Department of Chemistry
P.O. Box 43844, -00100,NAIROBI
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Position: Senior Lecturer

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Research Interest

  • Food interventions for management of various health conditions including vitamin A deficiency, HIV and cancer.
  • Environmental management including soil, water, air analysis
  • Analysis of foods and other consumer products, for heavy metals and essential elements
  • Development of analytical methods for determination of trace elements
  • Investigation of substances including plants for organic farming

List of Book Chapters

  • Andala, D.M., Mobegi, E., Nawiri, M and Otieno, G (2020). Fabrication of Metal OxideBiopolymer Nanocomposite for Water Defluoridation. Source Title: Effects of Emerging Chemical Contaminants on Water Resources and Environmental Health. Pages: 242-271 DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-1871-7.ch013
  • Nawiri, M.P., Aywa, K., and Nyambaka, H.N. (2013). The micronutrient content in coloured varieties of sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas) grown in Vihiga County, Kenya. In Trends and opportunities in the production, processing and consumption of staple food crops in Kenya. Edited by Onyango, C., Unbehend, G ., and Lindhauer M. Deutsche nationalbibliothek Publisher, Germany. 95-105.
  • Nyambaka, H.N and Nawiri, M.P (2013). Indegenous vgetables: An excellent source of vitamin A. In Vitamin A and Vitamin E; daily resuirements, daily, dietary sources and symptoms of deficiency. Edited by Leon De Smet and Mathis Claes. Nova Science Publishers, Newyork. Pg 105-122.

Publication

  • Wakhanu, J., Nyambaka, H., Nawiri, M., Kimiywe, J and Thagana, W (2020). "NutritionSensitive Intervention with African Indigenous Leafy Vegetables among School-Going Children in Machakos County, Kenya. Journal of Medicinally Active Plants 9, (3):111-125. https://scholarworks.umass.edu/jmap/vol9/iss3/3
  • Kimotho, I., Noah, N.M , Nawiri, M and Mbatia, B (2020). Fabrication of Nanostructured Polyamic Acid Membranes for Antimicrobially Enhanced Water Purificatio. Advances in Polymer Technology Article ID 7362789; 2020:1-10
  • Nyabuti G., Nawiri, M, and Nyambaka, H. (2019). Health Risk Assessment on Selected Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Food Crops Grown in Kibera Slum, Nairobi-Kenya. Food and Nutrition Sciences 10, 4236. ISSN Online: 2157-9458. Accepted for publication
  • Wakhanu, J., Nyambaka, H., Kimiywe, J., Nawiri, M and Thagana, W.M. (2019). Consumption of African Indigenous Vegetables Improves Children’s body Fat Free Mass in Machakos County, Kenya Journal of Food Science and Engineering 9 305-317 doi: 10.17265/2159-5828/2019.08.002
  • Ngolo P., Nawiri M., Machocho A, and Oyieke H (2019). Pesticide Residue Levels in Soil, Water, Kales and Tomatoes in Ewaso Narok Wetland, Laikipia, County, Kenya Journal of Scientific Research & Reports 24(5): 1-11; Article no.JSRR.48243 ISSN: 2320-0227
  • Wasike P. W., Nawiri M. P., Wanyonyi A. A. (2019). Levels of Heavy Metals (Pb, Mn, Cu and Cd) in Water from River Kuywa and the Adjacent Wells. Environment and Ecology Research 7(3): 135-138, 2019 http://www.hrpub.org DOI: 10.13189/eer.2019.070303
  • Basweti J.K., Nawiri,M. P and Nyambaka, H.N (2018). Physicochemical parameters and levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water, sediments and soil in river Nzoia, Kakamega County-Kenya. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. Accepted for publication August 2018. EMAS-D-18-01409R1.
  • Nderitu S. M, Nawiri M.P, Nyambaka H.N (2018). Fortification of sunflower and palm oils using beta carotene extracted from asystasia mysorensis and solanum nigrum Food Research Journal 1-2.
  • Ngolo P, Nawiri M, Machocho A, Oyieke H. (2018). Pesticides use in pest management: A case study of Ewaso Narok wetland small scale vegetable Farmers, Laikipia County, Kenya. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International 14(2):1-8
  • Mobegi, E., Nawiri, M., & Andala, D. (2018). Fabrication of metal oxide - biopolymer nanocomposite for water defluoridation. MRS Advances, 1-10. doi:10.1557/adv.2018.251
  • Onyambu, Z.M., Nawiri, M.P., Kareru, P and Wanjau, R. Levels of Selected Heavy Metals in Aloe vera Branded Herbal Creams sold in the Kenyan Markets. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research (JOCPR). In press
  • Nderitu S.M., Nyambaka H. N. and Nawiri M. P. Sunflower and palm oils as potential preservatives of beta carotene extracted from Asystasia mysorensis and solanum nigrum. Food Research FR-2018-080 In press
  • Basweti J.K.,Nawiri,M. P and Nyambaka,H. N. Physiochemical Parameters and levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in water sediments and soil in River Nzoia, Kakamega County-Kenya In press
  • Wasike, P.W., Nawiri, M.P and Wanyonyi, A.W. Levels of Heavy Metals (Pb, Mn, Cu and Cd) in Water from River Kuywa and the Adjacent Wells (Accepted for publication Horizon Research Publishing, ID: 14011432)
  • Mungai, Z. M., Nawiri, M. P. and Nyambaka, H. N. (2017). Retention levels of vegetable extractable beta-carotene preserved in virgin coconut oil and unadulterated honey. Food Research 1 (5) : 170 – 175.
  • Okello, P.O., Nawiri, M.P., Musila, W. and Gweyi-Onyango, J.P. (2017). Water Stress Effect on Total Antioxiant Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Solanum scabrum Mill and Solanum scabrum in Kiambu, Kenya International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review 17(1): 1-9.
  • Ogembo O.J, Nawiri, P, Musila, W and Gweyi-Onyango, J.P (2017). Effect of Phosphorus Deficiency on Phenolics and Antioxidants Content of Two African Nightshade Varieties Grown in Kenya. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 15(3): 1-11.
  • Salano, O.A., Makonde, H.M., Kasili, R.W., Wangai, L.N., Nawiri, M.P and Boga, H.I (2017). Diversity and distribution of fungal communities within the hot springs of soda lakes in the Kenyan rift valley. African Journal of Microbiology Research Vol.11(19), pp. 764-775.
  • Mobegi, E.K, Nyambaka, H.N and Nawiri, M.P (2017). Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water from Nairobi River, Nairobi County-Kenya."(ST1704-012) The International Journal of Science and Technology.
  • Obumba, MO., Nyambaka, H.N and Nawiri, M.P (2017). Levels of lutein increase with room temperature storage of smooth cayenne Ananas Comosus grown in different counties of Kenya. African Journal of Food Science. African Journal of Food Science.Vol.11 (6), pp. 178-182.
  • Ojiambo, O.C., Nawiri, M.P. and Masika, E. (2017). Reduction of cyanide levels in sweet cassava leaves grown in Busia County, Kenya based on different processing methods Food Research (In Press)
  • Mbakaya, C., Nyambaka, H., Waudo, J., Nawiri, M., Amukoye, E., Orege, P., Kisingu, W., Koech, D., Ndiege, I., Mpoke, S., Mwangi, M., Wanzala, P, and Muniu, E (2016). Effects of Mega Dose Micronutrient Supplementation On Serum Zinc, Retinol and Immune Status of Adult Males and Females Diagnosed with and Without HIV, Malaria and TB in Western Kenya – An Unpublished Perspective as at The Year 2004. EC Nutrition 4.5 967-979.
  • Mobegi, E.K, Nyambaka, H.N and Nawiri, M.P (2016). Physico -Chemical Characteristics and levels 0f Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in untreated water from Ngong River, Kenya. Journal of Pollution Effects & Control (accepted on 6th May 2016).
  • Hena, J.Y. Jr., Andala, D.M., Nyambaka, H.N. and Nawiri, M.P. (2016). Carotenoid Levels, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity Variations in Varieties of Citrullus lanatus under Storage at Room Temperature. International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review 9(3): 1-9.
  • Kamau, T., Nyambaka, H.N and Nawiri, M.P (2015). Understanding Geophagic Practice as a Source of Mineral Nutrients and Toxicants. International Journal of Modern Chemistry and Applied Science 2(4), 208-210
  • Odhiambo, V.O., Wanjau, R., Odundo, J.O and Nawiri, M.P. (2015). Toxic trace elements in different brands of milk infant formulae in Nairobi market, Kenya. African Journal of Food Sciwence Vol. 9(8), pp. 437-440
  • Njiru, M.K., Odundo, J.O., Wanjau, R.N and Nawiri, M.P (2014). Exploring the nutraceutical values of residues of MangiferaIndica L. grown in Embu County, Kenya. Journal of Kenya Chemical Society Vol 8: (1)83-88.
  • Onyambu, Z.M., Nawiri, M.P., Kareru, P and Wanjau, R. (2014). Levels of selected heavy metals in Aloe Vera branded herbal soaps sold in the Kenya market. Journal of Kenya Chemical Society Vol 8: (1) 98-102.
  • The artemisin potential of leaves from cultivars and wildlings of Artemisia annua L. grown in Western Kenya M. P (2013). International Journal of Education and Research Vol. 1 No. 7 1-10.
  • Odundo, J. O., Oyoo, D. and Nawiri, M. P. (2013). The artemisin potential of flowers from Artemisia annua L. grown in Western Kenya. Industrial Crops and Products 49 233– 236.
  • Nawiri, M.P., Nyambaka, H.N. and Murungi, J.I. (2013). Sundried cowpeas and amaranthus leaves recipe improves beta-carotene and retinol in serum and hemoglobin concentration among preschool children. European Journal of Nutrition 52 (2) 583-589 doi 10.1007/s00394-012-036-2.
  • Aywa, K., Nawiri, M.P. and Nyambaka, H.N. (2013). Nutrient variation in coloured varieties of Ipomea batatas grown in vihiga county, western Kenya. International Food Research Journal. 20(2): 819-825.
  • Muiruri, J.M., Nyambaka, H. N. and Nawiri, M. P. Heavy metals in water and tilapia fish from Athi-Galana-Sabaki tributaries, Kenya. International Food Research Journal. Ref No. IFRJ-2012-317 (Accepted on 10th Nov. 2012).
  • Nawiri, M.P., Muturi, I.K., Bichanga, R. and Murungi, J.I. Essential antioxidant elements in oils of the cake and shell of calodendrum capense nuts. Analytical Chemistry Letters. (Accepted in December 2012).
  • Nyambaka, H.N., Nderitu J., Nawiri, M.P and Murungi J.I. (2012). Use of kitchen steel wool as oxygen absorber improves storage retention of beta-carotene in solar-dried vegetables. Mediterranean Journal of Chemistry, 1 (6) 326-333.
  • Nawiri, MP, Nyambaka HN and Murungi JI (2012). Sun dried cowpeas and amaranth leaves recipe improves beta-carotene, retinol and hemoglobin levels in serum among preschool children. European Journal of Nutrition (manuscript accepted for publication on 6th April, 2012).
  • Mildred P. Nawiri (2008). Effect of dehydration of dark green leafy vegetables on Bioavailability and bioconversion of serum beta-carotene among preschool children (Ph D Thesis, Kenyatta University).
  • Mildred Pauline Oyugi (2000). Heavy metal and Pesticides in Marine sediment, seawater and seaplants along the Kenya-Mombasa Coastline (MSc Thesis. Kenyatta University).
  • S.K Bor, J.A. Simbauni, M.P Oyugi, W.M Njue and S.C Chhabra (2007). Organochlorine residues in tissues of marine fauna along the coast of Kenya-Mombasa Island. Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiopia, 21(1), 145-149.
  • Mildred Oyugi, Sumesh Chhabra, Wilson Njue and Anthony Kinyua (2003). Heavy metal and Pesticides in Marine sediment, seawater and seaplants along the Kenya-Mombasa Coastline. J. of Trace Microprobe Techniques, Vol 21 No. 1.pp.147-159.

Conferences/Workshops/Seminars

  • 2020- 12th August: Schrödinger Day & International Youth Day organised online under the umbrella of the Virtual Conference on Chemistry and its Applications, VCCA-2020, Mauritius
  • 2020-12th February: Nomination to attend a meeting on the Austrian Academic Exchange Service, Kenya
  • 2019-6 th -12th October: Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities (CEPU), Train-TheTrainer Idea Camp., Sagana Rapids camp, Kenya
  • 2019- 20th – 24th May: International Food safety Conference, Kenyatta University, Kenya 8  Workshop on Laws and Policies for Chemical Management systems towards responsible consumption on production in Kenya. 7th -8 th March 2019, Kisumu Hotel, Maseno University, Kenya
  • Matchmaking workshop for the Programme Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa. 14th -15th Feb 2018, Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
  • 2nd International Conference on Higher Education 4th -6th October 2017 Meru University of Science and Technology. 
    Paper presented: Nawiri, M.P. “Towards strengthening University –Industry partnership for Kenyatta University”
  • European University Network on Entrepreneurship (ESU) conference, Held 4th -8th September 2017, Leuphana University, Luneburg, Germany.
  • The 10th Kenya Chemical Society International Conference 9th -12th May 2017. United States International University (USIU)-Africa. Theme: ‘The Role of Chemistry in Inventing a Sustainable Future’.
    Paper presented: Muturi S.N, Nawiri, M.P and Nyambaka, H.N. Retention of extractable beta carotene from indigenous vegetables Asystasia mysorensis and Solanum nigrum in sunflower and palm oils (Awarded Royal Society of Chemists (RSC) poster winners’ prize)
    Paper presented: Basweti K.J, Nawiri, M.P and Nyambaka, H.N. levels of polyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water, sediment and soil from a section of River Nzoia, Kakamega County-Kenya (Awarded RSC poster winners’ prize)
    Paper presented: Muanje, A.D, Nawiri, M.P and Wanjau, R.N. Determination of skin lightening agents in skin lightening cosmetics sold in Mombasa County
    Paper presented: Duya, C.O, Nawiri, M.P and Wafula, W.A. Variation in Levels of Vitamins A and C with Maturity of Amaranthus hybridus (L) Leaves Grown in Different Soil - types in Kwale County, Kenya
  • NIMR 30th Annual Joint Scientific Conference 4th-6th October, 2016 Julius Nyerere International Convection, Tanzania. 
    Paper presented: Nawiri, M.P, Hena, J., Andala, D.M and Nyambaka, H.N “Storing fruits of solanum lycopersicum at room temperature affects carotenoid levels, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
  • Symposium on Women in Chemistry, The Hague, The Netherlands, 17 May 2016.
  • Humboldt “Kolleg” 2016 Held in Naivasha, Kenya April 6 – 8 , 2016. Paper presented: Nawiri, M.P, et al “Carotenoid levels, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity Variations in Varieties of Citrullus lanatus under Storage at Room Temperature”. Theme: “Research and Networking: Laying the Foundation for the Sustainable Development Goals”
  • The 4th Africa food & Nutrition Forum October 27th – 29th, 2015 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:
  • Certificate of participation: Chemical Inventory management Systems (CIMS) Workshop (24th – 28th August. 2015)
  • STEP Train- the Trainer Workshop (September 7th to 9th September, 2015)
  • UNESCO/UNITWIN Chairs Consultative and Sensitization forum, April 22nd 2015. University of Nairobi.
  • AGGN workshop on Good Governance in post 2015. Held at Best Western Hotel, Nairobi on 16th January 2015.
  • Ministerial Forum for Ministers of Social Development for Eastern African Region 24th – 26th February 2015, Nairobi Kenya.
  • Nomination to attend a meeting on students attachment, Internship and Partnership with the private sector organized by Ministry of Education, Science .
  • Framework for the internalization of Doctoral education (FRINDOC) Induction working Group at University of Bergen, Norway, 13th -14th February 2014
  • International Science And Technology Conference (ISTEC) held at Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 13th -15th December 2012. Paper presented:- Nawiri M.P., Oyoo, D and Odundo, J. O. “ The artemisinin potential of leaves from cultivars and wildlings of Artemisia annua L. grown in Western Kenya”
  • Kenya DAAD Scholar’s Association Conference held at Egerton University on 15th-16th November 2012. Paper presented:- Nawiri M.P., Nyambaka, H. and Aywa, K. “Nutrient content in colored varieties of ipomea batatas”.
  • Seeding Labs International/ Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research (NIBR) Fellowship Training 2012, Boston, MA, USA.
  • DIES-Training: “Proposal Writing for International Research Projects” Second Part: April 9th-14th, 2012 in Naivasha, Sawela Lodge, Kenya. Proposal presented:-Phytochemical compounds and nutrients in varieties of fresh and dehydrated indigenous vegetables and fruits grown in Kenya.
  • DIES-Training: “Proposal Writing for International Research Projects” First Part: November 20th -25th, 2011 in Nairobi, Kenya. DAAD Annual conference held on 16th November, 2011 at Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. Theme:- Capacity Development for the County Governments in the New Constitutional Dispensation in Kenya.
  • Kenyatta University Capacity building seminar for staff mentors at Business and students Services Center, 31st August 2010. (Participated).
  • 4th Africa Nutritional Epidemiology Conference held at Safari park hotel, Nairobi, Kenya on 4th -8th October 2010.Theme “Nutrition and Food security: Success and emerging challenges. Paper presented:- Nyambaka, H, Nawiri M, et al. The nutritive value of indigenous vegetables in the lake Victoria basin in relation to HIV/AIDS management.
  • African Women in Science and Engineering (AWSE) Conference held at Monetary Studies College, Kenya on 18th -20th August, 2010. Theme “A decade into the 20th Century: The contribution of African Women Scientists and Engineers. Paper presented:- Nawiri, M.P, Nyambaka H. and Murungi J.I. Effect of Dehydration of dark green leafy vegetables on bioavailability of serum beta-carotene among preschool children.