ISERC SECRETARY
Emily Bango
Emily Bango graduated from The University of Nairobi in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Development Communication Specialization. She completed her Master’s Programme in Monitoring and Evaluation at Nazarene University in 2019. She presented a research project in 2012 at The University of Nairobi, on The Media as Innovators in National Cohesion and Integration: A case study of the Kenyan Media. Her research interests include; development communication analysis and evaluation, statistical research analysis, capacity development, and conflict resolution. She presented her research project in Bio-Sanitation Development in Kibera, at Nazarene University in 2019. She was awarded a professional certificate in training of trainers in administration at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.
Ms. Bahati Abdallah
Ms. Bahati Abdallah is an assistant lecturer in the Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness at Pwani University, Kenya. She is doing a PhD in Horticulture at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology, Kenya; currently she has submitted her thesis for examination. She has an MSc in Agronomy from Pwani University, Kenya and a BSc in Horticulture, from Egerton University, Kenya. At Pwani University she is also a program leader for Diploma in Agriculture and Marketing and a member of the Pwani University crops subcommittee, a member of crop sciences department staff development committee, a Secretary of the Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC) and a member of Crop sciences department curriculum review committee.
She was involved in the integrated striga management in maize in coastal lowland Kenya project. She was also recently involved in NUFFIC/NICHE KEN 212 funded project on innovative ways of learning, demonstration farming and water management for enhanced food security and income generation in coastal region, where she was in charge of tuber crops research in the experimental farm. Currently she is involved in the project on Scaling Agri-Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa (AgriENGAGE), and also in the enable youth Kenya program as a trainer on vegetable value chain. She is a member of the AWARD, Kenya and also a chairperson of board of management, kilimo primary School (ECD), Kilifi, Kenya.
Caroline
Caroline is the secretary of the ISERC as from 29th April 2021.
She is a registered clinical officer, with a diploma in clinical medicine and surgery from Kenya Medical Training college-Kisii campus. She has been in Kijabe for 1 year working in the research department as a research clinician for in house studies as well as donor funded research programs.
Dr. Caroline Wakoli
Dr. Caroline Wakoli is a senior lecturer of Counseling Psychology in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Education and Social Sciences at Alupe University College; where she teaches a varied range of courses within the area of Counseling Psychology and Community Development at Bachelor’s Degree level. She is also a Programme Leader ( Community Development). At Alupe University College, she is the Chair of Complaints and Complements Handling Committee, Member of Research Committee in the School of Education and Social Sciences, Coordinator of Students’ Advisory Committee, member of National and Integration Committee, member of the Library Advisory Committee, Procurement Committee and member to the Planning Committee of the Proposed Young Faculty Academic Scholarship. She studied at Kenyatta University where she attained a Bachelor of Education degree in History and Philosophy of religion (1984), Master of Education Degree in guidance and counseling (2007) and Doctor of Philosophy in counseling psychology (2016)- Kabarak University. She has taught at secondary school level: Bishop Sulumeti Secondary School (1984 – 1989) and St. Peters’ Mumias Boys’ High School (1989-1997), Cardinal Otunga Girls’ High School (1997-2017) where she rose to the level of Principal Graduate Teacher 1. She also taught at Kisii University, Kibabii University as part – time lecturer (2014- 2017). She was employed as lecturer ( Grade 12) at Alupe University College in 2017
She is has published a total thirteen articles (13) articles in refereed journals, and (1) book chapter. Her areas of research interest are: Adolescents and Psycho-Social Problems. She has also attended a number of workshops and seminars, and made a few conference paper presentations.
She is also a member and affiliate of Kenya Counselors and Psychological Association (Associate Counselor), International Medico- Legal Unit, CLARION, and Shield for Justice. She is also a member of the Board of Kibabii Diploma Teachers’ College.
Dr. Francis W. Makokha
Dr. Francis W. Makokha is a specialist in molecular medicine and works as head: Human Health Research Programme within the Directorate of Research & Innovation of Mount Kenya University (MKU) since January 2015. He also serves as the secretary of the MKU ISREC. Prior to joining MKU, he worked at Technical University of Kenya as a lecturer in the department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology from 2009 to 2014. He had earlier worked as a high school teacher of biology under Kenya’s Teachers’ Service Commission. He holds a PhD and a Masters degree in Molecular Medicine from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology. He also holds Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from The University of Nairobi. He has also attended various short courses including: Ethical and Regulatory Aspects of Clinical Research (National Institute of Health), Implementation Science in Research (University of Washington) among others. His research focus is on understanding the molecular determinants of disease including NCDS. He is currently working on breast cancer genomics in Kenya. He also supports molecular studies in drug and substance abuse. He has previously worked on polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (Pfemp1) in malaria isolates from two malaria endemic sites in Kenya and drug resistance markers in P. Falciparum.
Careena Otieno
My name is Careena Otieno. I have worked in both academia and Non Profit Organizations in various (Research) capacities and I enjoy assisting post graduate students at various levels of their thesis preparation. I graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and hold a Master degree and a Doctoral degree in Community Health and Development from Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK). I am currently work as the Director Centre for Research and Innovation at GLUK which houses the Great Lakes University Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (GLUSERC). I serve as the secretary to GLUSERC.
Dr Quin
Dr Quin is an Assistant Professor in English/Applied Linguistics, an educationalist with exemplary leadership skills and gender, language and culture researcher with over twelve years of high education teaching experience. She is a logical, analytical, practical decision-maker who researches, analyses, and interprets complex issues. She has a consultancy experience with organisations such as – World Bank, Inter-consumer limited Nairobi and LIWA. She has experience in civic, professional and community service as chair, secretary or board member in different capacities. Dr Quin has several publications in areas related to Linguistics, sociolinguistics, and gender party-related issues in higher education.
She has participated in the curriculum development of several Commission for University Education (CUE) approved programmes. She is an active participant in several training and conferences for universities and TVET institutions including those hosted by LIWA. Dr Quin has worked with several universities as a lecturer and assistant professor in the following areas: – postgraduate teaching and supervision, Communication Skills; Applied Linguistics; Translation and Interpretation; and Communication Studies. Dr Quin’s qualifications include – A doctor of Philosophy (PhD in Applied Linguistics), a Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) and a Bachelor of Education (English/Literature). She is currently working at USIU- Africa as an Assistant professor, Chair Department of Languages and Literature and serving as a Secretary the USIU-A Institutional Review Board.
Dr. Faith I. Onditi
Dr. Faith I. Onditi is a Senior Research Scientist at the Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research (IPR). She has a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Masters of Science (MSc) in Molecular Medicine from Jomo Kenyatta university of Agriculture and Technology, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi. She is a trained leader and a recipient of the 2016 Elsevier Foundation Travel Grant for Early Career Women Scientists from low or low-middle Income Countries at the International Congress of Infectious Diseases (ICID). She is currently the team leader of the malaria and the Synthetic Biology Program at IPR, a postdoctoral leader of the Genetics Society of America’s 2022 Early Career Leadership Program (ECLP) cohort, a mentor for young researchers in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) community, is a member of the Genetics Society of America’s Early Career Leadership Program’s Communication and Outreach Committee, and a member of several professional bodies both locally and internationally. She is also served as the secretary of IPR’s Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committee (ISERC) since 2019.
She has been worked in the malaria program at IPR for the past 10 years. Key responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of research projects within the malaria program, grant application and fundraising, developing internal and external collaborations, supervision and mentorship of young researchers and personnel, just to mention a few. Biochemistry, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Research Methods and Bioethics are among her specialties. She has received training in research ethics and administration as well as Good Lab Practices (GLP) and grant management. She has published research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presented data in a number of local and international seminars, workshops and conferences. The development of a baboon (Papio anubis) model of placental malaria was a significant achievement in her research journey. This provides a valuable non-human primate model for conducting further research in drug and vaccine development as well as diagnostic tools for pregnancy-associated malaria.
She is passionate about making a difference in the current and next generation. As a result, she is enthusiastic about any opportunity or platform that allows her to employ her scientific knowledge, research expertise, teaching skills, leadership abilities, good communication and interpersonal skills to further biomedical research and enhance human health. Similarly, any platform that allows her to learn and advance her research career intrigues her.
Prof Charles Owuora Obonyo
Prof Charles Owuora Obonyo is the acting Head of the Scientific and Ethics Review Unit (SERU) at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), since June 2021. He is a Principal Research Scientist at KEMRI. I served as the Chair of the GLUK ERC (2010 to 2012) and as one of the co-Chairs at the Scientific and Ethics Review Unit (2016 to 2021).
I have a PhD in Clinical epidemiology (Utrecht University, Netherlands), MSc in Clinical epidemiology (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands) and Diploma in clinical medicine (KMTC, Nairobi-Kenya). I was a Research Fellow at the New England Medical Centre, Boston, USA (2000-2001) and a Senior Research Fellow with the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) (2011-2013). I am an adjunct associate professor of Epidemiology at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and also at the Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK). I have published over 40 papers in peer-reviewed journals and edited 2 book chapters. I have supervised 20 master’s degree students and 3 PhD students.
I have made scientific contributions towards a better understanding of the epidemiology of paediatric malaria, anemia and blood transfusion, efficacy of antimalaria drugs, and systematic reviews (of health interventions). My current research focusses on (a) understanding the determinants, burden of diabetes and hypertension, and level of health system preparedness to manage these conditions in western Kenya; (b) the role of artemisinin-based drug combinations in the treatment of schistosomiasis; (c) the role of diet and physical activity in the prevention of non-communicable diseases; and (d) the burden and determinants of Parkinson’s diseases in Kenya.
Thomas Ngwiri
Clinician at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital since February 2010. He is also Director of the Paediatric Endocrinology Training Centre for Africa (PETCA) – Nairobi which trains paediatricians from sub-Saharan Africa in the field of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. He is the Program Lead for the Kenya Paediatric Fellowship Program (KPFP) at Kenya Paediatric Association. He has been a member of the Kenya Paediatric Association board since 2010 and is the immediate former National Chair of the association. He has previously served on the executive committee of the Africa society for Paediatric and Adolescent endocrinology (ASPAE). Thomas Ngwiri has published work on diabetes mellitus in children and on developing education programs in paediatric endocrinology in Africa.
Dr. Susan Njuguna, PHD
Susan Njuguna, PHD in Health Systems Management
Susan is a faculty member at Daystar University, Kenya. She has a passion for impactful Health Systems research that responds to the community needs. She serves on the Secretariat of the Daystar University – Institutional Scientific and Ethical Research Committee that reviews both Social , Environmental and Health Science protocols. She has certification in Bioethics from various organizations and is a member of the Bioethics Society of Kenya .Her interest in human subjects’ protection stems from her background in clinical practice especially among the economically vulnerable populations who access health services at primary health care facilities in LMIC. Her role in the secretariat has increased her desire for protection of human subjects through research at community level.
Dr. Miriam Muga
Dr. Miriam Muga is a lecturer at Kabarak University where she serves in the department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. She graduated with a Ph. D in Nutrition and Health science from Taipei Medical university, ROC Taiwan. Her research works are in the area of nutrition and health with a major interest in assessing dietary patterns of different populations and relating them to risk of non-communicable diseases. She has also co-authored several researchers in the areas of maternal, new-born and children health. In addition to her vast experience in research, Dr. Muga is trained in bio-ethics in a virtual CBEC-KEMRI Bioethics Training Initiative, is an appointed member of Kabarak University Research Ethics committee where she currently serves as the coordinator as well as the secretary of the Committee in the University.
Ms. Winnie Munene
Ms. Winnie Munene is the Secretary of the Aga Khan University Institutional, Scientific and Ethics Review Committee. Winnie is an experienced health systems specialist having worked for various universities in Kenya and health organizations strengthening health systems in the region. In her capacity, Winnie is involved in managing and communicating all the decisions of the ISERC to principal investigators, the committee and to external parties as may be required. Currently, Ms. Winnie Munene works is engaged at the Aga Khan University as the Research Administration Manager and is responsible for the pre award management of research grants that involves preparation of research protocols, offering administrative support in the review of protocols by the ISERC and successful mounting of research involving human participants. In the post award phase, Winnie steers the implementation of research grants through activities such as monitoring and evaluation of research activities for compliance and in supporting dissemination of research findings through symposiums, public lectures, publications in journals and through the weekly faculty academic rounds where peers share research findings.
Dr. Bob Parker
Dr. Bob Parker is a general surgeon, educator, and researcher at Tenwek Hospital. Dr. Parker has received a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, a Masters in Public Health, with a concentration in Epidemiology, from Harvard University, a Doctorate in Medicine from Indiana University, and did his postgraduate training in General Surgery at Brown University. Since first coming to Kenya in 2005, Dr. Parker has a passion for expanding surgical access and quality, improving healthcare education, and building research capacity and mentorship. He serves as the Executive Secretary of the ISERC and has been a member of the ethics review committee since 2015.
Ms. Caroline Kinya
I am Ms. Caroline Kinya from the Department of Medical Sciences at Technical University of Mombasa where I have been working as a Lecturer for 12 years now. I have a master’s degree in Medical Virology and currently pursuing a PhD degree in Medical Biochemistry. In addition, I am the current secretary to the Technical University of Mombasa Scientific and Ethical Review Committee.
Mr. Keneth M. Bodo
Mr. Keneth M. Bodo is a Health Records and Information Officer by profession having trained at the Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi.
Mr. Bodo is an employee of The Nairobi Hospital currently based at the Medical Director’s Office in the capacity of Medical Records officer. He also serves as ISREC Secretary, CPD coordinator for Continuous Medical Education (CME) at the Hospital. Mr. Bodo is also a champion of both Nairobi Hospital Strategic Plan 2019-2024 and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). He has attended short courses on: Strategic Customer Experience Excellence, Research Administration and CITI Program – Good Clinical Practice. The Nairobi Hospital awarded him a Certificate of Star of the Month (October 2020) and 2nd Runners Up Star of Quarter One in 2021. His personal attributes: (a) Keen to maintain good professional and work ethics, honest and diligent. (b) Ability to establish harmonious working relations with internal and external clients.
Joseph Otieno
Joseph at is a licensed environmental expert in Kenya with training in occupational safety and health and research administration. He is also a registered lead auditor for Environmental Management System, Health and Safety Management System and Food Safety Management System. Currently and for over 10 years, Josephat’s role is to ensure continuous improvement in managing the environment, occupational health, and safety (EOHS). The role involves working with colleagues, partners, regulatory agencies, communities, consultants, and service providers in ensuring EOHS programs are designed, implemented, and continuously monitored to ensure operations do not have negative impacts on the safety and health of people, and that of the environment. In the last 7 years and until now, Josephat also designs and implements research compliance programs to ensure research projects are designed and implemented in compliance with both national and international legal requirements for conducting research in various jurisdictions. This includes access and sharing genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
Eucabeth Majiwa
Eucabeth Majiwa is a lecturer and trainer with over 15 years’ experience in research administration. She has been involved in the implementation of a number of development projects such as the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)/Japan International Cooperation Agency joint capacity programme for Rural Women as a trainer for more than 10 years. She successfully implemented the farmer voice radio project that was using radio for extension in Eldoret, Mombasa and Nakuru, Kenya. She helped successfully execute the electricity network project with Queensland University of technology, Australia. She has been involved in a number of community development and mentorship programmes that target children, youth and women in collaboration with the Australian High Commission, Kenya. She was a resource person in the TVET trainers of trainers country programme for Kenya in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology, Australia. She is successfully implementing the African Economic Research Consortium collaborative research project on: impact of agricultural and food policies on nutrition outcomes in Africa – country case studies (AFPON) – Case study of Tanzania. She has successfully organized a number of conferences and workshops both at the community level and at her workplace. She has wide experience in data collection, data analysis and report writing. She is a journal reviewer and has published in a number of reputable journals. She is the secretary of JKUAT ISERC and Kenyan Australian Alumni Association. Her research interests are in agricultural production and food systems analysis, livelihood and value chain analysis and agribusiness support.
Dr Janerose Mulamba Mayabi
Dr Janerose Mulamba Mayabi is a lecturer of Guidance and Counseling at Laikipia University, Kenya. She heads the Secretariat of Laikipia University Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committee (ISERC). She received her PhD in Education Guidance and Counselling from Kabarak University, Kenya, Masters of Education Guidance and Counselling from Egerton University, Kenya, Bachelors of Education from Kenyatta University, Kenya. A licensed counsellor and member of Kenya Guidance and Counselling and Psychological Association and Bioethics Society of Kenya. She has undergone different training’s on bioethics with Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Has experience in research of over twenty years.
Prof. Maria Onyango
Prof. Maria Onyango
Current Position- Retired Professor of Entrepreneurship Development
Formerly of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science (JOOUST), Served as Director Gender Mainstreaming and Development ; Dean of school of business and economics (5 years) Secretary JOOUST Ethics Review Committee and member of Board of Post graduate School . Associate Professor and Dean School of Business and Economics with effect from July 2014 -2017, Senior lecturer in the School of Business and Economics since 2010-2014, JOOUST; Director of Centre for Gender Mainstreaming and Development (2011-2014).Lecturer, Maseno University, 1995-2010; HOD department of Home Science and Technology Maseno University (1996-2000), Teaching in Siriba Diploma Teacher Training College (1981-94) I doubled as HOD of Home Economics, Head teacher in St Thesesa Secondary School (1991-9192), Education Officer in Nyanza Province (1976-1981)and Teacher in Pangani Girls Secondary School (1970-1972) PhD. Entrepreneurship Development-Kenyatta University)- partially sponsored by Maseno University, M Sc Entrepreneurial Studies (University of Stirling (Scotland, UK),1995 sponsored under World Bank, Advanced Post Graduate Certificate (APC)-University of Illinois [US],2000 and Post Grad Diploma Organization Management – Witzenhausen (Kassel University Germany),1999- DAAD University Development Scholarship.
Member of IPCC Assessments, UNEP, ICRC/DFID, and many others and Member of many professional bodies including KIM (Kenya Institute of Management); KIPAWE the organization whose members are women professionals involves itself with Nutrition education and food security at household levels; Kenya MET an associate member and AWSE (African Women in Science and Engineering);
