Department: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology
Address: P.O. Box 43844, 00100 Nairobi, Kenyatta University, NAIROBI
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Designation: Professor of Molecular Biology 
SCOPUS ID: 14066553000
Research Interests:  Genetic Engineering, Drug Discovery and Forensic Science
ORCID ID
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RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Articles in Refereed Journals

  • Ouma, D.A.; Mutai, M.; Njeru, E.M.; Oyore, J.P.; Neondo, J.O.; Jagongo, A.; Omwenga, G.; Ngugi, M.P.; Otieno Ngayo, M.; Oduor, R.O. (2025). Characterization, Accumulation Profiles, and Antibiotic-Resistance of Bacteria on Worn Disposable Masks at Githurai Market in Nairobi County, Kenya. J. Oman Med. Assoc. 2, 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/joma2020012
  • Esther Bitolitoli, Mourine Jerono Mutai, Ezekiel Mugendi Njeru, John Paul Oyore, Johnstone Neondo, Kennedy Awuor, Daniel Wambiri Muthee, Stephen Super Barasa, Sammy Letema and Richard Okoth Oduor (2025). Bacteria Contamination and Antibiotic Resistance Profile on Worn Reusable Facemasks in Githurai Market, Kenya International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology: Vol.10,No.2,pp.33-48 https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20251002.12
  • Odeny, BA, Asudi, GO, Omwenga, G, Oduor, RO and Karau, GM (2024). Analysis of Antibiotics in Milk from Smallholder Farmers from Kenya Shows Traces Above the Recommended Maximum Residue Limits. International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology. Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 27-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfsb.20240902.
  •  Mukami A, Juma BS, Mweu C, Ngugi M, Oduor R, Mbinda WM (2023). CRISPR-Cas9-induced targeted mutagenesis of feruloyl CoA 6′-hydroxylase gene reduces postharvest physiological deterioration in cassava roots. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 208 (2024) 112649
  •  Asande LK, Ombori O, Oduor RO, Nchore SB and Nyaboga EN (2023). Occurrence of passion fruit woodiness disease in the coastal lowlands of Kenya and screening of passion fruit genotypes for resistance to passion fruit woodiness disease. BMC Plant Biology. 23:544. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-023-04546-8
  •  Adero M, Tripathi JN, Oduor R, Zipfel C, Tripathi L (2023) Transgenic expression of Arabidopsis ELONGATION FACTOR-TU RECEPTOR (AtEFR) gene in banana enhances resistance against Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum. PLoS ONE 18(9): e0290884. https:// doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290884
  •  Francis Wekesa, Mark Wamalwa, Richard Oduor, Yatinder Binepa, Leonard Ateya, Noah Okumu, Angela M’kwenda, Christopher Masaba, and Eugine Mukhaye (2023). Development and Validation of Rapid Colorimetric Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Detection of Rift Valley Fever Virus. Advances in Virology Volume 2023, Article ID 1863980, 14 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/1863980
  •  Masanga, J., Oduor, R., Alakonya, A., Ngugi, M., Ojola, P., Bellis, E. S., & Runo, S. (2022). Comparative phylogeographic analysis of Cuscuta campestris and Cuscuta reflexa in Kenya: Implications for management of highly invasive vines. Plants, People, Planet, 4(2), 182–193. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10236
  •  Mukami A, Juma BS, Mweu C, Ngugi M, Oduor R, Mbinda WM (2022). Plant regeneration from leaf mesophyll derived protoplasts of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). PLoS ONE 17(12): e0278717. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278717
  •  Purity G. Limbua, Mathew P. Ngugi, and Richard O. Oduor (2022). Genetic Transformability of Selected Kenyan Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes with IPT Gene Using Cotyledonary Node Explants. Advances in Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2516843
  •  Dancun King’ang’i Muchira, Elias Mwangi, Richard Oduor (2022). Optimized Nematodes Isolation Protocol for Soils from Tissue Culture Banana Field. International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 7(3): 115-117 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijmb doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20220703.11
  •  Dancun Muchira, Elias Mwangi, Richard Oduor (2022). A Review of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) Current Control Measures and Genome Editing as a Potential Intervention. International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 7(3): 118-123. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20220703.12
  •  Muinde JM, Bhanu DRC, Neumann R, Oduor RO, Kanja W, Kimani JK, Mutugi MW, Smith L, Jobling MA and Wetton JH (2021). Geographical and linguistic structure in the people of Kenya demonstrated using 21 autosomal STRs. Forensic Science International: Genetics 53 (2021) 102535
  •  Mwangi JW, Oduor RO, Muchemi PK, and Ngugi MP (2021). Genetic and phenotypic diversity of selected Kenyan mung bean (Vigna radiate L. Wilckzek) genotypes. Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. 19:142. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43141-021-00245-9
  •  Mark Ochieng Adero, Easter David Syombua, Richard Oduor (2021a). Genetic Engineering of Banana Against Bacterial Diseases. Journal of Plant Sciences. Vol. 9, No. 5, 2021, pp. 253-256. doi: 10.11648/j.jps.20210905.13
  •  Njaci, I.; Ngugi-Dawit, A.; Oduor, R.O.; Kago, L.; Williams, B.; Hoang, L.T.M.; Mundree, S.G.; Ghimire, S.R. (2021) Comparative Analysis Delineates the Transcriptional Resistance Mechanisms for Pod Borer Resistance in the Pigeonpea Wild Relative Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22, 309. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22010309
  •  Mark Ochieng Adero, Easter David Syombua, Richard Oduor (2021b). A Robust Protocol for Managing Microbial Contamination of In-vitro Banana Plants. International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 6(3), pp. 95-97. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20210603.15
  • Joel Masanga, Beatrice Njoki Mwangi, Willy Kibet, Philip Sagero, Mark Wamalwa, Richard Oduor, Mathew Ngugi, Amos Alakonya, Patroba Ojola, Emily S Bellis, Steven Runo (2021), Physiological and ecological warnings that dodders pose an exigent threat to farmlands in Eastern Africa. Plant Physiology, kiab034, https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiab034
  •  Asande, L.K., Omwoyo, R.O., Oduor, R.O. and Nyaboga EN. (2020). A simple and fast Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for passion fruit KPF4 (Passiflora edulis f. edulis × Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa). Plant Methods 16, 141 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13007-020-00684-4
  •  Mukami A, Ng’etich A, Syombua E, Oduor R, Mbinda W (2020). Varietal differences in physiological and biochemical responses to salinity stress in six finger millet plants. Physiol Mol Biol Plants: 26(8): 1569–1582 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12298-020-00853-8
  •  Lydia K. Asande, Omwoyo Ombori, Evans N. Nyaboga, and Richard O. Oduor (2020). Efficient Shoot Organogenesis Using Leaf Disc and Nodal Explants of Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) and Genetic Fidelity Assessment Using Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) Markers. International Journal of Agronomy. Article ID 3205710, 10 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3205710
  •  Mbinda W, Dixelius C and Oduor R (2019). Induced Expression of Xerophyta viscosa XvSap1 Gene Enhances Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Sweet Potato. Front. Plant Sci. 10:1119. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01119
  •  Asunta Mukami, Alex Ngetich, Cecilia Mweu, Richard O. Oduor, Mutemi Muthangya, Wilton Mwema Mbinda (2019). Differential characterization of physiological and biochemical responses during drought stress in finger millet varieties. Physiol Mol Biol Plants. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12298-019-00679-z
  •  Asunta Mukami, Alex Ngetich, Cecilia Mweu, Mutemi Muthangya, Richard O. Oduor, Mathew Ngugi, and Wilton Mbinda (2019). Rapid and efficient plant regeneration from shoot apical meristems of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] via direct organogenesis. 17(29), pp. 898-905, : 10.5897/AJB2018.16562
  •  DM Mukwabi, PO Okemo, SO Otieno, RO Oduor and CM Macharia (2019). Temperature and PH influence on bacterial pathogens infecting farmed Nile tilapia in aquaculture systems in Bungoma County, Kenya. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 7(1): 190-197
  •  Easter D. SYOMBUA, Christine N. WANYONYI, Wilton M. Mbinda, Mathew P. NGUGI1, Amos E. ALAKONYA and Richard O. ODUOR (2019). Explant type and hormone regime influences somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of cassava. African Journal of Biotechnology 18(25), pp. 532-539. DOI: 10.5897/AJB2019.16853
  •  D M Mukwabi, S O Otieno, P O Okemo, R O Oduor and B Agwanda (2019). Parasites infesting Nile tilapia grown in aquaculture systems in Kenya. Livestock Research for Rural Development 31 (20)
  •  Mukwabi D. M., Okemo P.O, Otieno S. A, Oduor R.O, and Okwany Z.W (2019) Antibiotic Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Aquaculture Systems in Bungoma County, Kenya. Journal of Applied & Environmental Microbiology.7(1): 25-37
  •  Richard O. Oduor (2019). Exposure to Background Ionizing radiation from quarries and premises in Kisumu County, Kenya. International Journal of Scientific Research.
  •  Richard O. Oduor (2018). Indoor background ionizing radiations in selected premises in Mombasa County, Kenya. International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology. 5(11):36-38. DOI 10.17148/IARJSET.2018.5118
  •  Sylvia Nawiri, Richard Oduor and Wilton Mbinda (2018). Isopentenyletransferase Gene Enhances Drought Tolerance in Genetically Engineered Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). J Plant Biochem Physiol, 6:3 DOI: 10.4172/2329-9029.1000221
  •  Wilton Mbinda, Omwoyo Ombori, and Christina Dixelius, Richard Oduor (2018). Xerophyta viscosa Aldose Reductase, XvAld1, Enhances Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Sweetpotato. Molecular Biotechnology https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-018-0063-x
  •  Nzaro G Makenzi1, Wilton M Mbinda, Richard Oduor Okoth and Mathews Piero Ngugi (2017). In vitro Plant Regeneration of Sweetpotato Through Direct Shoot Organogenesis J Plant Biochem Physiol. DOI: 10.4172/2329-9029.1000207
  •  Ouko R.O, Koech S.C, Arika W.M, Oduor R.O, Ngugi M.T. (2017) Bioefficacy of organic extracts of Ocimum basilicum against Sitophilus zeamais. Entomology, Ornithology & Herpetology Vol. 6:190 doi 10.4172/2162-0983.1000190
  •  EN Marigi, JO Masanga, TL Munga, LS Karanja, MP Ngugi, WM Thagana, D Kirubi, M Mwangi, CM Githunguri, WM Muiru, DW Miano, AE Alakonya and RO Oduor (2016). Optimisation of a Somatic Embryogenesis and Transformation Protocol for Farmer-Preferred Cassava Cultivars in Kenya. African CropScience Journal, 24 (s1): 35–44. ISSN 1021-9730/2016. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v24i1.4S
  •  Stephen O. Onyango, Hugh Roderick, Jaindra N. Tripathi, Richard Collins, Howard J. Atkinson, Richard O. Oduor, LeenaTripathi (2016). The ZmRCP-1 promoter of maize provides root tip specificexpression of transgenes in plantain. Journal of Biological Research.23:4 1-9. DOI 10.1186/s40709-016-0041-z
  •  Miccah Songelael Seth, Leta Tulu Bedada, Mathew Piero Ngugi, Steven Maina Runo, Revel Iyer, Jennifer Ann Thomson, Emmarold E. Mneney, Dan Makumbi, Richard Okoth Oduor (2016). Drought tolerance in transgenic tropical maize (Zea mays L) by heterologous expression of peroxiredoxin2 gene-XvPrx2. African Journal of Biotechnology. 15(25). 1350-1362.
  •  Ogola PE, Arika WM, Nyamai DW, Osano KO, achuonyo HO, Wambani JR, Lagat RC, Njagi SM, Mumenya SW, Koteng A, Ngugi MP, Oduor RO (2016). Determination of background ionizing radiations in selected buildings in Nairobi County, Kenya. Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy 7:29.doi:10.4172/2155-9619.1000289
  •  Leta Tulu Bedada, Miccah Songelael Seth, Steven Maina Runo, Wondyifraw Teffera,
    Charless Mugoya, Clet Wandui Masiga, Richard Okoth Oduor, Eduardo Blumewald and Francis Wachira (2016). Drought tolerant tropical maize (Zea mays L.)
    developed through genetic t/ransformation with isopentenyltransferase gene. African Journalof Biotechnology. 15(43), pp. 2447-2464, 26. DOI: 10.5897/AJB2016.15228
  •  Mbinda W, Anami S, Ombori O, Dixelius C, Oduor R (2016). Efficient Plant Regeneration of Selected Kenyan Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) Cultivars through Somatic Embryogenesis. J Tissue Sci Eng 7: 176. doi:10.4172/2157-7552.1000176
  •  Tripathi JN, Oduor RO and Tripathi L (2015) A High-Throughput Regeneration and Transformation Platform for Production of Genetically Modified Banana. Front. Plant Sci. 6:1025. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2015.01025
  •  Piero NM, Murugi NJ, Okoth OR, Ombori OR, Jalemba MA, Chelule CR (2015) RNAi-Mediated Downregulation of Cyano-Glycoside Biosynthesis in
    Kenyan Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Genotypes. J Plant Biochem Physiol 3: 148. doi:10.4172/2329-9029.1000148
  •  Piero NM, Joan MN, Richard OO, Jalemba MA, Omwoyo OR, and Cheruiyot R Chelule. (2015) Determination of Cyanogenic Compounds Content in Transgenic
    Acyanogenic Kenyan Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Genotypes: Linking Molecular Analysis to Biochemical Analysis. J Anal Bioanal Tech 6: 264 doi:10.4172/2155-9872.1000264
  •  Ngugi MP, Oduor RO, Omwoyo RO, Njagi JM, Mgutu AJ, Cheruiyot (2015) Regeneration of Kenyan Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Genotypes. J Plant Biochem Physiol 3: 147. doi:10.4172/2329-9029.1000147
  •  K. Mburua, R. Oduor, A. Mgutu and L. Tripathi (2015). Silicon application enhances resistance to xanthomonas wilt disease in banana. Plant Pathology.Doi:10.1111/ppa.12468
  •  Wilton Mbinda, Sylvia Nawiri, Makenzi Nzaro, Benson Kinyagia, Allan Mgutu, and Richard Oduor (2015). Evaluation of the Phosphomannose Isomerase-Based Selection System for Genetic Transformation of Sweetpotato. International Journal of LifeScience 9(3): 46-53
  •  Marigi E , Ngugi MP, Thagana W, Muiru W, Munga TL, Alakonya A and Oduor RO (2014). Establishing a platform for routine genetic transformation of cassava for enhanced tolerance to cassava mosaic disease and cassava brown streak diseases. CRCoE Review (3) 23-26
  •  Ngugi M Piero, Njagi J Murugi, Oduor R Okoth, Mgutu A Jalemba, Ngeranwa NJ Joseph and Njagi EN Mwaniki, (2012). Prevention of Type I Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Immune Interventions. Clinical and Cellular Immunology. doi:10.4172/2155-9899.S2-005
  • Seth M S, Bedada, L T, Mneney, E. E, Oduor R O and Machuka J S (2012).In vitro regeneration of selected commercial Tanzanian open pollinated maize genotypes. African Journal of Biotechnology 11(22): 6043-6049
  •  Seth M S, Bedada, L T, Mneney, E. E, Oduor R O and Machuka J S (2012). In vitro regeneration of selected commercial Tanzanian open pollinated maize genotypes. African Journal of Biotechnology 11(22): 6043-6049
  • Oduor, R. O.; K. Ojo, K. K.; Williams G. P.; Bertelli, F.; Mills, J.; Maes , L.; Pryde, D. C.; Parkinson , T.; Van Voorhis, W. C. and Holler, T. P. (2011). Trypanosoma brucei Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Target for Anti-trypanosomal Drug Development: A Public-Private Partnership to Identify Novel Leads. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 5(4): e1017. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0001017
  •  Oduor, R. O, Njagi, E. N. M, Ndung’u, S and Machuka, J. S. (2006). In vitro Regeneration of Dryland Kenyan Maize Genotypes Through Somatic Embryogenesis International Journal of Botany 2 (2): pp 46-151.

Books
Chapters in Book (s)

  • Richard Oduor, Mathew Ngugi, Vivian Tuei, Trizah Milugo and Joel Ochieng (2015). Chapter Title How Ready is Sub-Saharan Africa to Adopt Biotech Crops? Lessons from Kenya (Chapter Six). In: Emma Arogundade (2015): USHEPiA Crossing Boundaries: Knowledges from the Continent. Siber Ink, South Africa, ISBN: 9781928309079.
  • Clet Wandui Masiga, Charles Mugoya, Rasha Ali, Abdalla Mohamed, Sarah Osama, Abigail Ngugi, DanKiambi, Santie de Villiers, Kahiu Ngugi, Theogene Niyibigira, Abraha Tesfamichel, Jesse Machuka, Richard Oduor, Steven Runo, Rasha Adam, et al (2014). Enhanced Utilization of Biotechnology Researchand Development Innovations in Eastern and Central Africa for Agro-ecological Intensification. Editors: Bernard Vanlauwe, Piet van Asten, Guy Blomme. In Challenges and Opportunities for Agricultural Intensification of the Humid Highland Systems of Sub-Saharan Africa. Springer International PublishingSwitzerland .SBN 978-3-319-07661-4 ISBN 978-3-319-07662-1 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-07662-1.pp 97-104 http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-07662-1_8#page-1 

Other Publications

Articles in Conference Proceedings

  • Oduor RO, Mbinda W, Runo SM, Murilla G, Mugendi J, Muriira G4, Ogoyi D, Ochieng J and, Mathabe PMK, Ngugi MP (2018). ‘Genetically Modified Organisms: the Kenya’s Story’ Presented at Africa Animal Welfare Conference between September 3-5 2018, United Nations Complex, Kenya
  • Ogola PE, Njagi JM, Ngugi MP, Mumenya SW, Koteng’A, Wala E, Geoffrey Muriira, Mugendi J, Bosire, SW and Oduor RO (2018). ‘Determination of exposure to indoor ionizing radiation in human habitat: a preventive approach to cancer management’ presented at the 50th KMA ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE, between 17th -21st April 2018 at Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel & Spa, Mombasa Kenya.
  • Joel W Ochieng, Jane J. Binott, Richard S. Mulwa, Mathews M. Dida, Pixley K. Kipsumbai, Trizah K. Milugo and Richard O. Oduor (2017) “Can Genetic Engineering promote food security and reduce the health burden? Focus on food safety and nutrition” presented at 45th KMA Annual Scientific Conference, held between 19th to 23rd April 2017
  • Oduor RO, Ngugi MP, Alakonya AE and Maina SR (2016). ‘Politics of GM crops: The Kenyan Story and its Role in Sustainable Agriculture’, a paper presented at the 2nd SAED Biennial International Conference held on November 29th to December 2nd 2016 pg37
  • Oduor RO, Ngugi MP, Tuei VC, Milugo TK, and Ochieng JW (2016) “How prepared is Sub Saharan Africa to adopt Biotech crops? Lessons from Kenya”presented at the Bridging the Gap between Agriculture and Human Health workshop, held between19th to 22nd September 2016
  • Easter D. SYOMBUA, Mathew P. NGUGI, Theresia L. MUNGA,Laura S. KARANJA, Wilson M. THAGANA Duncan KIRUBI , Maina MWANGI, Cyrus M. GITHUNGURI William M. MUIRU, Douglas W. MIANO, Amos E. ALAKONYA and Richard O. ODUOR (2016) ‘Somatic embroyogenesis and transformation of selected Kenyan cassava cultivators’ presented at the 20th International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) on 26th to 29th June 2016.
  • Oduor RO, Mgutu AJ, Ngugi MP, Alakonya AE and Maina SR (2015) ‘Africa is ready for genetically modified crops: Lessons from Kenya’ presented at the 2nd Africa International Biotechnology and Biomedical Conference held on 17th to 18thSeptember 2015.
  • Emma N. MArigi, Mathew P. NGUGI, Theresia L. MUNGA,Laura S. KARANJA, Wilson M. THAGANA Duncan KIRUBI , Maina MWANGI, Cyrus M. GITHUNGURI William M. MUIRU, Douglas W. MIANO, Amos E. ALAKONYA and Richard O. ODUOR (2015) ‘Evaluating regenerability and transformability of a farmer-preferred Kenyan Cassava Cultivars’ presented at the 4th Annual Biosafety Conference held on 11th to 14th August 2015.
  • Marigi E , Ngugi MP, Thagana W, Muiru W, Munga TL, Alakonya A and Oduor RO (2014) ‘Establishing a platform for routine genetic transformation of cassava for enhanced tolerance to cassava mosaic disease and cassava brown streak disease’ presented at the 3rd CRCoE Review and Cassava Scientific Conference held on 28th to 30th July 2014 pg 23-26
  • Oduor, R. O., K. Ojo, K. K., Williams G. P., Bertelli, F., Mills, J., Maes, L., Pryde, D. C., Parkinson , T., Van Voorhis, W. C. and Holler, T. P. (2011). ‘High-throughput screening to identify novel anti-trypanosomal leads targeting glycogen synthase kinase 3 of Trypanosoma brucei’ presented at the 4th ANDI Stakeholders meeting and Donors Conference on 24th to 27th October 2011 pg 109.

CONFERENCES/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS

Participation in Workshop/Conferences

2019

  • Attended and presented a paper entitled The Fear of the Unknown: A Growing Hindrance to Reaping the Gains of New and Emerging Biotechnologies in Kenya on 14th August 2019
  • Attended and participated in the 2nd Biotechnology Consultative meeting in the Office of the president to broker the ban on GMOs on 15th March 2019
  • Attended and presented the Kenyatta University Biennial Research and Innovation Conference and presented a paper entitled’ Advancing crop productivity through mobile biotechnology on the 24th Oct 2019.
  • Attended and participated in Breakfast meeting with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development Authorities on 4th June 2019
  • Attended a seminar on the MLN gene editing project on 7th February 2019, ICRAF campus, Nairobi, Kenya

 

2018

  • Attended a Breakfast meeting on the Status of Agricultural Biotechnology in Kenya, and presented a paper on the Overview of Biotechnology Research in Kenya on 10th December, 2018 AT SANKARA HOTEL, Nairobi
  • Attended the Christian and Scientific Association of Kenya (CSAK) Regional Conference and Chaired a session in August between 29th – 30th, 2018 at The Sweet Lake Resort, Naivasha.
  • Invited to a Health and Leadership Congress to be held in May 2nd to 4th, 2018 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Nairobi, Kenya
  • Attended a Study Tour on Biotech Cassava CFT site in Mtwapa and Presented a paper on the Introduction to Modern Biotechnology on the 5th September 2018, in KALRO Mtwapa.
  • Attended as a resource person on ‘The Role of Bioinformatics in Risk Assessment of GMOs’ Action Plan during the Pre-Conference Courses of the 7th Annual Biosafety Conference in August 14th-17th, 2018 at KSMS, Nairobi
  • Attended and facilitated a workshop on the Introduction to Biotechnology & Biosafety Regulatory Frameworks during a science café on 31st May 2018 at Nairobi Safari
  • Attended and facilitated on the Introduction to Biotech and biosafety during a Youth Biotech Sensitization workshop on 10th April 2018 at the SHUHAN Hotel, Thika.

2017

  • Attended a Validation workshop on the review of a manual for post release monitoring of GM crops in Kenya, Lukenya Gataway Inn, Machakos, 26th -27th April 2017
  • Attended a Workshop on Synthetic Biology, Laico Regency Hotel, Nairobi, 15th - 17th March, 2017.
  • Attended a Crop, Disease, Diagnostics & Detection workshop, Imperial Collage, London, 16th -17th March 2017
  • Attended a Consultative meeting on Biotechnology and Biosafety Regulatory Framework in Kenya, Sarova Panafric Hotel, 21st February 2017
  • Attended an Agricultural Biotechnology Forum on “Demystifying Agricultural Biotechnology through active Engagement in Academia”, and gave an oral presentation entitled: Introduction to GM Technology, University of Embu on 16th March 2017
  • Attended a Research Partnership Building Workshop, and gave an oral presentation entitled: Capacity development and research needs in NARS. ILRI Campus Nairobi, 8th to 9th February 2017

 

2016

  • Attended the 5th Annual Biosafety Conference, and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: Bioinformatics in Risk assessment of GMOs’. Kenya School of Monetary Studies, 15th to 18th August 2016
  • Attended the African Food Manufacturing and Safety Summit Conference 2016, and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: How Africa and its corporate sector can reap the benefits of modern biotechnology’ Kenya School of Monetary Studies, 8th to 10th June 2016
  • Attended a Kenya Universities Biotechnology Consortium (KUBICO) special meeting for Student Unions in Public Universities, and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: Biotechnology applications, Nairobi Serena Hotel on 14th December 2016
  • Attended an International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) managed Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) stakeholder meeting, Royal Orchid Hotel, 25th November 2016
  • Attended a BecA-Japan/JSPS symposium on “Developing partnerships for collaborative agricultural research development programs in support of smallholder farmers”, and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: Research Advancements at Plant Transformation Laboratory at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. ILRI Campus, 16th June 2016
  • Attended a Communication event on Harnessing Modern Biotech for Africa’s Economic Development, and was a discussant on a topic entitled: Effective communication for modern Agricultural biotechnology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 21st to 22nd April 2016
  • Attended a National Biosafety Authority training on Environmental Risk and Food/feed safety, and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: Introduction to modern biotechnology and safety, and global trends for commercialized biotech crops. Sagana Getaway Lodge, 21st to 23rd March 2016
  • Attended a National Biosafety Authority training workshop on National Performance Trials (NPTs) and the National Variety release process in Kenya, Maanzoni Lodge, Machakos, 27th to 28th June 2016
  • Attended a Biotechnology Symposium, and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: Bioengineered foods in Kenya. KEMRI, Nairobi, 10th February 2016
  • Attended a NACOSTI SCIENCE WEEK, and was a panellist on a topic entitled: Genetically modified crops: Their role in Food security and sustainable crop production Nairobi, 16th to 20th May 2016
  • Attended a 10th Annual decolonizing the spirit international conference “Demystifying Agricultural Biotechnology through active Engagement in Academia”, and was a panellist on a topic entitled: Impact of former colonialist anti-technology policies on Africa’s agriculture; can GM crops strive in Africa? University of Embu on 19th-21st July 2016

 

2015

  • Attended an International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Workshop and visit of the centre, and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: Biotechnology research in Kenya, Cape Town South Africa, 19th - 23rd October 2015
  • Attended an Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB) county edition workshop, and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: Kenya’s capacity for Biotechnology R&D. Kericho County, 2nd September 2015
  • Attended a 43rd Annual Scientific Conference of the Kenya Medical Association, gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: Safety of GM products in Medical, Fibre and food application, Noble Hotel Eldoret 22nd - 25th April 2015
  • Attended a National Biosafety Authority meeting to review NPT/DUS Guidelines for GM Crops in Kenya, Lukenya Getaway, 30th June 2015
  • Attended a 2nd Annual Biotech Literacy Project Boot camp and gave an oral presentation of a paper entitled: GMO Debate in Kenya. University of California Davis, 31st May to 2nd June 2015
  • Attended a Kenya –Australia Investor Forum 2015, on Agriculture and renewable energy. Brisbane Australia 13th -14th Aug 2015
  • Attended a National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) stakeholder validation workshop to discuss the draft policy on exploitation of Nanotechnology, Nairobi Safari Club, 28th April 2015
  • Attended a National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) sensitization workshop on International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology bilateral program in Kenya, Intercontinental Hotel Nairobi, 1st April 2015.
  • Attended an ASARECA Focused group discussion, KALRO Headquarters, 28th January 2015
  • Attended a Study tour of Brazil Crop Farms, Londrina, Brazil 14th to 20th March 2015

 

2014

  • Attended the 18th ICABR conference – Bioeconomy and Development, and presented an oral paper entitled: Improved drought tolerance in transgenic sweet potato expressing Xeropyhta viscosa XvAld1 and Xvsap1 genes’. Safari Park Hotel Nairobi, 18th to 20th June 2014
  • Attended a KARI/ University of Missouri GM Cassava stakeholders’ workshop, and gave an oral presentation entitled: Research advances by Kenyatta University. Nairobi,10th July 2014
  • Attended a Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) Biosafety stakeholders meeting, Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi, 21st October 2014
  • Attended a KU Next Generation of Academicians and Researchers Network NGARN cocktail seminar on Genetically Modified Organisms, and presented an oral paper entitled: Global commercialization, ongoing GM research and Kenya’s Capacity to develop and regulate GM technology and its product. KUCC, KU, 11th December 2014
  • Attended an Egerton University biotech and GMOs symposium, and presented an oral paper entitled: The GMO ban in Kenya: Potential economic impact. Egerton University Utafiti Building, 9th to 10th June 2014
  • Attended a BioZeq Kenya Ltd, QIAGEN Technology Forensic and profiling training workshop, Nairobi Kenya, 24th to 26th June 2014
  • Attended the 3rd Seed trade Association of Kenya (STAK) congress and EXPO, and presented an oral paper entitled: Is Kenya on the right path on for the adoption of GM technology? What is the role of universities? KUCC, KU, 5th to 7th November 2014
  • Attended a KALRO, OFAB, ISAAA study tour on GM Field Trials, KALRO Kiboko, Kenya, 9th October 2014

 

2013

  • Attended the Cassava Regional Centre of Excellence Project Review and Planning Workshop, Entebbe, Uganda, 22nd to 25th July 2013
  • Attended the 2nd National Biosafety Authority Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, 5th to 9th August 2013
  • Attended a National Biosafety Authority workshop for developing guidelines on risk assessment of facilities handling genetically modified organisms, Kenya School of Monetary Studies, 10th - 11th June 2013
  • Attended a Kenya Accreditation Services (KENAS) policy makers breakfast meeting, Hilton Hotel, 10th June 2013

 

2012

  • Attended an Executive workshop on Agricultural Biotechnology in Kenya, and presented an oral paper entitled: Status of Agricultural biotechnology in Kenyatta University. AICAD JKUAT, 13th to 14th August 2012
  • Attended the University of Dar es Salaam workshop on GMO Options for Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture, and presented an oral paper entitled: Drought as a challenge for crop production. Dar es Salam, Tanzania, 6th to 7th December 2012
  • Attended an Inaugural conference on Nanotechnology and Material sciences in Kenya, Nairobi 18th to 20th July 2012

Presentation of papers at Academic and Professional Conferences

  • “Can Genetic Engineering promote food security and reduce the health burden? Focus on food safety and nutrition” presented at 45th KMA Annual Scientific Conference, held between 19th to 23rd April 2017 at Sportsman’s Arms Hotel Nanyuki.
  • ‘Politics of GM crops: The Kenyan Story and its Role in Sustainable Agriculture’, a paper presented at the 2nd SAED Biennial International Conference held on November 29th to December 2nd 2016 at KU-Business Students and Services Centre (BSSC).
  • “How prepared is Sub Saharan Africa to adopt Biotech crops? Lessons from Kenya”presented at the Bridging the Gap between Agriculture and Human Health workshop, held in Cape Town, South Africa, between19th to 22nd September 2016
  • ‘Somatic embroyogenesis and transformation of selected Kenyan cassava cultivators’ presented at the 20th International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) on 26th to 29th June 2016 in Ravello (Amalfi coast) Italy.
  • ‘Africa is ready for genetically modified crops: Lessons from Kenya’ presented at the 2ns Africa International Biotechnology and Biomedical Conference held on 17th to 18thSeptember 2015 at the African population & Health Research Center (APHRC) Nairobi Kenya
  • ‘Evaluating regenerability and transformability of a farmer preferred Kenyan Cassava cultivars’ presented at the 4th Annual Biosafety Conference held on 11th to 14th August 2015 at KICC
  • ‘Establishing a platform for routine genetic transformation of cassava for enhanced tolerance to cassava mosaic disease and cassava brown streak disease’ presented at the 3rd CRCoE Review and Cassava Scientific Conference held on 28th to 30th July 2014 in Kampala Uganda.
  • ‘’Kenya is Ready for the Adoption of Genetically Modified Foods Despite the Existing Ban on their Importation’’ presented at the UCT –USHEPiA Alumni seminar, held on18th to 19th September 2014 at University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,
  • Evaluating regenerability and transformability of a farmer-preferred Kenyan Cassava Cultivars presented at the Cassava Regional Centre of Excellence Project Review and Planning Workshop, Entebbe, Uganda, 22nd to 25th July 2013
  • ‘Enhancing cassava productivity through host plant resistance breeding against cassava mosaic disease and cassava brown streak disease using genetic engineering and marker assisted selection – A Kenyan project’ presented at the 12th International Symposium on Plant Virus Epidemiology held on 28th January to 1st February 2012 in Arusha Tanzania
  • ‘High-throughput screening to identify novel anti-trypanosomal leads targeting glycogen synthase kinase 3 of Trypanosoma brucei’ presented at the 4th ANDI Stakeholders meeting and Donors Conference on 24th to 27th October 2011 at UN Conference Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 Convening and Coordinating Conferences

  • Convened and coordinated Next Generation of Academicians and Researchers Network (NGARN) sensitization seminar on International Foundation for Sciences (IFS) funding opportunity for young scholars in Kenyatta University held on 15th September 2015 at BSSC.
  • Convened and coordinated Next Generation of Academicians and Researchers Network (NGARN) cocktail seminar on Genetically Modified Organisms held on 11th December 2014 at KUCC. 
  • Scientific Committee member of the 18th International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) Conference – Bioeconomy and Development on 18th to 20th June 2014 at Safari Park Hotel.
  • Coordinated KEMRI-Wellcome Trust students seminar at Kenyatta University held on 9th April 2013

Participation in book Launches

  • 2014: Book launch Biotechnology in Africa: Emergence, Initiatives and Future. Sarova Stanley Hotel, and presented an oral paper entitled:Capacity Building within Biotechnology4th December 2014

Patent (s)

  • Oduor, R. O, Iyer, R, Mackuka, J. and Thomson, J. A. (2009). Plant promoters of theXVSAP1WorldIntellectual Property Organization Patent no. Patent No. WO/2009/060402.

PROFESSIONAL/CONSULTING

 Local, regional & international appointments

International Consultancies

  • May 2018: SI Ltd for Rwanda National Police College.Facilitated TWO modules: Fundamentals of Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, Advanced DNA and Molecular Genetics 

Review of professional periodicals

  • 2017:Reviewer, Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology
  • 2017: Reviewer, Food and Energy Security
  • 2017:Plant Cell Biotechnology and Molecular Biology
  • 2016:Plant Cell Reports    

 At Other Institutions

  • 2018: Board Member, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)
  • 2016: Member, Board of Management, Christian and Scientific Association of Kenya
  • 2014:Chair, Kenya University Biotechnology Consortium (KUBICO)
  • 2011:Member of Technical Committee, Kenya Accreditation Services (KENAS)

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS

Being invited to a conference as a Guest Speaker

  • 2016: Guest Speaker at the African Food Manufacturing & Safety Conference & Expo June 8-10 2016, and presented a paper entitled: Status of Research in GMOs in Kenya : Nutritional Focus

Appointment to Boards

  • 2018: Board Member, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)
  • 2016:Member, Board of Management, Christian and Scientific Association of Kenya
  • 2013:Member, University Research and Advisory Board, Kenyatta University
  • 2013:Member, City Campus Management Board, Kenyatta University
  • 2012:Chair, Departmental Board of Postgraduate studies
  • 2011:Member of Technical Committee Board, Kenya Accreditation Services

AWARDS /RECOGNITION

  • 2012: Awarded the Top student of Executive Master of Science in Organizational Development, by United States International University,
  • Oct 2011: Awarded Best Oral presentation in Product discovery and development, by African Network for Drugs and Diagnostic Innovation (ANDi) 2011, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

 COMMUNITY OUTREACH

  • 2016: Contributed to the Ark Children’s Home, in commemorating the 2016 Culture week Festivals
  • 2013-date:Patron Siaya County Students Association – KU Chapter

 ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

 Development of teaching/academic programmes in department/school/University

  • 2016: Appointed to a committee to develop coursework for PhD in Biotechnology
  • 2016:Appointed to a committee to develop coursework for PhD in Biotechnology and revision of Master of Science in Biotechnology
  • 2014: Appointed as a module vetter for the institute of Peace and security studies
  • 2012:Appointed to a departmental committee to review programs in the department

Developing Programmes External to Kenyatta University

  • 2016: Invited by the University of Eldoret and participated in the development of a curriculum for postgraduate studies in Food Security and Biotechnology

Initiating/Leading Research Project

  • 2017: Initiated a collaborative research between Kenyatta University and the Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, UK
  • 2017:I initiated a collaborative research between Kenyatta University and the Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie, Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology
  • 2016: Initiated a collaborative research between Kenyatta University and the Agricultural Research Council, South Africa through a joint funded research project between NACOSTI and South Africa.
  • 2013: Developed a dossier which was submitted by Kenyatta University to International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) to allow the Plant Transformation Laboratory, at Kenyatta University be an affiliate Center of ICGEB. The request was approved.
  • 2014: Initiated a collaborative research between Kenyatta University and the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Oct 2011:Initiated a collaborative research between Kenyatta University and Dahlem Center of Plant Sciences, FU Berlin, Germany 10th October 2011

OTHERS

Appointment

  • 2018: Board Member, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)
  • 2016:Member, Board of Management, Christian and Scientific Association of  Kenya
  • 2011: Member of Technical Committee Board, Kenya Accreditation Services