Kenyan Researchers Feted at Inaugural National Research Festival
By Sharon Atieno
As the first Kenyan National Research Festival came to a close, several researchers were awarded for their stellar performance in their various fields of research.
The National Outstanding Researchers Awards (NORA), a first of its kind, sought to celebrate achievements of Kenyan researchers, spur economic transformation through cutting-edge research and increase interest in research careers and opportunities for young people.
Hosted by the National Research Fund (NRF), the Awards featured a special category titled Lifetime Award which recognized three exemplary researchers who had attained exceptional achievement in research within the country and beyond. They include Prof. Ruth Nduati, Prof. Paul Mbugua and Prof. David Musyimi Ndetei.
Prof. Nduati was recognised for her distinguished and transformative career in medical research, particularly in the fields of pediatrics and public health. Her pioneering research on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV has not only shaped the course of healthcare in Kenya but has also set a global standard for best practices in the management of HIV/AIDS.
Her efforts have not only enhanced the understanding of pediatric HIV/AIDS but have also contributed to the broader field of infectious diseases and public health, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Prof. Ndetei was feted as a pioneering leader and scholar in the field of psychiatry and mental health, both in Kenya and globally. His groundbreaking research and dedication to advancing mental health services have significantly contributed to improving the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders, particularly within the African context.
He has developed innovative academic programs that have set a benchmark for psychiatric education in Africa. As the founding director of the Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Prof. Ndetei has led numerous research initiatives aimed at addressing the mental health needs of underserved populations, ensuring that his work translates into tangible benefits for communities.
His extensive body of work, which includes numerous peer-reviewed publications and books, has profoundly influenced the field of psychiatry, particularly in the areas of psychotrauma, substance abuse, and the integration of mental health into primary healthcare.
Prof. Mbugua has distinguished himself as a visionary leader and scholar in the fields of plant taxonomy, biosystematics, and biodiversity conservation. His pioneering research has made profound contributions to the scientific understanding of plant taxonomy, particularly through his work with indigenous medicinal plants and sustainable conservation practices.

NORA also covered the Overall Outstanding Researcher Award which targeted outstanding researchers with exceptional achievement in advancing knowledge, solving societal challenges as well as contributing to Kenya’s social economic development.
This category had four winners namely, Prof. Mary Abukutsa-Onyango , Dr. Oscar Omondi Donde, Dr. Christine Wayua Musyimi and Eng. Aggrey Shitsukane Shisiali.
Prof. Abukutsa-Onyango is a prominent researcher known for her significant contributions to agricultural sciences and sustainable development. She is currently a Professor of horticulture at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Her research primarily focuses on indigenous vegetables and plants, aiming to improve their productivity and sustainability. She has been instrumental in the promotion of underutilized crops, which play a crucial role in food security and nutrition for local communities. Her work often intersects with traditional knowledge and modern agricultural practices to enhance food systems in Kenya and beyond.
Dr. Donde is an environmental research scientist and academician, serving as a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science at Egerton University, Kenya. He has significantly contributed to the field through various leadership roles, research projects, and scholarly activities.
Dr. Donde has co-authored over 50 research papers published in reputable journals, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in environmental science. His research covers a wide range of topics, including water resource management, ecosystem health, and climate resilience.
Additionally, he has participated in and led numerous research projects aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges. Some of his notable research projects include: 2024 Seed Grant for Alliance for Africa Partnership. This project focuses on building partnerships to tackle environmental and agricultural issues across Africa; Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme (NDICI-2023-MOBAF). This initiative promotes academic and research collaboration among African institutions, enhancing capacity building and knowledge exchange; 2023 FICAP AI and Citizen Science (Air Quality) for Climate Resilience in Nakuru Project: Aimed at improving air quality and climate resilience through artificial intelligence and citizen science; Global Engagement Research Experience and Extension in Kenya funded by NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and NIFA-USDA Research Experience and Extension for Undergraduates (REEU) among others.
Dr. Musyimi is currently the head of Research Ethics and Scientific Publications department at Africa Mental Health Foundation. She has been a Principal Investigator on various projects funded by Grand Challenges Canada and Grand Challenges Africa. Her research interests include community mental health research on depression using face to face and technology-based interventions, and capacity building for non-specialists such as primary health care workers, community health workers, traditional healers (including traditional birth attendants to deal with maternal depression) and faith healers.
Her research focuses on promoting excellence in community-based mental health research and develops innovative strategies with special attention to depression, dementia, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV); and improving maternal and child mental health to increase mental health care access in remote settings.
Eng. Aggrey Shitsukane Shisiali is a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainer at the Technical University of Mombasa. He has skills in AutoCAD, WiMAX, Troubleshooting, Robotics, PCB design, Matlab, Microcontrollers and C++. He has scholarly excellence publishing in 12 peer reviewed publications.
He is a highly experienced Electrical and Electronic Engineering Professional with over five years’ experience leading teams in the maintenance, calibration and trouble shooting of indicative instruments and telecommunication equipment. He has the ability to provide technical support towards development of manufacturing strategy and compliance with all legislation on electrical standards, management of projects and human resource.
Nearly 20 winners were awarded in other categories including the Young Researcher Award, TVET Researcher Award, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Award and Woman Researcher Award.