Dr. Mary Amuyunzu-Nyamongo holds a PhD (Social Anthropology) from Cambridge University, UK and a BA (Anthropology) from The University Of Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr Amuyunzu-Nyamongo is currently the Executive and Founder Director of the African Institute for Health and Development (AIHD), a non-governmental organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. AIHD conducts research, training and advocacy on health and development issues.
Prior to joining the AIHD, Dr. Amuyunzu-Nyamongo worked for the African Population and Research Center (APHRC), Population Council (PC), the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). She is also an Adjunct Faculty Member of Strathmore University.
Dr. Amuyunzu-Nyamongo has provided technical services to the Government of Kenya and international development partners on various activities, including the development of a National NCD Strategy, National Social Protection Policy, Poverty Social Impact Analysis, and the Kenya Country Social Analysis.
Dr. Amuyunzu-Nyamongo has published widely in the areas of health and development, focusing on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), nutrition, HIV/AIDS, gender, youth, children under-five, rural and urban poverty, and health promotion in general.
Dr. Amuyunzu-Nyamongo serves on various international committees and boards, including:
1. Member, Working Group on alignment of International Cooperation with National Plans on NCDs, World Health Organization Global Coordination Mechanism on the Prevention and Control of NCDs (WHO GCM/NCD) (2016-16).
Dr. Willy Kiprotich Tonui, EBS is Chief Executive Officer at the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), Nairobi, Kenya. He is responsible for the day to day management of the Authority. The role of NBA is to regulate research and commercial activities involving GMOs in Kenya.
Before joining NBA he helped to establish a Biorisk Management and Dual Use Research (BIORISK-DUR) programme and Office of Health Safety and Environment (OHSE) at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
Dr Tonui currently serves as the Chair of the newly formed Association of National Biosafety Agencies in Africa (ANBAA). He has also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the global International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), and he is the only recognized Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) in Africa. He is also the Founder Member and Past President of African Biological Safety Association (AfBSA) a professional association that seeks to congregate practitioners of biological safety, promote biosafety and biosecurity as a discipline through awareness and to facilitate the sharing of biosafety and biosecurity information in the African region.
Willy studied for his BSc (Biological Sciences and Chemistry) at Kurukshetra University (India), MSc and PhD in Immunology (specialty in vaccine development) from Kenyatta University (Kenya) and did his Post-doctoral training at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University, USA.
Willy has a career-long history of consistently supporting national programmes, regulations and policies in Kenya. He is a registered Expert on Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit (EIA/EA) by the National Environmental Authority (NEMA);
Dr. Willy Kiprotich Tonui, EBS is Chief Executive Officer at the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), Nairobi, Kenya. He is responsible for the day to day management of the Authority. The role of NBA is to regulate research and commercial activities involving GMOs in Kenya.
Before joining NBA he helped to establish a Biorisk Management and Dual Use Research (BIORISK-DUR) programme and Office of Health Safety and Environment (OHSE) at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
Dr Tonui currently serves as the Chair of the newly formed Association of National Biosafety Agencies in Africa (ANBAA). He has also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the global International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), and he is the only recognized Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) in Africa. He is also the Founder Member and Past President of African Biological Safety Association (AfBSA) a professional association that seeks to congregate practitioners of biological safety, promote biosafety and biosecurity as a discipline through awareness and to facilitate the sharing of biosafety and biosecurity information in the African region.
Willy studied for his BSc (Biological Sciences and Chemistry) at Kurukshetra University (India), MSc and PhD in Immunology (specialty in vaccine development) from Kenyatta University (Kenya) and did his Post-doctoral training at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University, USA.
Dr Joy Kiano is a published research biochemist and molecular biologist specialised in the genetic manipulation of plants and microorganisms.
Dr Kiano has a PhD from the University of London on gene cloning and expression of transgenic and non-transgenic tomato fruits.
Dr. Kiano also holds a master’s level postgraduate certificate of education in science from the University of Oxford, a Diploma in Biotechnology from the University of Helsinki, and a BSc in Biological Sciences from McMaster University, Canada.
Dr Kiano has worked as a post-doctoral research assistant with the EU Framework V programme on the production of fungal carotenoids for healthy nutrition, investigating the histology, biochemistry and molecular biology of transgenic bacteria and fungi.
Dr Kiano has taught science in schools in the UK and served as Head of Science in Kenya, teaching the English National Curriculum.
Dr Kiano has also served as a member of the task force commissioned to evaluate GM food safety for human consumption.
Dr Kiano is a Biological Sciences Expert and Chair of the Technical Committee of the NBA Board. The Technical Committee of NBA Board reviews Management activities in regard to the implementation of the Authority’s core mandate to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Biosafety Act and relevant International conventions on matters of Biosafety.
Joseph Mbiro Muiruri is a teacher by profession, teaches peace and conflict studies at St. Paul's University, consultant and trainer in conflict management.
Joseph holds an M.A In International Conflict Management from the University of Nairobi and B. ED from Moi University.
Joseph is currently a PhD candidate in Environmental Governance and Management at the University of Nairobi. His research focuses on Solid Waste Management in Eastlands (Nairobi county).
Joseph is a member of the Audit Committee of the NBA Board.
ABDALLA HEMED MWARUWA, MBS did His Post-graduate Diploma/M.Sc. degree in Social Statistics at the Southampton University (UK) in 1990/91.
Abdalla has worked in various departments within East African Harbours Corporation/ Kenya Ports Authority from January 1973 up to June 1996, and left at the level of Assistant Statistical Officer in the Corporate Development Department.
Abdalla joined the Kenya Revenue Authority in June 1996 and worked in Research and Planning department, then a brief stint of 1 year (in 1997) in Investigations Branch: before going back to Research and Planning department in 1998, but was specifically attached to Customs Services Department up to January 2006.
Mr Abdalla was appointed on secondment as Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Ports Authority from January 2006 and served for one three year term, but proceeded on leave in August 2008 pending expiry of his contract in January 2009. He retired from Kenya Revenue Authority in November 2007 at the mandatory retirement age of 55 years.
He is an expert on Social Sciences and the Chairman Finance and Administration Committee of the NBA Board. The Finance and Administration Committee reviews Management activities to ensure compliance with financial prudence and administrative effectiveness.
Cecil Lazaro Kuyo is an advocate of the Kenyan bar with the law firm of Coulson Harney Advocates.
Cecil graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degree, second highest attainable level of Upper Second Class Honors from The University of Nairobi in 2007. He later did his Postgraduate Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law in 2008 and admitted to the bar on the 1st of October 2009.
Cecil trained for his articles and upon admission to the bar in 2009, worked with the law firm of Tripleoklaw Advocates for 5 years.
Cecil has considerable experience and expertise in commercial litigation practice, intellectual property and arbitration.
Cecil is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Branch) and the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya. He is also an alumnus of the International Lawyers for Africa programme, 2011 edition.
He is a member of the Finance and Administration Committee of NBA Board.
Prof.(Eng.) Bancy Mbura Mati PhD, PE is is currently the Director, Water Research and Resource Center (WARREC) and Professor at JKUAT in Kenya.
Eng. Mati is an expert on land and water management with vast experience in Kenya and in Africa.
Bancy holds a PhD degree in Rural Land Use and GIS from Cranfield University, UK, MSc in Land and Water Management and BSc in Agricultural Engineering, both from University of Nairobi.
Bancy previously worked with ICRISAT, as the Programme Manager of IMAWESA, promoting best practices for agricultural water management in 23 countries in Africa.
Eng. Mati has been a consultant for international organizations including; the World Bank, FAO, IFAD, AGRA, ICRAF, ILRI, IWMI, EAC/LVBC, IGAD, UNDP, LWI, NBI/NELSAP, ASARECA, WRMA and MENR among others.
Bancy has held leadership positions in several professional organizations and Boards, including GWP, IEK, EBK, KRA and currently, WIB and NBA. She is an accomplished scientific writer, with over 120 publications and has produced a set of 9 documentary films on water management, one of which won 1st prize in Africa in 2013, awarded by FARA.
Eng. Mati is a representative from the Biotechnology Industry and the Chair Audit Committee, NBA Board. The Audit Committee reviews the activities of Management to ensure compliance with the Authority’s policies, Government directives and legal provisions.
Dr. Warkach Kipkorir Tonui, Ph.D is currently a Senior Lecturer and the Head of Department at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Geography and Social Development.
Dr Tonui has 23 years of teaching experiences in the university. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students. His major field of specialization is environmental modelling with subsidiary areas of environmental health, climatology educational statistics, environmental conservation and environmental research methods.
Dr Tonui holds a Ph.D (Environmental Modelling) awarded by Kenyatta University School of Environmental Studies, Department of Environmental science in 2008; an MA/MEd in Physical Environment, Education methods of teaching advanced quantitative Techniques Statistics and Geography; awarded by Kharkov and Simferopol State Universities in 1982.
Prof. Collette Suda, PhD, CBS is the Principal Secretary, State Department of Higher education, Ministry for Education, Republic of Kenya.
Prof Suda attended University of Nairobi where she obtained a BA (Hons) in Sociology, has two master’s degrees from University of Missouri, and Columbia University of Missouri, Columbia in Msc Rural Sociology and Msc Community Development respectively.
Prof Suda received her PhD in Rural Sociology from the University of Missouri, Columbia.
Prof Suda has also previously served as secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development and in different capacities and at the University of Nairobi.
She is the Principal Secretary representing the Ministry responsible for science and technology in the NBA Board.
Dr George Ombakho holds a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Texas A&M University, USA, a Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nairobi and Bachelor of Science from the University of Nairobi.
George is currently the Director of Research Management and Development at the Ministry of Education Science & Technology.
Previously Dr. Ombakho served at senior leadership positions at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) with over 28 years of experience.
Dr Ombakho is a renowned breeder and the founder member of the Plant Breeders Association of Kenya (PBAK).
Dr Ombakho is a member of the Audit Committee, NBA Board.
Dr. Richard Leresian Lesiyampe, CBS is the Principal Secretary, State Department Agriculture, in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
Dr Lesyambe has previously worked as a Principal Secretary, State Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and as the Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital, where he provided transformational leadership in the management of hospital resources and creating an enabling environment for employees to unleash their potential in the provision of effective, efficient and sustainable quality service delivery to clients in tandem with expectations of Vision 2013 and beyond.
Dr. Lesiyampe has a Doctoral Degree from the Kenya Methodist University, an MBA degree from the University of Nairobi with a bias in Strategic Human Resource Management. Alongside the professional accolades, he has also undertaken numerous public service certifications ranging from Risk Management to Cash and Precision Management. He has served in various capacities rising from a District Officer, Personnel Officer, Deputy Director and Chief Executive Officer to his current position as Principal Secretary.
Previously, Dr. Lesiyampe, while at Kenya Wildlife Service, received Presidential decoration for playing a key role as team leader responsible for the formulation of a new strategic plan for Kenya Wildlife Service, leading the company to the most coveted Company of the Year Awards (COYA) in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He also received another Presidential Award – (MBS) in the year 2012 for the Stability and Management of Kenyatta National Hospital.
Dr. Richard Leresian Lesiyampe, CBS is the Principal Secretary, State Department Agriculture, in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
Dr Lesyambe has previously worked as a Principal Secretary, State Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and as the Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital, where he provided transformational leadership in the management of hospital resources and creating an enabling environment for employees to unleash their potential in the provision of effective, efficient and sustainable quality service delivery to clients in tandem with expectations of Vision 2013 and beyond.
Dr. Lesiyampe has a Doctoral Degree from the Kenya Methodist University, an MBA degree from the University of Nairobi with a bias in Strategic Human Resource Management. Alongside the professional accolades, he has also undertaken numerous public service certifications ranging from Risk Management to Cash and Precision Management. He has served in various capacities rising from a District Officer, Personnel Officer, Deputy Director and Chief Executive Officer to his current position as Principal Secretary.
Previously, Dr. Lesiyampe, while at Kenya Wildlife Service, received Presidential decoration for playing a key role as team leader responsible for the formulation of a new strategic plan for Kenya Wildlife Service, leading the company to the most coveted Company of the Year Awards (COYA) in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He also received another Presidential Award – (MBS) in the year 2012 for the Stability and Management of Kenyatta National Hospital.
Jane has worked for the Ministry of Agriculture the last 28 years. At the Ministry she has participated in the development of policy documents such as short version of the Strategy for revitalization of Agriculture (SRA), Seed policy, National Biotechnology Awareness Strategy, Biosafety Act of 2009 and Standards on genetically modified organisms and derived products.
Mrs Otadoh is trained in Strategic Leadership Development Program (KIA Nairobi, 2011) and Corporate Governance for Directors (Centre for corporate Governance, 2010).
Jane is a member of the Finance and Administration Committee and Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Ms. Mary Mwangi holds a Bachelor of Arts Economics (Hons) and is also a member of Member of Kenya Institute of Supplies Management.
Mary has worked in various Ministries including Ministry of Education, Health, Finance, Directorate of Personnel Management, Roads & Public Works, State House, Foreign Affairs, Sports Culture and Arts, Directorate of Public Procurement and Energy and Petroleum.
Ms Mwangi is currently the Senior Assistant Director Supply Chain Management Officer in the National Treasury.
Mary represents the Principal Secretary responsible for Finance and a member of Finance and Administration Committee, NBA Board.
Dr Kisa J Z Juma Ngeiywa, OGW serves as the Director of Veterinary Services Kenya.
Dr Ngeiywa holds a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Clinical Studies and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Nairobi.
Dr Ngeiywa has wide experience in livestock development span over 30 years and includes working in multi-cultural and multi-sectoral environments. He is a Veterinary Surgeon registered by the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB); a member of the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA). His skills and knowledge in animal health service delivery, baseline surveys, training, participatory methodologies, workshop facilitation, pastoral development, livestock marketing and value-lead chains are excellent.
Dr Ngeiywa has undertaken consultancy assignments for various organizations and institutions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Dr Ngeiywa is the Chairman of the Veterinary Laboratories Sports Club, an accredited Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards (LEGS) trainer, and a founder member of the Kenya Camel Association (KCA).
Dr Ngeiywa is the Permanent Kenyan Delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) General Assembly since October 2013.
Dr Ngeiywa is a member of the Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Dr. Rees Murithi Mbabu is currently the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries and head of the Central Veterinary Laboratories (CVL) in the directorate of veterinary services, Kenya.
Dr Mbabu holds a Master of Science in Tropical Veterinary Science from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nairobi.
Dr Mbabu is also a registered verterinary surgeon with the Kenya Veterinary Board.
Rees has served at senior leadership positions at the Directorate of Veterinary Services with over 20 years of experience in research and veterinary medicine.
Dr Mbabu represents the alternate to the Director Veterinary Services and a member of Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Mrs Margaret Aleke has worked with Kenya Bureau of Standards for 30 years, has experience in standards development and quality assurance.
Margaret holds a BSc in Food science and technology and another BSc in Applied human nutrition from the University of Nairobi and a postgraduate certificate in Biosafety in plant biotechnology from Ghent University, Belgium.
Margaret participates in development of regional (EAC) and International standards Codex and ISO.
Margaret represents the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards and a member of Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Dr Kepha Ombacho, is currently the Director, Public Health at the Ministry of Health.
Dr Ombacho holds a PhD, Master of Public Health (MPH), Higher National Diplomas in Public Health, Food Science, Epidemiology and Community Health; and Diploma in Environmental Health.
Dr. Ombacho has served at senior leadership positions at the Ministry of Health with over 30 years of experience in development, implementation and monitoring of environmental/public health services in Kenya.
Dr Ombacho also serves as a board and committee member in several National and International bodies.
He is a member of the Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Robert Kilonzo holds a Master of Science in Food Safety and Quality from the University of Nairobi.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Moi University and Diploma in Environmental Health.
Robert is currently the acting Chief Public Health Officer at the Ministry of Health.
Robert has served at senior leadership positions at the Ministry of Health with over 10 years of experience in Food Safety and Quality Control in Kenya.
Robert serves as a committee member in several National Committees on food safety and quality control. He is a member of Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Dr Rugutt is currently the Chief Executive Officer/Secretary of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI).
Dr Rugutt holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from University of Glasgow, a Master of Tropical Veterinary Science at the University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nairobi.
Dr Rugutt is also a Member of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and Board of Management of the National Quality Control Laboratory.
Previously Dr Rugutt served at senior leadership positions at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology, with over 30 years of experience.
Dr Rugutt is a member of the Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Dr Edwardina Ndhine is currently, the Head of Biological Sciences Schedule at the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) .
Edwardina trained as a Zoologist at the Makerere University, Uganda and attained Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Cellular Biology from University of Nairobi, Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Botany and Zoology from University of Jabalpur, India.
Edwardina has served as a member of Board of Management at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) with a vision on icon of professional teacher development.
Dr Ndhine is a life member of “Maendeleo ya Wanawake” with a mission to improve the quality of life of the rural communities through various interventions empowering especially women and youth in Kenya for sustainable livelihoods.
Dr Ndhine is a member Audit Committee, NBA Board.
Prof. Geoffrey Warungu serves as the Director General of National Environment Management Authority.
Prof Wahungu holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s of Science in Wildlife Management from Moi University.
Prof Wahungu has a PhD in Ecology from the Griffith University, Australia.
Prof. Wahungu has over fifteen years’ experience in research and monitoring, wildlife and community conservation and enterprise development in Eastern Africa and has published widely and is a Board member and reviewer in various Environmental Journals.
Prof Wahungu also has a wealth of experience as lead consultant in regional and national ecological, social and Environmental Impact Assessments.
Prior to joining NEMA, Prof Wahungu was the Dean of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies at Karatina University College, a constituent college of Moi university.
Prof Wahungu is a member Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Dr Ayub Macharia Ndaruga holds a PhD in Environmental Education from Rhodes University, South Africa (2004); Masters of Science in Strategic Leadership (California Miramar University), Masters of Environmental Science (Kenyatta University) and a Bachelor of Education (Science – Kenyatta University).
Ayub also holds 2 Post Graduate Diplomas in Pedagogy of Online Learning and on E-Course development and Online Course Leadership from Global Virtual University, UNEP and HSH-Norway.
Dr. Macharia has worked in several institutions such as secondary school teacher for Biology and Geography (3 years), Education officer at the National Museums of Kenya (7 years); Environmental Sciences Lecturer at Kenyatta University (3 years).
Ayub has won 2 awards; the Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability in Africa (MESA) award by UNEP in 2007; and the Environmental Leadership Award (2008) by Eastern Africa Environmental Network.
Since 2006, Dr Macharia works as the Director, Environmental Education, Information and Public Participation at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Kenya.
Ayub is a member of the Technical Committee, NBA Board
Dr Esther Kimani is the Managing Director of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS).
Dr Kimani is an accomplished professional with more than 25 years’ experience in the agricultural sector.
Dr Kimani holds a PhD in Crop Protection from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), MSc. in Plant Pathology and BSc. in Agriculture both from the University of Nairobi. She is currently finalizing her MBA (Strategic Management) thesis at the JKUAT.
Dr Kimani is a member of several reputable associations and committees including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)-Member of the Standard Committee that set standards on phytosanitary for trade facilitation; International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)- Kenyan Expert on Phytosanitary issue; Member of the border security committee addressing safe trade facilitation; Member of Horticultural Research Fund committee; Country COMESA contact point for SPS- Plant health issues; KEPHIS Coordinator of Great Lakes Cassava Initiative (GLCI) Project; Member of the Technical Team advising the Government on Addressing the issues of maize Necrotic Disease; Chairperson to the tender committee at KEPHIS; Member of the Training Committee at KEPHIS; Member of the Corruption Prevention Committee at KEPHIS and East Africa Phytosanitary Information Committee (EAPIC).
Esther is a member of Technical Committee, NBA Board.
Benard Gibet is an Economist at the National Treasury, working at the Directorate of Public Debt Management. He has also worked at World Bank Group on a Secondment programme as a Debt Specialist for a period of four months and with the Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI) as a Resource person on Medium Term Debt Management Strategy.
Mr Gibet has master’s degree in Economics (Econometrics) from Kenyatta University and bachelor’s degree from Egerton University. In furtherance of duties in the office he has attended Senior Management Course at Kenya School of Government.
Benard Gibet is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya CPA (II). In addition he has a certificate in Microsoft Office and proficiency in Statistical Packages for Data Analysis - E-Views. His other skills are: excel data analysis, MS Word and report writing and proficiency in desktop publishing software.
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