About me
Welcome to my webpage where I showcase my research work. I am a research scientist working with Biotechnology Research Institute of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (BioRI-KALRO). I have research interest in veterinary medicine, clinical pathology, veterinary tropical diseases, vectors, vector borne diseases and vector biology.
Research Interests
- Vector and vector borne tropical veterinary diseases
I currently work in Dr. Paul Mireji’s lab at BioRI-KALRO which is undertaking captivating research on vector and vector-borne diseases including vector biology, genetics, ecology, control of vectors and their pathogens. The lab is involved in product development of novel olfactory-based attractants and repellents for use in protection of domestic and wild animals against tsetse fly, biting fly, ticks and other arthropods of veterinary importance in eastern Africa
2. Efficacy and safety trials
I have undertaken research on 1) efficacy and safety trials of commonly used anticoccidials in Kenya, 2) efficacy and safety trials of veterinary products commonly used to control mange in rabbits in Kenya, 3) validated efficacy of commonly used anticoccidials in management of rabbit coccidiosis in Kenya, 4) acute oral toxicity (LD50) of novel tsetse repellent blend (NRB), 5) acute intraperitoneal toxicity (LD50) of NRB, 6) skin irritation and corrosion tests of the NRB, 7) eye irritation and corosion safety trial of NRB and, 8) Gunea Pig Maximization Test for allergenic compounds
3. Sensitivity/resistance of parasites to available treatment options
I have assessed the sensitivity of Trypanosoma evansi isolates to commonly used trypanocidal drugs in Kenya and participated in development of an integrated strategy for control of camel trypanosomiasis in the horn of Africa
4. Delivery, uptake and use of veterinary vaccines in developing countries
My research interests also extend to understanding factors affecting production and delivery of veterinary vaccines especially in the last-mile delivery in rural areas of developing countries, of which I have participated in two research projects that investigated “practices and trends in last- mile delivery of poultry vaccines in rural areas in developing countries: the case of Newcastle disease vaccine delivery in Bungoma county and a similar study in Makueni county