Position: Professor and Acting DVC Administration  Department: Biochemistry, Microbiology & Biotechnology Contact Address: P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  View full CV

Research Interests :
Bacterial pathogens, resistance patterns and the search for novel antimicrobial drugs

Publications

• Kago E. K. Kinyua M., Maingi J.M. Okemo P. O. (2020).Greenhouse soil amendments on Bacterial wilt incidence, Growth and yields of selected
  solaneceous crops. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International. (Paper under review)
• Kago E. K. Kinyua M., Maingi J.M. Okemo P. O. (2020). Kago E. K. Kinyua M., Maingi J.M. Okemo P. O. (2020). Effect of field treatment with selected soil
  amendments on bacterial wilt incidences in Tomatoes, Capsicum and Potatoes. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International (Accepted, going through
  correction)
• Kago E. K. Kinyua M., Maingi J.M. Okemo P. O. (2020). Control of Ralstonia solanacearum on selected solaneceous crops in the Greehouse by selected soil amendment Techniques. International Journal of Recent Research in Science (Paper accepted)
• Kago E. K. Kinyua M., Maingi J.M. Okemo P. O. (2020). D.N.A. analysis of Ralstonia solanacearum based on 270-bp-amplified fragment from the Lowlands
  and Highlands of Kenya . World Journal of Research and Review (Accepted)  
• D.M. Mukwabi, P.O.Okemo, S.A. Otieno, R.O.Oduor, Z.W.Okwany (2019). Antibiotic Resistant pathogenic Bacteria isolated from aquaculture systems in
  Bungoma County, Kenya. Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology 7(1) : 25-37

• D.M. Mukwabi, P.O. Okemo, S.O. Otieno, R.O.Oduor, and C.M Macharia (2019). Temperature and pH influence on bacterial pathogens infecting farmed Nile tilapia in aquaculture systems in Bungoma County, Kenya. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic studies 7(1): 190-197

• D.M.Mukwabi, S.O. Otieno P.O. Okemo, R.O. Oduor and B. Agwanda (2019). Parasites infecting Nile tilapia grown in aquaculture systems in Kenya. Livestock Research for Rural Development 31(2) 132-143

• Lem E. A. Nyamache A. K. Fokunang C. Judith T. Irenee D and Okemo P.O (2019). Risk factors of severe hepatotoxicity among HIV-1 patients initiated on highly active antiretroviral therapy in the northwest region of Cameroon (PO 8190). British Medical Journal of Global Health 4 (Sppl. 3): A21.3-A22.

• E.K.Kago, Z.m.Kinyua, J.M.Maingi and P.O. Okemo (2019). Influence of organic and inorganic soil amendments on soil pH and macronutrients. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International. 18(4):1-10, 2019

• Lem E. A. Nyamache K.A, Fokunang C. Torimiro J.N Okemo P.O. (2018). Cytokines associated with antiretroviral induced hepatotoxicity in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in the Northwest region of Cameroon. Immunology Research (14)001-015.
• Lem E. A, Nyamache A.K, Fokunang C, Okemo. P.o, (2018). Hepatotoxicity and related Risk Factors of severe Hepototocicity among HIV-1 infected individuals initiated on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Cameroon. Journal of Gastrointestinal & digestive System, ISSN: 2161-069X 8:38
• Dennis N.M., Omwoyo O, Mgutu J A. and Okemo P. (2018). Sources of Microbial contaminants in Biosafety Laboratories I Kenya. Journal of Advances in Biology and Biotechnology 17(2): 1-11, 2018
• Muthoni K. P.,Njoroge S. Kiiru J. Okemo P. Kariuki S., (2017). Trends in Antibiotic Resistance of Vibrio cholera isolates in Kenya (2006-2015). International Journal of Recent Research in Science. 4(2): 33-37)
• E.K.Kago, Z.m.Kinyua, J.M. Maingi and P.O. Okemo (2017). Diversity of Ralstonia solanacerum strains in Solanaceous Crops Production Regions of Central Kenya. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International 16(1)   2017.
• Abongwa L. E. Nyamache A. K., Akono S. S. Nange V., Balan. H., and Okemo P.(2017). Hepatotoxicity and Anaemia co-morbidity in treated HIV patients in Fundong subdivision in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Microbiology Research Journal 18(5): 1-10.- 22 -E.K.Kago, Z.m.Kinyua, J.M. Maingi and P.O. Okemo (2017). Diversity of Ralstonia solanacerum strains in Solanaceous Crops Production Regions of Central Kenya.Journal of Experimental Agriculture International 16(1) 2017.
• Muthoni K. P.,Njoroge S. Kiiru J. Okemo P. Kariuki S., (2017). Trends in Antibiotic Resistance of Vibrio cholera isolates in Kenya (2006-2015). International Journal of Recent Research in Science. 4(2): 33-37)
• Kariko E. K., Murimi Z. K. Okemo P.O. and Maingi J. M.,( 2016). Bacterial wilt, A challenge in Solanaceous Crops Production at Kenya Highlands and Lowlands.World Journal of Research and Review, 3(1): 6-11.
• Okemo P. Aloo P. A. Makila D. M. Jumbe J and Sifuna W. (2016). Contamination of minnow, Rastrineobola argentea through handling at landing sites and retail markets around Lake Victoria. East African Medical Journal 94: 1-5
• Amuka, o, Machocho A. K. Okemo, P. O. and Mbugua, P.K( 2015). Antifungal and Antibacterial activity of crude stem Bark Extracts of Bersama abysinicca Verdc. And Faurea saligna Harr. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants 9 (4): 160-169
• Kirui J.K, Kotut K, Okemo, P.O (2015). Efficacy of acqueous plant extracts in disinfecting water of different physicochemical properties. Journal of water and Health. 13(3): 848-852.
• Mathenge J.M. Okemo P.O, Nganga P.M, and Gicheru M.M, (2015). Identification of Enterotoxigenic staphylococcus aureus strains from meat and dairy products by multiplex PCR and reverse passive latex agglutination test in Nairobi, Kenya. The East and Central Africa Medical Journal 2(2):97-103.
• Omari A., Okemo P. O. Machocho A and Mbugua P. K. (2014). Ethnobotanical Survey of selected Medicinal Plants used by Ogiek Community in Kenya against Microbial Infections. Ethnobotany Research and Applications 12:1547-1565
• Theddeus M. Kiswii, Ethel O. Monda, Paul Okemo, Christine Bii and E. Alakonya (2014). Efficacy of selected medicinal plants from Eastern Kenya against Aspergillus flavus. Journal of plant Science, 2014,2(5): 226-231
• Omari Amuka, Alex K. Machocho, Paul O. Okemo, and Paul K. Mbugua( 2014).Antibacterial and Antifungal activities of Essential oils from Satureia biflora D. Don,Berth, Speng (Chepsagitiet). Lippia javanica Burm. F. (Labotuet) and Toddalia asiatica (L) Lam. Rutaceae (Chepindoruet). Global Journal of Science frontier Research. B. Chemistry 14(4): 2249-4626.
• Joseph J. Magadula, Joseph N. Otieno, Ramadhani S. Nondoi, Claude Kirimuhuzya, E. Kadukuli, John A. Orodho and Paul Okemo (2012). Anti-Mycobacterial and Toxicity Activities of some priority medicinal plants from Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania. European Journal of Medicinal Plants 2(2): 125-131
• Kirimuhuzya C., Bunalema L., Waako P., Tabuti J., Orodho J., Magadula J., Otieno N., Okemo P., (2012). Efficacy of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root extract on slow-growing rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research 6 (7): 1140-1146.
• Ngari , J. M. K. Kotut., and P. Okemo (2011). Threat to wildlife posed by enteric pathogens from Nakuru sewage treatment plant.. African Journal of Health Sciences 18(1-2): 85-95)
• Bunalema L., Kirimuhuzya C., Tabuti J., Waako P., Magadula J., Otieno N., Orodho J., Okemo P. (2011). The efficacy of the crude root bark extracts of Erythrina abyssinica on Rifampicin Mycobacterium tuberculosis. African Health Sciences 2 (4): 587-593.
• Kiruki Silas, Limo Kiprop Moses, Njagi Eliud Nyaga, and Paul Owuor Okemo (2011). Bacteriological quality and diarrhoeagenic pathogens on River Njoro and Nakuru Municipal water, Kenya. International Journal for Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Research Vol. 2(9) pp. 150-162
• Marita R. M., Orodho, J. A, Okemo, P. O. Kirimuhuzya C. Otieno J. N. And Magadula J. J. (2011). Methanolic extracts of Aloe secundiflora Engl. Inhihits in-vitro growth of tuberculosis and diarrhea-causing bacteria. Pharmacognosy Research. 3(2):100-104
• Omori E. Omwenga, Richard M. Mariita, Lawrence Alaro and Paul Okemo (2011). Evaluation of methanolic extracts of six medicinal plants used by herbal practitioners in central province, Kenya. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2(4):867-874.
• 28. Kimando J. M. and Okemo, P. O.(2010). Non-Epec Typable Escherichia coli serotypes causing urinary tract infections at a University community clinic, Nairobi, Kenya. International Journal of pharma and Bio-sciences. 1(1):1-9.
• Githiri M, Okemo P. O, and Kimiywe J.( 2010). Hygienic practices and occurance of Coliform and Staphylococcus on food at a public hospital in Nairobi, Kenya International Journal of Applied Biosciences, 27:1727-1731.
• Jacinta Emacar, Okemo P. Gatheri G, and Kariuki S. (2010). Antibiotic resistance patterns of Escherichia coli isolated from HIV-sero positive adults at Mbangathi District Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya Journal of Applied Biosciences. 27: 1705-1714.
• Marita R. M, C. K. P. Ogol, N. O. Oguge and P. O. Okemo ( 2010). Methanol Extracts of three Medicinal plants in Northern Kenya show significant Antimycobacterial and Antifungal properties. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants. 5(1): 54-64
• Kimando, M. P. O. Okemo, N. M. Njagi (2010). Resistance to antibiotics in urinopathogenic bacteria isolated in patients attending Kenyatta University Health Clinic Nairobi, Kenya East African Medical Journal, 87(3): 115-119.
• Mariita M. Richard, Orodho A. John1, Okemo O. Paul, Mbugua K. Paul (2010). Antifungal, antibacterial and antimycobacterial activity of Entada abysinnica Steudel ex A. Rich (Fabaceae) methanol extract.. Pharmacognosy Research. 2 (3): 163-168.
• Marita R. M. Ogol C. P. K. Oguge, N. O., Okemo, P. O. (2010). Antitubecular and phytochemical investigation of methanol extracts of medicinal plants used by the Samburu community of Kenya. Tropical Journal of pharmaceutical Research 9 (4): 379-385.0-46

RESEARCH GRANT AWARDS

• African Research Grant on COVID-19-Ksh. 20Million 2020-2022
• World Bank Grant- USD 1,879,00 for Conservation and management of medicinal plants in Kenya 2010-2015. This included outreach to communities in Kenya to determine what each community uses, record the plants used, Methods of harvesting, preparation and mode of administration. It was followed by training each community on cultivation, conservation, sustainable harvesting, and Laboratory determination of efficacy for the plants used (See publications). We trained and disseminated information to 46/47 Counties in Kenya. We only left out Wajir because of the EL Shabab threats in the Region.
• Eathwatch Research Grants- USD 54,000 per year for Samburu conservation of Medicinal plants 2010-2013
• Horticultural Crops Development Authority Research award ( HRE). Management of bean rust on French beans with selected plant extracts (2008-2009).
• Earth watch Research award for work among the Masai of Likipia and Samburu. (2004-2013)
• VicRes research award-USD 405,000 for Research in antimycobacterial compounds from medicinal plants used by indigenous people in Siaya, Kisii, Busia and Teso, Kenya.(2006-2009).
• Collaborative Research award-60,000Rand with the University of Fort Hare South Africa on microbiological water pollution (2004-2005).
• VicRies Research awards for the Lake Victoria Research on heavy metal pollution and microbial gene transformation (2003-2004).
• Fulbright award for post-doc Research for one academic year at Colorado state university in USA (2001-2002).
• DAAD visiting scholar award to do research at the University of Essen Medical School in Germany (1994-1995).
• Carlduisberg Centran (CDG) professional award to do research at Robert Koch Technical Institute in Berlin (1984-1985).

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IN THE AREA OF SPECIALISATION

• Muhumbili University (Dar salaam-Tanzania ), Makerere University (KampalaUganda)- March 2007 to 2012
• Lead Research Scientist for the VicRes project on medicinal plants Research on the search for plants used by the local people in the three countries for the
  treatment of Tuberculosis- (See publications) Earth watch Institute for climate change and species conservation
• Lead scientist and Researcher on Samburu community Medicinal plants and worked with Earth watch volunteers from around the world USA, UK, Germany, Argentina and France (8 years) (See publications) Colorado State University USA- August 01-June 02.-(See publications)
• Novel techniques for focused compound production by plants to provide needed therapeutic drugs University of Essen Medical School, Germany- Sept 1994- April 1995 (See publications)
• Extraction and efficacy testing of Plant compounds used for treatment of pathogens in man Robert Koch Medical Institute (Berlin Tech. University-West Germany)-may 1984-July 1984.
• Microbiological screening of urine, stool, body swabs and blood of patients with resistant infections to isolate the infective agent and to determine alternative
  antimicrobial chemotherapy. At “Landesuntersuchungsinstrint”(West Germany)-February 1984-April 1984.
• Isolation and identification of various mycotoxins in foods using T.L.C, and Histamin and histidine screening in canned fish.

SEMINARS ORGANIZED

• Emerging and Re-emerging infectious Agents on the African Continent,Casablanca, Morocco, March, 23rd to 25th , 2015
• Laboratory Agents use and control, to effectively monitor Biosafety and Biosecurity in Africa, September, 2014, Cape Town, South Africa
• Utilization of Biosafety primary and secondary barriers, for prevention of occupational hazards, Johannesburg South Africa, March, 2013
• Biorisk management Seminar in Accra, Ghana, October, 2012
• Seminar for Franco-phone speaking countries of Western African Continent,sponsored by the US Department for Biosafety Engagement programme on Biosafety/Biosecurity at the Azalai Hotel, Bamako, Mali. Oct. 15th-23rd, 2010
• Ist annual International Biological Safety Conference on handling of infectious material in Biological Labs March 8th-, 2010 at the KEMRI Training Centre,Nairobi, Kenya
• International Seminar on Biosafety and Biosecurity CDC/KEMRI sponsored at the KEMRI headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya. March 16-18, 2009.
• National seminar in applied microbiology-April 1999-Methodist conference hall in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Regional seminar (for the African Region ) in microbiology- April 2001.
• Proposal writing seminar for Kenyatta University Faculty of science-Sept 1999.
• International seminar in microbiology- April 2004 at The Kenya school of Monetary studies, Nairobi, Kenya.

SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ATTENDED

• World Bank training workshop for herbalists in Kenya at Nakuru Kenya for the Kericho and Bomet Herbalists, July 6-July 15, 2012
• African Workshop for establishment of Laboratory maintenance Center for Africa at Enugu, Nigeria, June 14-18, 2012
• IFBA and AfBSA Conference held at the Sundon Hotel Johansburg, South Africa, on Biosafety and Biosecurity April 17- 22, 2012
• World Bank Consultant ( Medicinal and aromatic Plants) – Training Rural Herbalists at Bishop Stam Hotel Kakamega, 19th March – 25th March 2011
• Conference on Laboratory Medicine organized by The African Society for Laboratory Medicine(ASLA)- Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 14th March– 16th March 2011
• World Bank Consultant ( Medicinal and aromatic plants)- Workshop at Polyview Hotel in Kisumu, 5th to 10th March 2011
• Workshop ( World Bank Consultant ) Training herbalists on Conservation and field Management of Medicinal plants, Pighy Hotel, Maua Meru 21st-25th Feb 2011.
• International Conference on Global Biosafety and Bio-security,”Taking action” Power Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, Feb 15th-17th 2011
• Workshop ( World Bank Consultant). Training herbalists on Conservation and field Management of medicinal plants, EAST college Embu, 5th-11th Jan 2011
• UN Workshop on “The beyond Bounderies Initiative: Development and Capacity Building in Kenya with International Security Assistance- The UN 1540, 1373 Initiative”- Serena Hotel Nairobi, Kenya. 6th Dec. 2010
• Biosafety/Biosecurity workshop for dealing with zoonotic pathogens at the Azalai Hotel, Bamako, Mali. 15th Oct.-23rd Oct 2010
• Workshop (World Bank Consultant) to train herbalists in methods for conservation and sustainable management of medicinal plants, Machakos Garden Hotel 21st-23rd July 2010.
• The Asia- Pacific Biosafety Association meeting held in Seoul, South Korea from 24th May to 1st June 2010
• Consultative workshop organized by the American Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) in Arlington Chicago and Washington DC from 5th to 15th May 2010
• The 13th Annual Conference of the European Biosafety Association (EBSA) in Ljubljana, Slovenia from 18th-26th April 2010
• African Regional UNSCR 1540 workshop on Biosafety and Biosecurity at UN offices in Gigiri, Nairobi- Kenya, 2nd to 4th Feb 2010 .
• Lake Victoria Research Initiative ( VicRes ), annual forum at Kenya school of monetary studies from, May 27-30, 2009 Nairobi, Kenya.
• Biosafety and Biosecurity Awareness workshop, organized by CDC/KEMRI at the KEMRI headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, March 16-18, 2009.