Advancing Science and Innovation at JKUAT Through TWAS Research Grants
Across the laboratories, research hubs, and innovation spaces of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a quiet revolution is taking place. University researchers are actively developing homegrown solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges, spanning food security, healthcare, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable resource management.
This vibrant research culture reflects JKUAT’s core commitment to nurture a knowledge-driven society where scientific discoveries do not just sit in journals, but translate into practical, life-changing solutions for Kenya and the wider region. Crucial to this mission are robust grant programs supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG‑NAPI), and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), in partnership with The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). This international backing empowers JKUAT scientists to strengthen their work, expand research capacity, and pioneer breakthroughs in emerging fields.
Among the visionary scientists leading this charge is Dr. Cecilia Mweu, a Senior Research Fellow and Director of JKUAT’s Institute for Biotechnology Research (IBR). Supported by the prestigious TWAS Research Grants Programme, Dr. Mweu has advanced critical biotechnology research, particularly in plant sciences and innovative laboratory-based applications.
Her work highlights the massive potential of biotechnology to solve complex agricultural and environmental hurdles. By developing resilient plant varieties and sustainable scientific models, Dr. Mweu’s research aims to directly improve community livelihoods and build economic resilience in the face of changing climates.
At the JKUAT Social Robotics Lab, research is pushing the boundaries of how humans interact with technology. Led by Dr. Eunice Njeri, the lab specializes in designing social robots capable of naturally engaging and interacting with people.
This pioneering work opens up game-changing possibilities for assistive technologies, specialized education, and healthcare support. By merging intelligent systems with artificial intelligence, Dr. Njeri and her team are exploring how robotics can seamlessly integrate into daily life to support local communities and enhance human experiences.
In the field of mining and mineral processing, JKUAT is building crucial national capacity through its specialized mineralogy and petrology laboratory. Spearheaded by Dr. Juliah Muriuki, this facility serves as a vital hub for research and advanced training in mineral studies.
Dr. Muriuki’s work is vital to Kenya’s growing mining and materials science sector. By focusing on a deeper understanding of mineral structures and advocating for responsible extraction practices, the lab provides the scientific foundation needed to balance economic mining with long-term environmental sustainability.
Also advancing innovative solutions at JKUAT is Dr. Juliah Khayeli, Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences and a bacteriophage scientist. Through support from the TWAS Research Grants Programme, Dr. Khayeli is exploring bacteriophages as a sustainable approach to combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Her research focuses on using bacteriophages as a biological control strategy against tomato bacterial wilt disease, a major challenge affecting tomato production in Kenya. By harnessing these naturally occurring viruses, her work seeks to develop environmentally friendly solutions that support sustainable agriculture and improve crop productivity.
In another area of scientific exploration, Prof. Arnold Onyango is advancing research on the role of ozone in biological systems, air quality, and human health. His work investigates how ozone may form within living organisms and its implications for oxidative stress and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
By deepening understanding of ozone’s role in biological and environmental processes, Prof. Onyango’s research contributes to improved air-quality awareness, public health knowledge, and advances in biological sciences.
From biotechnology and social robotics to mining, mineral processing, and health-related research, JKUAT demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary research. By investing heavily in modern infrastructure and empowering emerging scientists, the university is driving sustainable national development and cementing Kenya’s position in the global knowledge economy.
