. BMC Infectious Diseases (2019) 19:503 (View Publication)
4. Janet Masaku, Mwende F, Odhiambo G, Musuva R, Matey E, Kihara JH, Isaac G Thuita, Doris W Njomo. Knowledge, practices and perceptions of geo-helminthes infection among parents of pre-school age children of coastal region, Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis (2017)11(3):e0005514. (View Publication).
5.  Janet Masaku, Faith Mutungi, Paul M. Gichuki, Collins Okoyo, Doris W. Njomo and Sammy M. Njenga. High prevalence of helminths infection and associated risk factors among adults living in a rural setting, central Kenya: a cross sectional Study. Tropical Medicine and Health (2017) 45:15. DOI 10.1186/s41182-017-0055-8. (View Publication)
6. Janet Masaku, Nancy Mandigu, Okoyo Collins and Sammy M Njenga. Current status of Schistosoma mansoni and the factors associated with infection two years following mass drug administration programme among primary school children in Mwea irrigation scheme: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health (2015) 15:739 DOI 10.1186/s12889-015-1991. (View Publication)

Dr. Lydiah Kibe is a Social Behavioral Scientist trained in Medical Sociology and Public Health. She has a PhD in Malaria and Human Development from University of Camerino, Italy and a Masters in Medical Sociology from Kenyatta University. She is currently working as Principal Research Scientist at KEMRI-ESACIPAC – Nairobi.

Dr. Kibe’s work is on social cultural and behavioural aspects of disease vectors and also on illnesses interpretations and disease prevention particularly in malaria, HIV/AIDs, Dengue Fever, Schistosomiasis, Lymphatic Filariasis and leprosy in vulnerable populations. She conducts operational and implementation research using qualitative and participatory approaches.

Dr. Kibe has published widely in peer-reviewed journals.

Academic qualification

• June 2012- June 2015 Doctoral Degree School of Advanced Studies of the University of Camerino, Italy
• Dec 2002- July 2008 Masters of Arts Kenyatta University, Nairobi
• Dec 1990 August -1995 Bachelor of Arts Kenyatta University, Nairobi

Training and Professional Qualification

• 2021: Corporate governance training for managers organised by Centre for Corporate Governance
• 2018: Senior Management Course (SMC282) from the Kenya School of Government
• 2017: Novel Genetic Vector Strategies Considerations for Responsible Research organised by Pan African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA)
• 2014:Ethnography in Health and Research Systems in low-income settings: Issues in data collection, management and analysis using Nvivo organized by Social Science Group of KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
• 2013: Multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural approach workshop on Research, Training and Cooperation for Sustainable Malaria Control, Targeting the Vector organized by Malaria and Human Development PhD Programme – School of Advanced studies Camerino, Italy
• 2009: Application processes of the global fund to fight HIV / AIDs, TB and Malaria organised by Community based initiatives
• 2000: Project design, Data Management & analysis and report writing, Epi info organised by Aga Khan University – Karachi, Pakistan
• 2000: Community Development, Self-Awareness, gender and participatory rural appraisal; organised by Aga Khan University – Karachi, Pakistan
• 2002: Use of geographical information systems, remote Sensing and spatial statistics for human health application organised by State University of New York, Buffalo by University of Illinois Urbana – Campaign & Center for Health applications of Aerospace Related Technologies, NASA
• 2003: Qualitative research course on the use of OSR Nvivo organised by KEMRI- Wellcome Trust Laboratories – Kilifi

1. Kimani, B. W., Kibe, L. W., Okoyo, C., Omondi, W. P., Sultani, H. M., & Njomo, D. W. (2021). Understanding the Role of Health Workers in the LF Elimination Program in Kenya: Challenges Faced and Suggestions for Improved Program Performance. East African Journal of Health and Science, 3(1), 126-144. (View Publication)
2. Kibe L, Habluetzel A, Kamau A, Gachigi J, Mwangangi J, Mutero C, Mbogo C (2019) Low awareness and misconceptions of immature mosquito stages hinders community participation in integrated vector management in Malindi, Kenya. J. Public Health Dis.. 2(1):7-17. (View Publication).
3. Kibe LW, Habluetzel A, Gachigi JK, Kamau, Mbogo. CM (2017) Exploring communities’ and health workers’ perceptions of indicators and drivers of malaria decline in Malindi, Kenya. MalariaWorld Journal. December; 8(21).
4. Kibe LW, Kamau AW, Gachigi JK, Mbogo CM, Habluetzel A (2015) A formative study of disposal and re-use of old mosquito nets by communities in Malindi, Kenya. Malaria World Journal. June; 6(9).
5. Njomo DW, Kibe LW, Kimani BW, Okoyo C, Omondi WP, et al. (2020) Addressing barriers of community participation and access to mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis elimination in Coastal Kenya using a participatory approach PLoS Negl Trop Dis 14 (9): (View Publication)
6. Doris W. Njomo, Bridget Kimani, Lydiah W. Kibe, Collins Okoyo, Wyckliff Omondi, and Hadley M. Sultani (2020) Implementation challenges and opportunities for improved mass treatment uptake for lymphatic filariasis elimination: Perceptions and experiences of community drug distributors of coastal Kenya PLoS Negl Trop Dis 14(12), (View Publication)
7. Forsyth JE, Mutuku FM, Kibe L, Mwashee L, Bongo J, Egemba C, et al. (2020) Source reduction with a purpose: Mosquito ecology and community perspectives offer insights for improving household mosquito management in coastal Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 14(5): e0008239. (View Publication)
8. Muia D, Kamau A, Kibe L. Community Health Workers Volunteerism and Task-Shifting: Lessons from Malaria Control and Prevention Implementation Research in Malindi, Kenya. American Journal of SociologicalResearch. 2019;9(1):1-8. (View Publication)
9. Mutero CM, Mbogo C, Mwangangi J, Imbahale S, Kibe L, Orindi B, Girma M, Njui A, Lwande W, Affognon H, Gichuki C, Mukabana WR (2015) An Assessment of Participatory Integrated Vector Management for Malaria Control in Kenya. Environmental health perspectives. 123(11):1145-51

For Complete List of Published Work: Click Here

Dr. Jimmy is an Assistant Principal Research Scientist at Kenyan Medical Research Institute, stationed in KEMRI Taveta Unit from January 2021. I qualified with a PhD in parasitology from JKUAT. The research for his PhD was on “Schistosoma haematobium infection in school children and women of reproductive age: the effect on anaemia, blood patho-physiological changes in selected parts of Kwale, Kilifi and birth weight outcomes in Tana river, county, coast province, Kenya” Dr.  graduated from Kenyatta university with a Master of Science in infection diagnosis and my thesis was on “Urinary soluble egg antigen levels in Schistosoma haematobium infection in relation to sex and age of Kenyan school children following praziquantel treatment”.

Dr. Jimmy is a research associate at Nelson Mandela University – South Africa. Over the past several years I have been teaching post graduate students in KEMRI (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology) INTROMID. I have also been lecturing parasitology at Technical University of Mombasa. Dr. Jimmy has distinguished experience in parasite diagnosis (especially NTDs) and monitoring and evaluation of control programmes. He has trained many medical laboratory technologists and scientists on diagnosis and determination of parasite density in school children and community members both in the country and out of the country. Dr. has been consulting on mapping initiatives to determine prevalence and intensity of STH and Schistosomiasis in many countries. Lately, he was appointed in the expert committee on NTDs in the Ministry of Health for a period of 5 years. in addition, he was also the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) expert consultant for Accelerating the Control and Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ASCEND) programme (UK).

His research interest is in control of Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminth, with the aim of eliminating the parasites from the community. Currently he is involved in research on Female Genital Schistosomiasis and also malaria in school children, funded by NACOSTI and Welcome trust respectively.

• Ph.D in Parasitology – JKUAT
• MSc. In infection diagnosis – Kenyatta University
• Higher Diploma – Parasitology – KMTC

1. Gibson Waweru^, Jimmy Kihara, Elvis Oyugi_, Victor Omballa, Hajara Busaidy, Victor Jeza, (2020). Prevalence and risk factors associated with asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection and anemia among pregnant women at the first antenatal care visit: A hospital based cross-sectional study in Kwale County, Kenya, PLoS ONE 15(10): (View Publication)
2. Jade Benjamin-Chung, Yoshika S. Crider, Andrew Mertens, Ayse Ercumen, Amy J. Pickering, Audrie Lin, Lauren Steinbaum, Jenna Swarthout, Mahbubur Rahman, Sarker M. Parvez, Rashidul Haque, Sammy M. Njenga, Jimmy Kihara, Clair Null, Stephen P. Luby, John M. Colford Jr., Benjamin F. Arnold (2020). Household finished flooring and soil-transmitted helminth and Giardia infections among children in rural Bangladesh and Kenya: a prospective cohort study, (Read)
3. Jimmy Hussein Kihara, 2015. Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Neglected Tropical Disease Infecting Women of Reproductive Age in Endemic Areas, Editorial J Infect Dis Diagnosis 2015, 1:1 (View Publication)
4. Helen L Storey, Neha Agarwal, Jason Cantera, Allison Golden, Kerry Gallo, Tara Herrick, Jun Belizario, Jimmy Kihara, Charles Mwandawiro, Bill Cadwallader, Tala de los Santos, (2019). Formative research to inform development of a new diagnostic for soil-transmitted helminths: Going beyond the laboratory to ensure access to a needed product, PLoS Negl Trop Dis 13(5): (View Publication).
5. Ngaluma PN, Arodi WO, Gachara GM, Kihara JH, Nga’ng’a MP (2020) Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiases in Taita Taveta County, Kenya: Prevalence, Intensity and Association with Anaemia and Nutritional Status of Children under 5 Years. J Infect Dis Diag. 5:131. (View Publication)
6. Victor Tunje Jeza, Francis Mutuku, Lydia Kaduka, Charles Mwandawiro, Janet Masaku, Collins Okoyo, Henry Kanyi, Joyce Kamau, Zipporah Ng’ang’a, and Jimmy Hussein Kihara (2021). Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helmithiasis, and Malaria Co-infections among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Communities of Kwale County, Coastal Kenya, BMC Public Health, manuscript submitted.

Dr. Kareithi is a Senior Research Scientist in Applied Parasitology and Entomology in Eastern & Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC) in Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi, Kenya. His successful PhD study project was on “Determination of insecticide resistance and its impact on malaria transmission potential among the major vectors in Teso sub-county, western Kenya” while his Masters in Science project work was on “Antileishmanial effect of Warburgia ugandensis, Psiadia punctulata and Chasmanthera dependens on Leishmania major promastigotes”.

Dr. Kareithi is a lecturer at KEMRI Graduate School in Msc Medical Protozoology & Medical Entomology. His medical research work, publications and interests revolves around Neglected Tropical Parasitic Diseases (NTD’s) namely, Malaria, Leishmaniases, Lymphatic Filariasis, Shistosomiasis, Tungiasis and STH since 2004.

Dr. Kareithi’s goal in this life is to be a fruitful Medical Research Scientist and Lecturer in Health Sciences especially in Applied Medical Parasitology, Applied Medical Entomology and Drug Development and Drug Research hence contribute positively towards neglected tropical parasitic diseases’ prevention and control.

• PhD University of Nairobi
• M.Sc. University of Nairobi
• B.ED SCIENCE: Egerton University

1. Collins Okoyo, Edward Githinji, Ruth W. Muia, Janet Masaku, Judy Mwai, Lilian Nyandieka, Stephen Munga, Sammy M. Njenga, Henry M. Kanyi. (2021) Assessment of malaria infection among pregnant women and children below five years of age attending rural health facilities of Kenya: A cross-sectional survey in two counties of Kenya. PLoSONE 16(9):e0257276. (View Publication)
2. Judy Mwai, Mohamed Abdi and Edward Githinji. (2021). Factors Associated with Tungiasis Infestation among School age Children in Ugenya Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya. African Journals Online. Vol. 33 No. 4 (2020)
3. Edward K. Githinji, Lucy W. Irungu, Paul N. Ndegwa, Maxwell G. Machani, Richard O. Amito, Brigid J. Kemei, Paul N. Murima, Geoffrey M. Ombui, Antony K. Wanjoya, Charles M. Mbogo & Evan M. Mathenge. (2020). Impact of Insecticide Resistance on falciparum Vectors’ Biting, Feeding, and Resting Behaviour in Selected Clusters in Teso North and South Subcounties in Busia County, Western Kenya. Journal of Parasitology Volume 2020, Article ID 9423682.
4. Edward K. Githinji, Lucy W. Irungu, Paul N. Ndegwa, Maxwell G. Machani, Richard O. Amito, Brigid J. Kemei, Paul N. Murima, Geoffrey M. Ombui, Antony K. Wanjoya, Charles M. Mbogo & Evan M. Mathenge. (2020). Species Composition, Phenotypic and Genotypic Resistance Levels in Major Malaria Vectors in Teso North and Teso South Subcounties in Busia County, Western Kenya. Journal of Parasitology V2020: 3560310
5. J Mwai, E Githinji, A Odiwuor, C Oduor, G Kotonya , S Njenga^, C Mwandawiro. (2020). Assessment of Pupils’ Knowledge and Practices Towards Prevention and Control of Tungiasis Infestation in Ugenya Sub County, Kenya. Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Volume No: 1 Issue No: 1
6. Githinji EK, Irungu LW, Tonui WK, Rukunga GM, Mutai C, Muthaura CN, Lugalia R, Gikandi G, Wainaina CW, Ingonga JM, Wanjoya A. (2010). In vitro effects of Warburgia ugandensis, Psiadia punctulata and Chasmanthera dependens on Leishmania major promastigotes. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2010 Apr 3; 7(3):264-75

Mr. Kanyi is  research scientist at the Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi. He has an MSc in Immunology from Kenyatta University. His MSc thesis title was “Immune responses and Cryptosporidium species in HIV infected adults attending Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya”. The project entailed genotyping of the Cryptosporidium species and profiling of the immune responses against selected Cryptosporidium recombinant antigen in symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV patients.

In the past 10 years, Mr. Kanyi  has provided technical support in the control of parasitic infections and especially in Neglected Tropical diseases. His technical duties include carrying out molecular and immune-based serological assays. He has also participated in the field based programmatic activities for the control of the various NTDs in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and other collaborators.

Mr. Kanyi has attended diverse international technical trainings on serological and molecular biology work and cascaded the knowledge to fellow staff members through training and mentorship. He has also participated in implementation of several projects culminating into a number of publications. Mr. Kanyi is also a reviewer at the Scientific and Ethical Review Unit (SERU)at KEMRI

• Kenyatta University, Nairobi- MSc. Immunology
• Kenyatta University, Nairobi- Bachelor of Education(Science)

1. Won, Kimberly; Henry M. Kanyi, Mwende, Faith; Wiegand, Ryan; Goodhew, Brook; Priest, Jeffrey; Lee, Yeuk-Mui; Njenga, Sammy; Secor, William; Lammie, Patrick; Ondiere, Maurice. Multiplex Serologic Assessment of Schistosomiasis in Western Kenya: Antibody Responses in Pre-school Age Children as a Measure of Reduced Transmission. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. DOI: (View Publication)
2. Bartholomew N. Ondigo, Erick M. O. Muok, John K. Oguso, Sammy M. Njenga, Henry M. Kanyi, Eric M. Ndombi, Jeffrey W. Priest, Nupur Kittur, William Evan Secor, Diana M. S. Karanja and Daniel G. Colley. Impact of Mothers’ schistosomiasis status during gestation on children’s IgG antibody responses to routine Vaccines 2 Years later and anti-schistosome and anti-Malarial responses by neonates in Western Kenya (2018). Immunol. 9:1402. (View Publication)
3. Mulinge, S.M. Njenga, D. Odongo, J. Magambo, E. Zeyhle, C. Mbae, D. Kagendo, H. Kanyi, R.J. Traub, M. Wassermann, P. Kern and T. Romig. Molecular identification of zoonotic hookworms in dogs from four counties of Kenya (2019). Journal of Helminthology 1–8. (View Publication)
4. Njenga, Sammy; Kanyi, Henry; Arnold, Benjamin; Matendechero, Sultani; Onsongo, Joyce; Won, Kimberly. Priest, Jeffrey. Integrated Cross-Sectional Multiplex Serosurveillance of IgG Antibody Responses to Parasitic Diseases and Vaccines in Coastal Kenya. American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 102(1), 2020, pp. 164–176. (View Publication)
5. Benjamin F. Arnold, Henry Kanyi, Sammy Njenga, Fredrick O. Rawago, Jeffrey W. Priest, W. Evan Secor, Maurice R. Ondiere, Kimberley Y. Won, Patrick J. Lammie. Fine-scale heterogeneity in schistosomiasis force of infection measured through serologic surveillance. (View Publication)
6. Jacqueline Lim, Sultani Hadley Matendechero, Neal Alexander, Jung-Seok Lee, Kang Sung Lee, Suk Namkung, Esther Andia, Noah Oyembo, Henry Kanyi, So Hee Bae, Jae Seung Yang, Tansy Edwards, Kyu Yoon, Sammy M. Njenga. Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics associated with dengue fever before and during the 2017 outbreak in Mombasa, Kenya. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. (View Publication)
7. Sultani Matendechero, Collins Okoyo, Henry Kanyi, Sammy M. Njenga, Wyckliff Omondi, Isabella Ayagah, Morris Buliva, Isaac Ngere, John Gachohi, Jacinta Muli, Kebede Deribe, Gail Davey, and Melanie J. Newport. Mapping of podoconiosis cases in Kenya: A nation-wide cross-sectional study. (View Publication)

Ms. Bridget is research scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi. She holds a BSc. In Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Currently, she is enrolled for a MSc. in Public Health at the KEMRI Graduate School. Her research topic is to assess the Efficacy, Adverse Events and Acceptability of Praziquantel in the Treatment of Schistosoma Haematobium in Pre-School Age Children in Selected Early Childhood Development Centres of Kwale County in Kenya.

Ms. Bridget has been involved in conducting implementation research in control and elimination of preventive chemotherapy Neglected Tropical Diseases, operational research in the National School Based Deworming program.

She is a member of the KEMRI Scientific and Ethics Review Unit (SERU) and KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Conference (KASH). Her research interest is in the epidemiology of infectious diseases with particular interest in Neglected Tropical Diseases.

• MSc. Public Health (Ongoing)- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi
• BSc. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology -Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

1. Kimani, B. W., Kibe, L. W., Okoyo, C., Omondi, W. P., Sultani, H. M., & Njomo, D. W. (2021). Understanding the Role of Health Workers in the LF Elimination Program in Kenya: Challenges Faced and Suggestions for Improved Program Performance. East African Journal of Health and Science, 3(1), 126-144. (View Publication)
2. Njomo DW, Kimani BW, Kibe LW, Okoyo C, Omondi WP, Sultani HM (2020) Implementation Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Mass Treatment Uptake for Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination: Perceptions and Experiences of Community Drug Distributors of Coastal Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 14(12): e0009012. (View Publication)
3. Njomo DW, Kibe LW, Kimani BW, Okoyo C, Omondi WP, Sultani HM (2020) Addressing barriers of community participation and access to mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis elimination in Coastal Kenya using a participatory approach. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 14(9): e0008499 (View Publication)
4. Kibe, L. W., Kimani, B. W., Okoyo, C., Omondi, W. P., Sultani, H. M., & Njomo, D. W. (2021). Towards elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Kenya: Improving advocacy, communication and social mobilization activities for mass drug administration.
5. Kimani, B. W., Mbugua, A. K., Kihara, J. H., Ng’ang’a, M., & Njomo, D. W. (2018). Safety, efficacy and acceptability of praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosoma haematobium in pre-school children of Kwale County, Kenya. PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 12(10), e0006852

Ms. Njoka is a senior Medical Laboratory Technician at KEMRI ESACIPAC. Shee holds a certificate in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Kabete Technical College. She has been involved in the diagnosis of parasitic infection both in the laboratory and in the field, working with senior research scientists from the institute. Particularly, she has been involved in the National school based deworming, in the Monitoring infections in school children. In addition, she has participated in evaluating filariasis and malaria infection in school children in various parts of the country.

Ms. Njoka a team leader in some projects as assigned by senior research scientists. In the laboratory, she has been working with colleagues on various diagnostic methods including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Kato Katz, urine filtration and Helmintex test among others.

Her major interest is on parasitic infection diagnosis and epidemiology with emphasis on community participation for sustainability.

Currently Ms. Njoka is involved in school based deworming data collection in various parts of Western Kenya.

• African Medical and Research Foundation, Diploma in Community Health
• Kabete Technical Training Institute, Certificate in Medical Laboratory

1. Masaku J, Njomo DW, Njoka A, Okoyo C, Mutungi FM and Njenga SM (2020) Soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis among pre-school age children in a rural setting of Busia County, Western Kenya: a cross-sectional study of prevalence, and associated exposures BMC Public Health 20:356 (View Publication)

Ms. Mariam Macharia is currently a Social Scientist actively involved in conducting research and providing social behavioural support to studies in Neglected Tropical Diseases such as Lymphatic Filariasis, Podoconiosis and Scabies.

She has vast experience in Ethics and Research Regulation having served at the KEMRI Scientific and Ethics Review Unit (SERU) since 2013.

Ms. Mariam currently serves as the ESACIPAC CSC Secretary and a reviewer at KEMRI/SERU. Her passion is in training and capacity building and hopes to grow, develop her professional capacity to be able to mentor others in the field.

Ms. Mariam Macharia is currently undertaking a Masters in Medical Sociology from the University of Nairobi.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi

1. Mariam Macharia^1*, Janet Masaku¹, Henry Kanyi¹, Sylvie Araka¹, Collins Okoyo¹, Vincent Were², Charles Mwandawiro¹ & Doris Njomo¹ “Strategies, challenges and opportunities for addressing drugs and substance abuse in selected counties in Kenya.”- Oral presentation at the 8^th East Africa Health and Scientific Conference of 17^th-19^th November 2021.
2. Mariam Macharia^*1, Sammy Njenga¹, Henry Kanyi¹, Benson Oisebe², Wyckliff Omondi³, Robert Masese⁴, Isaac Ngere⁵ and Doris Njomo¹ “Swollen Legs among Communities of Keumbu area, Nyaribari Chache Sub- County, Kisii County: Is the area Endemic for Lymphatic Filariasis and   Podoconiosis? – Oral Presentation at 11^th KASH Conference held 7^th to 11^th June 2021
3. Mariam Macharia^*1, Enock Kebenei¹, Caroline Kithinji¹ “Respect for persons, by whom and for whom?’’- Symposium Oral presentation during the 2020 KASH Conference held 10-13^th February 2020
4. Mariam Macharia^*1, Enock Kebenei¹, Serah Gitome¹ ‘Types of expedited and quick turn-around review requests at The KEMRI Scientific and Ethics Review Unit for The Period January to October 2017’’ – Oral Presentation at the 2017 KASH Conference and won best young scientist award

1. Mariam Macharia “Observational research involving prisoners”– Published in the Bioethics newsletter Vol VII, Issue 1 January- March 2017 pg 14-15
2. Mariam Macharia, Gideon Cornel, Papias Mwangi “Definition and roles of a principal investigator (PI) in research”- Published in the Bioethics newsletter Vol VI Issue 4 October-December 2016 pg 5-11

Ms. Richelle Wanjiku Kihoro is a research scientist at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) at Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC) where she is engaged in research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as schistosomiasis, trachoma, lymphatic filariasis among others. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biotechnology and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) all from the University of Nairobi.

Prior to joining KEMRI, She has previously worked as a researcher in health programs involving diseases such as COVID-19, TB and HIV with other governmental and non-governmental organizations such as University of Nairobi (UON), National Public Health Laboratory Services (NPHLS) and Centre for Health Solutions (CHS).

• Master of Public Health (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), University of Nairobi
• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Nairobi

1. Inziani, Mary, Ferdinand Adungo, Janet Awando, Richelle Kihoro, Shingo Inoue, Kouichi Morita, Elizabeth Obimbo, Francis Onyango, and Matilu Mwau (2020) “Seroprevalence of yellow fever, dengue, West Nile and chikungunya viruses in children in Teso South Sub-County, Western Kenya.” International Journal of Infectious Diseases: 104-110 (View Publication)

Mr. Cassian Mwatele is a Senior Research Scientist (SRO) at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). He holds a Master of Science Degree (MSc) from Great Lakes University (GLUK). His thesis title was, determination of Pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles funestus mosquito populations in Gembe location, Suba District, Nyanza Province, Kenya.

Mr. Matele’s research focuses on medical and environmental entomology, particularly Mosquito vectors biology, ecology, disease transmission and Pyrethroid insecticide resistance.

Mr. Mwatele has wide experience in quantitative research studies on malaria and its vector mosquito, Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STH) and Schistosomiasis. And have published in peer-review journals.

• Great Lakes University (GLUK), MSc. Community Health & Development
• Technical University of Nairobi, BSc/H N D Medical Parasitology Sciences

1. Futami, H. Iwashita, Y. Higa, P.A. Lutiali, G.O. Sonye, C.Mwatele, S.M.Njenga, and N. Minakawa, (2019). Geographic Distribution of Aedes aegypti aegypti and Aedes aegypti formosus in Kenya and Environmental factors related to their relative abundance.
2. Easton AV, Oliveira RG, O’Connell EM, Kepha S, Mwandawiro CS, Njenga SM, Kihara JH, Mwatele C, Odiere MR, Brooker SJ, Webster JP, Anderson RM, Nutman TB.,(2016) Multi-parallel qPCR provides increased sensitivity and diagnostic breadth for gastrointestinal parasites of humans: field-based inferences on the impact of mass deworming. Parasit Vectors. 2016 Jan 27; 9:38. doi: 10.1186/s13071-016-1314-y
3. Kihara J. H., Muhoho N., Mwobobia I., French M. D. , Churcher T. S., Njoroge P., Gichuki P.,Njoka A. , Mwatele C., Masaku J., Njomo D., and Mwandawiro C.,(2012) A four-Year follow-up of school children after Mass-treatment for Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted Helminthes in Mwea, Kenya [Afr J Health Sci.; 23:232-237]
4. Caroline W G, Tansy E, Peris N K, Elizabeth A, Cassian M, George O, Joseph K N, Antony K., Robert W S, Simon J B (2012): Impact of school-based delivery of insecticide treated nets on child health in a low malaria transmission setting in Kenya: a cluster randomized trial.
5. Hitoshi K, Gabriel O. D, Kazunori O., Osamu K., Shinji K, Takashi T, George S, Yoshihide M, Cassian M, Sammy M. N, Mwandawiro C, Noboru M, Masahiro T (2011): Multimodal Pyrethroid Resistance in Malaria Vectors, Anopheles gambiae s.s., Anopheles arabiensis, and Anopheles funestus s.s. in Western Kenya. PLoS One, 6(9): e24323 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.00243238, p1
6. Kawada H, Futami K, Komagata O, Kasai S, Tomita T, Sonye G, Mwatele C, Njenga SM, Mwandawiro C, Minakawa N, Tak M (2011) Distribution of a Knockdown Resistance Mutation (L1014S) in Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles arabiensis in Western and Southern Kenya. PLoS One 6(9): e24323. (View Publication)

Mr. Chieng’ is a Laboratory Analyst in the Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), at Kenya Medical Research Institute. He has extensive experience in molecular and serology diagnostics of Neglected Tropical Diseases and other infectious diseases.

Mr. Chieng’ holds a BSc. In Molecular and Cellular Biology and Currently completing my MSc. Biotechnology. His thesis topic is on Comparison of different diagnostic techniques for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Kirinyaga County.

• MSc. Biotechnology – Kenyatta University (Ongoing)
• BSc. Molecular and Cellular Biology – Kenyatta University

1. Chieng, Benard, Collins Okoyo, Elses Simiyu, Paul Gichuki, Cassian Mwatele, Stella Kepha, Sammy Njenga, and David Mburu. " Comparison of quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Kato- Katz and circulating cathodic antigen rapid test for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection: A cross-sectional study in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. & quot; Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases 1 (2021): 100029.
2. Kanyi Henry, Mutungi M. Faith, Chieng Benard, Araka Sylvie, Caitlin M. Worrell, Sukwan Handali, Sammy M. Njenga, Julie R. Harris. Infection with Strongyloides stercoralis among children in urban slums of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya. Afr, J of H Sci. Feb 2016
3. Amy J. Pickering, Sammy M. Njenga, Lauren Steinbaum, Jenna Swarthout,Audrie Lin, Benjamin F. Arnold, Christine P. Stewart, Holly N. Dentz, MaryAnne Mureithi, Benard Chieng, Marlene Wolfe, Ryan Mahoney, Jimmy Kihara. Effects of single and integrated water, sanitation, handwashing, and nutrition interventions on child soil-transmitted helminth and Giardia infections: A cluster randomized controlled trial in rural Kenya. PLos Med. June 2019.
4. Pickering AJ, Njenga SM, Steinbaum L, Swarthout J, Lin A, Arnold BF, Stewart CP, Dentz HN, Mureithi M, Chieng B, Wolfe M. Integrating water, sanitation, handwashing, and nutrition interventions to reduce child soil-transmitted helminth and Giardia infections: a cluster- randomized controlled trial in rural Kenya. bioRxiv. 2018 Jan 1:464917.

Ms.Sylvie B. Araka is a Laboratory Analyst in the Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), at Kenya Medical Research Institute. Her main interests are in molecular and serology diagnostics of Neglected Tropical Diseases and other infectious diseases. She has been involved extensively in both laboratory and fieldwork activities in various projects dealing with Neglected Tropical Diseases research activities such as STH infections and Malaria both in community based and school -based projects.

She has also had the opportunity in participating in social science studies where she has taken part in data collection and transcription of a project that was on drug and substance abuse.

Currently working on a COVID surveillance study conducted in Western Kenya where she is providing technical support in the laboratory both serological and molecular techniques. She also wrote a proposal and received funding her study mainly focused on STH infections among pregnant women in Western Kenya. She has a BSc. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and currently pursuing my MSc. Biotechnology.

• Msc. Biotechnology; Kenyatta University
• Bsc. Molecular and Cellular Biology; Kenyatta University

1. Kanyi Henry, Mutungi M. Faith, Chieng Benard, Araka Sylvie, Caitlin M. Worrell, Sukwan Handali, Sammy M. Njenga, Julie R. Harris. Infection with Strongyloides stercoralis among children in urban slums of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya. Afr, J of H Sci. Feb 2016.
2. Were, Vincent Omondi, Collins Omondi Okoyo, Sylvie Biyaki Araka, Henry Muriuki Kanyi, Elizabeth Echoka Echoka, Charles Mwandawiro, and Doris Wairimu Njomo. “Socioeconomic Disparities in Drugs and Substance Abuse: Results from a Household Cross-sectional Survey in Murang’a County, Kenya.” (2021).

Mr. Collins Omondi Okoyo is a Statistician and a young researcher, with eight years of experience in statistical data analysis, statistical and mathematical modelling, and data management. He has special interest in longitudinal and cross-sectional survey data analysis, multilevel data analysis, survival data analysis, statistical and mathematical modeling, and geostatistical analysis using R and ArcGIS for Desktop. He designs and implements mobile data collection system using Open Data Kit (ODK), Secure Data Kit (SDK) and Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) systems.

Mr. Okoyo has authored/co-authored over 26 research papers on infectious and parasitic infections in Kenya in referred peer–reviewed journals. He is currently a co-principal investigator/co-investigator in over 14 research projects.

Mr. Okoyo’s objective is to build a career as a Statistician, and apply his analytical, statistical, geostatistical and mathematical modeling skills to solve challenging problems in predictive modeling, data mining, data management and analysis.

• PhD Candidate (Biostatistics), University of Nairobi, 2019 – 2022
• MSc (Mathematical Statistics), University of Nairobi.
• BSc (Applied Statistics with Computing), University of Kabianga.

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Tabitha Kanyui has a background in Research and Development with a BA in Community Development from Daystar University. She works at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) as a research scientist in the Social Science division of the Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC).

Tabitha has a wealth of experience in data analysis and research in human health. Her experience comes from gathering and analyzing scientific and demographic data from various sources, developing reports and visual representations, and providing consultation, technical assistance, and coordination for a wide variety of social scientific investigators or other research faculty.

She also advises and assists investigators in determining the appropriate Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software to utilize to meet their study needs and objectives, summarize and interpret results and designs, implements, and coordinates study activities and process improvements.

Ms. Ruth is a senior community health worker currently stationed at the Mwea Field office under ESACIPAC center.  She assists in Field work activities in the area.

Ms. Wanjiku hold a Diploma in Community Health, and a Higher Diploma in Community Based Development.

She is currently pursuing a masters Degree in Environmental Studies Community Development in Kenyatta university

Mr. Nicholas Ondieki Akama is a Medical Laboratory Technologist in Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), at Kenya Medical Research Institute. His research interests are in Parasitology, Entomology, and Epidemiology. Some of his key responsibilities include; Laboratory and fieldwork activities in different projects dealing with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). These projects are community and school-based.

Currently, Mr. Akama is stationed in the field of one of the school-based programme (Monitoring and Evaluation of STH and Malaria infections) in the Western and Rift Valley regions of Kenya.

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences