People

Jesse Gitaka

Principal Investigator

Senior Researchers

Bernard N. Kanoi, PhD

Senior Researcher

Dr Kobia Francis, PhD

Senior Researcher

Dr Ernest Wandera, PhD

Senior Researcher

Dr Clement Shiluli, PhD

Senior Researcher

Carol Kijogi, PhD

Senior Researcher

Protus Omondi

Samuel Mbugua, PhD

Senior Researcher

Josiah Kuja, PhD

Senior Researcher

Lab Members

Racheal Kimani, PhD

Lucy Mwai Gichuki

Patrick Nding’uri

Harrison Waweru

Mark Makau

Maurine Mutua

Virginia Wambui

Ibrahim Ndirangu

Paul Adamba

Mary Kioko

Juliet Matheru

Alfred K. Kibungei

Melvin Mbalitsi

Samuel M. Ng’ang’a

Jane Ngure

Mary Wachira

Simon Irungu

Anthony Kipkoech

Ronnie Mwangi

Stephen Kimemia

Rachael Wachuka

Julia Nderitu

Michael Maina

Teddy Ngema Ndua

Joan Amban Chick

Alumni Lab Members

Dr Joe Mutungi
Dr Dominic Mureithi
Muturi Njokah
Jacob Magare

Postgraduate students supervised
Nikunja Kolluri-Boston University (2021): Improved Methods for Point of Care Detection of Blood-Borne Pathogens
Paul Kosiyo– Maseno University (2019): Sickle cell genotypes and their association with haematological parameters in children infected with P. falciparum resident in Western Kenya
Shariff Kikomeko– Makerere University (2020): Central Retinal Artery hemodynamic
flow amongst diabetic patients attending the Mulago Hospital diabetic clinic.
Ian Ariko– Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2019): Application of GIS in Assessing Accessibility and Utilization of Inpatient Neonatal Care in Bungoma County, Kenya

Samuel Mbugua– Mount Kenya University (2022) Implementation research on management of Possible Serious Bacterial Infections in Kenya.

Main Collaborators
Prof. Omu Anzala, University of Nairobi
Prof Osamu Kaneko, Nagasaki University, Japan.
Prof Akira Kaneko, Osaka City University, Japan
Prof Nicole Pamme, Stockholm University, Sweden
Prof. Catherine Klapperich, Boston University, USA
Dr Maricianah Onono, Kenya Medical Research Institute
Prof. Moses Obimbo, University of Nairobi
Prof. David Anderson, Burnet Institute, Australia
Prof. Taane Clark, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK
Dr Sara Suliman, University of California, San Francisco, USA

 

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Prof. Jesse Gitaka, MBChB, MTM, PhD

Jesse is a Physician scientist, senior lecturer, and principal investigator and visiting associate Professor at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan. His research focuses on tropical diseases, maternal and newborn health through the development of improved, fast, and reliable rapid diagnostics for applications mainly in resource-limited settings. He is an affiliate of the African Academy of Sciences, a Next Einstein Fellow, and winner of the Kenya Newton Prize for the year 2020. His hobbies are playing football, Chess, and sightseeing, especially in the rich Kenyan wild.

Bernard N. Kanoi, PhD

Dr. Bernard N. Kanoi, Ph.D., is a Biomedical Scientist and EDCTP Fellow at MKU’s Directorate of Grants and Development. He holds a Ph.D. from Ehime University, Japan, where he pioneered the application of the Wheat Germ Cell-free System in malaria research. His work focuses on malaria immuno-epidemiology, vaccine development, and Immunotherapeutics, particularly in children and pregnant women. Dr. Kanoi has co-authored 25+ peer-reviewed publications and serves as a review editor for scientific journals.https://www.bernardkanoi.com/publications

Dr Kobia Francis, PhD

Kobia Francis is a Postdoctoral fellow with a background in cell and molecular biology. He obtained his PhD in molecular medicine at the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM)/the University of Milan, Italy. He did his postdoctoral research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in the lab of Prof. Raphael Kopan and at the University of Milan in the lab of Prof. Thomas Vaccari. He is currently investigating the molecular basis of fetal-maternal innate immune conflict during human placental malaria and its potential for pharmacologic modulation to improve placental malaria outcomes. This project has received funding from the EDCTP2 program supported by the European Union and Novartis Global Health Basel Switzerland. When not working, Kobia enjoys playing ping-pong and badminton.

Click here to see more on Kobia’s research

Dr Ernest Wandera, PhD

Dr. Ernest Wandera is an EDCTP Fellow at MKU’s Directorate of Grants and Development and a Senior Research Scientist at KEMRI-NUITM. He holds a Ph.D. in Medical Science (Tropical & Emerging Communicable Diseases) from Nagasaki University and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pathogen Point-of-Care Diagnostics. With over 12 years of research experience, he focuses on vaccine and diagnostic development, including point-of-care devices, rotavirus vaccines, enteric virus epidemiology, and whole genome sequencing-based surveillance. He also trains scientists in Biosafety Level III research and has 25+ peer-reviewed publications.

Click here to see more on Wandera’s research

Dr. Clement Shiluli, PhD

Clement is a senior researcher specializing in the validation of novel point-of-care diagnostics to improve the detection and treatment of curable STIs in Kenya. His work focuses on Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Treponema pallidum, which contribute to the 357 million global STI cases reported annually. Previously, he conducted research on drug-resistant TB in high HIV and malaria incidence areas using molecular and immunological techniques.https://bit.ly/4czlX1Q

Carol Kijogi, PhD

Dr. Carol Kijogi holds a PhD in Medical Sciences (Nagasaki University). Her research examines how placental malaria affects macrophage polarization and pregnancy outcomes, aiming to inform targeted therapies. She is also passionate about child food security and early scientific engagement. Outside research, she enjoys traveling, nature walks, dancing, and family time.

Protus Omondi

Dr. Protus Omondi represents the new generation of African scientists bridging classical molecular biology with cutting-edge data science to address pressing public health challenges. With a PhD in Medical Science (Epidemiology) from Osaka Metropolitan University and a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology from Kenyatta University, his work sits at the intersection of laboratory science, epidemiology, genomics, and public health implementation.

His research focuses on one of malaria elimination’s most persistent challenges: identifying hidden reservoirs of transmission and ensuring interventions reach underserved and hard-to-reach populations. Through advanced epidemiological analysis, genomics, spatial modeling, and community-based research, Dr. Omondi generates evidence to inform more precise and equitable malaria control strategies.

He has contributed to the evaluation of innovative malaria prevention tools, including next-generation vector control interventions such as Olyset®Plus ceiling nets, helping generate evidence to guide policy and large-scale implementation. His work also explores the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of asymptomatic and submicroscopic malaria infections, critical but often overlooked drivers of sustained transmission.

What distinguishes Dr. Omondi is his ability to integrate laboratory science, field epidemiology, and advanced analytics into actionable public health solutions. His expertise spans molecular biology, parasite genomics, epidemiological modeling, and implementation research, supported by strong technical, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary leadership skills.

At the core of his work is a commitment to translating science into impact-developing innovative, data-driven solutions that improve health outcomes in malaria-endemic communities.

Current Projects & Impact

Malaria Transmission Dynamics & Spatial Epidemiology

Investigating the role of submicroscopic and asymptomatic malaria infections in sustaining transmission, while developing geospatial tools to identify transmission hotspots and optimize targeted intervention strategies.

Next-Generation Vector Control Evaluation

Supporting field evaluations of innovative malaria prevention technologies, including advanced insecticide-treated net interventions, to generate evidence that informs national malaria control policy and implementation.

Genomic Surveillance for Drug Resistance

Establishing surveillance frameworks to monitor emerging antimalarial drug resistance markers and parasite evolution, supporting evidence-based treatment policies and early response strategies.

AI and Data Science for Public Health

Applying machine learning, predictive analytics, and computational epidemiology to improve disease forecasting, optimize intervention targeting, and enhance community-level health impact.

Publications

Google Scholar Profile: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=protus+omondi&oq= 

Fun Fact

Beyond research, Protus enjoys travel, nature walks, and meaningful conversations with communities where he works. Some of his most valuable research insights have emerged not in the lab or behind a computer, but while engaging with families in malaria-endemic regions.

“There’s something powerful about meeting the people behind the data, especially children and families living in malaria-endemic communities. It gives you a completely different perspective on the science and reminds you why the work matters.”

Samuel Mbugua, PhD

Dr. Samuel Mbugua (BScN, MPH, PhD) is a public health specialist and implementation scientist with expertise in epidemiology and public health interventions. He is a HIGH IRI Fellow (University of Washington) and a Postdoctoral Fellow at Moi University. His research focuses on implementation science, youth and adolescent health, non-communicable diseases, and infectious diseases. He has extensive experience in study design, data collection, and mixed-methods analysis. Click here to see more of Samuels work https://bit.ly/3Wepopa

Josiah Kuja, PhD

Dr. Josiah Kuja is a Bioinformatician specializing in Molecular and Microbial Ecology. His research focuses on microbial interactions, antimicrobial resistance, and genomics in resource-limited settings. He is a steering committee member for the Africa Bio-Genome Project (AfricaBP) and contributes to the Earth Bio-Genome Project (EBP). Josiah is also a reviewer for Current Research in Microbial Sciences (Elsevier). Outside research, he enjoys nature trails, glacier ecosystems, and mountain climbing (5,190m a.s.l. record).

Racheal Kimani, PhD

Racheal is working on understanding the epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli in selected Kenyan teaching hospitals as well as establishing their antimicrobial resistance patterns is crucial for disease control and management. This study aims to assess the molecular epidemiology of Gram-negative bacteria from various hospitals in Kenya that will be phenotypically carbapenem-resistant. Mapping out factors associated with the carriage of highly carbapenems-resistant gram-negative bacteria will be determined in the study. The study shall also carry out a genetic analysis of carbapenemase-producing bacteria to further understand their associated plasmids or mobile genetic determinants.

Lucy Mwai Gichuki

Lucy is a PhD Research Fellow focusing on vaccine antigen discovery for malaria in pregnancy. She holds an M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from PAUSTI (2019, AU Scholarship) and a B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (First Class Honors, University of Nairobi, 2015). Her patented Master’s research led to a diagnostic kit prototype for cervical cancer screening, and she has worked on HPV and cervical cancer. With multiple publications in infectious diseases, her research interests include tropical medicine, molecular oncology, and innovation. She also mentors through her YouTube channel @myLABwithLucy.

Patrick Nding’uri

Patrick Nding’uri is a PhD student interested in evaluating humoral immunity in a case of malaria and coronavirus coinfection. His research title is ‘Evaluation of Humoral Immunity Associated with Malaria &/ Coronaviruses Infection/Coinfection’. He has in the past worked as a Biochemistry and Medical Biochemistry lecturer. His aim after completing his PHD is to be involved more in vaccine development and disease surveillance studies.

Harrison Waweru

Harrison Waweru holds a M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics (JKUAT). His research focuses on biotechnology, bioinformatics, and molecular applications in public health, particularly Plasmodium falciparum genetic markers and omics technologies, including RNA-seq. He has co-authored peer-reviewed publications, presented at international conferences, and received multiple research grants and fellowships. Outside academia, he enjoys hiking, art, and theatre.

Mark Makau

Mark Makau research focuses on malaria drug resistance in Kenya using molecular markers. He has experience in implementation research, point-of-care diagnostics, molecular cloning, parasite cultures, and disease epidemiology. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking and playing guitar.

Maurine Mutua

Maurine Mutua is a graduate student in Molecular Medicine at JKUAT with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Her research focuses on infectious diseases, molecular epidemiology, diagnostics, and precision medicine. She is currently developing a Lateral Flow Antigen test for rapid COVID-19 diagnosis under Dr. Ernest Wandera and was recognized as second runner-up at the AIBBC conference for successfully expressing the SARS-CoV-2 N antigen using WGCFES technology. Outside academia, she enjoys nature walks, traveling, and board games.

Virginia Wambui

Virginia Wambui holds a B.Sc. in Statistics from Meru University of Science and Technology and a B.Ed. from Mount Kenya University. Her interests lie in lecturing and applying epidemiology to disease control and public health. Outside academia, she enjoys nature walks, swimming, and spending time with her family.

Ibrahim Ndirangu

Ibrahim Ndirangu Waruingi is a postgraduate chemistry student at Kenyatta University. He specializes in organic and inorganic chemistry with expertise in molecular techniques and microfluidics, including paper-based and chip microfluidic devices. He previously interned at KEMRI and holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry (major) and Zoology (minor) from Laikipia University. Outside work, he enjoys rugby, fashion, and drag racing.

Paul Adamba

Paulus Adamba is a postgraduate student at JKUAT, researching molecular immunology for vaccine development under Dr. Bernard Kanoi. His current project, funded by EDCTP2, focuses on protective antibody kinetics in pregnancy-associated malaria using recombinant Plasmodium falciparum proteins. He also works in the Health Services Department at KCA University and has prior experience in histopathology at Aga Khan University Hospital, Kisumu. Adamba is a registered member of KMLTTB and AIBBC.

Mary Kioko

Mary is a healthcare practitioner, research assistant, and Master’s student in Public Health at Mount Kenya University. As a Study Coordinator, she ensures seamless execution of clinical trials. She also serves as Project & Procurement Manager for Kenya’s Cervical Cancer Collaboration at Mount Kenya University, leading efforts to expand cervical cancer screening and treatment in marginalized communities.

Juliet Matheru

Dr. Juliet Matheru, B.Pharm, is a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at the Center for Research in Tropical Medicine and Community Development, Mount Kenya University. She holds a B.Pharm from Kenyatta University and has experience in community and hospital pharmacy. Her research focuses on advancing medical science through clinical trials. Outside work, she enjoys nature walks and drives.

Alfred K. Kibungei

Alfred K. Kibungei is a Master’s student in Public Health (Epidemiology and Disease Control) at Mount Kenya University with a B.Sc. in Statistics from Meru University. His research focuses on zoonotic diseases in wildlife, particularly African lions in Laikipia, Kenya, using non-invasive sampling and molecular analysis to aid wildlife disease surveillance and early outbreak detection.

Melvin Mbalitsi

Melvin Mbalitsi is a Master’s student in Cell and Molecular Biology at Maseno University.Her research focuses on malaria in pregnancy (MiP) and placental malaria (PM), evaluating diagnostic techniques and exploring point-of-care solutions. She also investigates the impact of malaria and other infectious diseases on the placenta, fetus, and immune responses. Outside research, she enjoys traveling and hiking.

Samuel M. Ng’ang’a

Samuel M. Ng’ang’a is a Laboratory Technologist and holds a B.Sc. in Biotechnology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. His research focuses on Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE), infectious diseases, and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). He also works on malaria culture, protein synthesis using wheat germ extract, and antibody kinetics using the Luminex platform. Passionate about the intersection of technology and public health, he contributes to efforts in infectious disease surveillance and control.

Jane Ngure

Jane Ngure is a Registered Clinical Officer with a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery from KMTC Nakuru. Her research interests include implementation science, clinical trials, and patient management, focusing on informed consent, participant recruitment, follow-up, and retention.

Mary Wachira

Mary Wachira holds a B.Sc. in Public Health (Kenyatta University). She is currently developing a Microfluidic Device for Point-of-Care Detection of Cryptococcus neoformans under the supervision of Dr. Jesse Gitaka and Dr. Ernest Wandera. She has worked on molecular and epidemiological surveillance of diarrheal pathogens at NUITM-KEMRI and has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications. Outside academia, she enjoys swimming, hiking, biking, and traveling.

Simon Irungu

Simon is is working on antimicrobial resistance in carbapenem-producing bacteria and their molecular epidemiology in county hospitals, aiming to minimize bacterial infection risks. He holds a B.Sc. in Medical Biotechnology with IT from Maseno University. Outside research, he enjoys hiking and playing football.

Ronnie Mwangi

Ronnie is a Research Assistant currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Biotechnology. He has gained experience through attachments, internships, and research projects, refining his laboratory skills. Aiming for a career in research and academia, he is dedicated to publishing and contributing to malaria elimination. An alumnus of Starehe Boys’ Centre, he actively engages in voluntary service. Outside research, he enjoys playing soccer and competes in FKF Sunday leagues.

Stephen Kimemia

Stephen Kimemia is a research assistant with a BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from JKUAT. His research focuses on engineering recombinant bacteria for lipid and organic waste bioremediation. Outside research, he is an accomplished small-scale agriculturist.

Rachael Wachuka

Rachael Wachuka Chege is a Research Assistant specializing in statistical and mathematical modeling for malaria research. She holds a BSc in Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi and has additional training in quantitative analysis and software engineering. Skilled in R programming, data analysis, and computational modeling, she analyzes malaria dynamics and evaluates intervention strategies. Outside research, she enjoys playing chess and catching up on sleep.

Julia Nderitu

Julia Nderitu is a Research Assistant working on a Mycobacterium tuberculosis epitope discovery project aimed at understanding host immune responses to advance research in infectious diseases. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, with experience in immunology and molecular biology research workflows in the lab with experimental techniques. Her research focuses on infectious diseases, immunology, vaccine development and diagnostics, as well as molecular epidemiology. Her passion is utilizing biotechnology research to enhance the ability to etect disease, public health outcomes, and precision medicine programs. Outside research, she enjoys creative digital content creation and taking nature walks.

Michael Maina

Michael Maina is a researcher deeply passionate about the intersection of malaria biology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. His work focuses on leveraging computational tools to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving malaria parasite transmission, pathogenesis, and drug resistance. Michael has a major interest in malaria vaccine development, exploring novel antigen targets and immune correlates of protection. In parallel, he is dedicated to the development of point-of-care testing techniques-affordable, rapid, and field-deployable diagnostic tools to improve infectious diseases detection and surveillance in resource-limited settings. By integrating bioinformatics, molecular biology, vaccine research, and diagnostic innovation, Michael aims to contribute to effective and equitable strategies for malaria control and elimination.

Teddy Ngema Ndua

Teddy Ngema Ndua is a Research Assistant specializing in immunodiagnostics. He holds a BSc in Medical Biotechnology from Maseno University. His research focuses on enhancing TB diagnostic frameworks through the study of epitopes and the development of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) technologies. His work is driven by a commitment to improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in infectious disease research.

Joan Amban Chick

Joan Amban Chick is an early-career researcher originally from Cameroon. She is passionate about promoting vaccine research and development in Africa by integrating computational methods and wet-lab validations. Joan holds a M.Sc. degree in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Bamenda in Cameroon, and is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Bioinformatics at Covenant University, Nigeria. She joined the Gitaka Lab as a recipient of the MoBility for Research and African Integration through Health Sciences (BRAINS) fellowship to carry out a research project on the impact of genetic diversity on malaria vaccine efficacy. Her research interests lie at the intersection of immuno-informatics and biotechnology, particularly in malaria research. She has hands-on experience in the computational design of multi- epitope vaccines, machine learning, and immunological assays.

Beyond her research, she is highly invested in mentoring the next generation of African vaccine researchers and serves as an Assistant Lecturer in Bioinformatics, Drug and Vaccine Development, and Molecular Diagnostics at the University of Bamenda, Cameroon.