DRIP MSc scholar

Kevin Kidambasi

Research project title:  Transmission of infectious disease-causing epizootic and zoonotic pathogens by haematophagus camel hippobscids in Northern Kenya. Kevin is a DRIP MSc fellow supervised by Dr. Daniel Masiga (icipe) and Dr. Joel Bargul (icipe and JKUAT). Bio:  Graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technoloy (JKUAT) BSc. Biochemistry (Molecular biology) in 2015 and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biochemistry at JKUAT.

Esther Sumbule

Research project title:  Effect of substituting fishmeal with black soldier fly larvae on performance, laying capacity and egg characteristics of exotic chicken. Esther K. Sumbule is a DRIP MSc fellow supervised by Dr. Chrysantus Tanga and Dr. Isaac Osuga from icipe and Dr. Mary Ambula from Egerton University funded by Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research. Her research interest is, testing the effect of insect based diet on performance, laying capacity and egg characteristics of exotic chicken. Currently, she is doing a feeding experiment to test the effect of black soldier fly larvae on performance of exotic chicken at KALRO Naivasha and developing manuscripts for publication. Esther holds a Bachelor degree in Animal Science from Chuka University of Kenya.

Sammy Kiprotich Cheruiyot

Research project: Evaluating Varoa_specific hygenic behaviour and population dynamics of Varoa destructor in Apis melifera Scutellata colonies Sammy is a DRIP MSc fellow supervised by Dr Elliud Muli and Dr Jernard Mbugi, Kenyatta University, Kenya. Sammy’s research interests include Effects of parasites, pathogens on beneficial insects and Host-pathogen relationship research and is currently working on evaluating Varoa_specific hygenic behaviour and population dynamics of Varoa destructor in Apis melifera Scutellata colonies. Varroa mite is considered a crucial parasite in decreasing numbers of beekeepers and honey bee colonies worldwide. This research sets a basis for its management in Kenyan honey bees. Sammy Completed his undergraduate studies in BSc in Agricultural education and Extension (BSC AGED) at the Egerton University.

Moses Ngatia Wachira

Research project: Effect of replacing fish meal with black soldier fly larvae on performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Moses is a post graduate student taking MSc Animal Nutrition at Egerton University, Kenya. He holds BSc Animal Production and Health Management from Kenyatta University, Kenya. Moses is a DRIP MSc fellow supervised by Dr Jonathan Munguti, Dr Isaac Osuga and Dr Mary Ambula. His research interests include animal nutrition and production management with a bias in non-ruminants. Currently, he is doing a research on effect of replacing fish meal with black soldier fly larvae as protein source in fish diets. Fish meal is the most preferred protein source in fish diets. However, it is expensive and is increasingly becoming scarce. Therefore it cannot sustain the expanding aquaculture production. Thus, there is an urgent need to find an alternative to replace fish meal in fish diets. This research therefore forms the basis of this work.

Philip King’a

Research project: Multidrug resistance to pyrethroids and Amitraz in Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma tick species in Kwale County, Kenya Philip is a DRIP MSc scholar supervised by Dr Lilian Wambua (icipe), Dr Bernard Kulohoma (icipe) and Dr Joel Bargul (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya). Philip is currently investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying multi-drug resistance to pyrethroids and Amitraz in Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma tick species in Kwale County, coastal Kenya. He is registered for a MSc at JKUAT and is supported by a scholarship from World Federation of Scientists (WFS). Philip completed his undergraduate studies in BSc Biology at Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya

Hannah Gichungi

Hannah Gichungi   Research project: Assessment of impact of integrated pest management technology on gender roles among smallholder farmers in Machakos County, Kenya. Hannah is a DRIP MSc scholar supervised by Dr Beatrice Muriithi (icipe) and Dr Patrick Irungu (University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya). Hannah’s research interest includes impact of agricultural technology on gender. She is currently assessing the impact of integrated pest management technology on gender roles in Machakos County, Kenya. The aim of the project is to provide information that will assist the design and implementation of agricultural strategies/technologies to increase the welfare of the entire household, and ensure that the existing gender inequalities in the rural areas are not escalated. Hannah is currently registered for an MSc in Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Hannah holds a BSc in Agribusiness Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Caroline Gachuhi

Research project: Validation of variant surface glycoproteins as diagnostic biomarkers of human African trypanosomiasis Caroline is a DRIP MSc scholar supervised by Dr. Daniel Masiga (icipe) and Dr. Vincent Owino (Egerton University, Kenya). Caroline research interest is molecular parasitology and is currently researching on the validation of variant surface glycoproteins as diagnostic biomarkers of Human African Trypanosomiasis. The work aims to improve diagnosis of African trypanosomiasis of humans and livestock, a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Approximately 70 million people are at risk of infection and 3 million livestock die annually due to the disease, impacting negatively to food security and health of a region inhabited by the world’s poorest. Caroline is currently registered for MSc at Egerton University, Kenya and is supported by a scholarship from the World Federation of Scientists (WFS). Caroline holds a BSc in Biochemistry and Zoology from Egerton University, Kenya.

Kimutai Bett

Research project: Stakeholders’ knowledge, attitudes and willingness to adopt insects as feed for poultry and fish in Kenya Kimutai is a DRIP MSc Scholar supervised by Dr. Gracious Diiro (icipe) and Dr. John Busienei and Dr. Cecilia Ritho (University of Nairobi, Kenya). Kimutai’s research interests include the agribusiness, financial management and agricultural economics. He is currently researching on factors that influence the adoption of insects as poultry and fish feed in Kenya. He is currently registered for a MSc at the University of Nairobi.  Kimutai holds a BSc in Agribusiness Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Faith Obange

Research project: Expression of recombinant major structural proteins of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) infecting honeybees.  Faith is a DRIP MSc scholar supervised by Dr. Julliette Ongus (icipe) and Dr. Christine Adhiambo (University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya). Faith is currently researching the expression of recombinant major structural proteins of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) infecting honeybees. This study aims to clone, express and analyse the expressed recombinant major stuctural protiens of DWV. The results obtained will pave the way for better understanding the host cell surface receptor molecules for DWV that mediate host-pathogen interactions in honeybees and will enable the production of therapeutic antibodies against DWV. Faith is currently registered for an MSc at UoN. Faith completed her undergraduate studies in Biomedical Science and Technology at Maseno University, Kenya.

Joan Mukembu

Research project: Use of biological control in cabbage production in East Africa Joan is a DRIP Msc Scholar supervised by Dr Johnson Nyasani (icipe) and Dr .Shadrack Muya (Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya). Joan is researching the use of biological control in cabbage production in East Africa, specifically focusing on one of the main cruciferous pests, the Diamond back moth (DBM) and its parasitoid Cotesia vestalis. The work involves carrying out a survey and molecular work to confirm establishment of the parasitoid. She is currently registered for an MSc at JKUAT and is supported by a scholarship from IFAD. Joan completed undergraduate studies in BSc Horticulture at Egerton University, Kenya.

Subscribe to DRIP MSc scholar