Leonard Gitu

Postgraduate: Research/Thesis Supervision:

PhD: Completed:

• Patrick Cheruiyot Korir: "Extraction, characterization, and value addition of Malva verticillata through pharmaceutical and medicinal exploration." PhD Chemistry, JKUAT Graduated 2019.

Masters of Science: Completed:

• Valentinah Ngenyi Mutuku: "Evaluation of Fire Safety Compliance in the Paint Industry in Nairobi County." MSc (Occupational Safety and Health), JKUAT Graduated 2020
• Githinji Philip M.: "Assessment of Microbiological and Physico-Chemical Quality of Water from Chania Catchment Supplied from Ng’ethu Water Works, Kenya." MSc (Environmental Legislation and Management), JKUAT Graduated 2018.
• Adams Nyamongo Obonyo: "Assessment of pesticide handlers' knowledge, practices, and awareness in occupational safety and health practices: a survey of Kisumu County, Kenya." MSc (Environmental Legislation and Management), JKUAT Graduated 2017.
• Peter Karuri: "Assessment of Ochratoxin A in Coffee Growing Regions of Kiambu County, Kenya, Using HPLC." MSc Chemistry, JKUAT Graduated 2017.
• Judith M. Muli: "Impacts of occupational health and safety on employee productivity: A case study of the East African Portland Cement." MSc (Occupational Safety and Health), JKUAT Graduated 2016.
• Peter Muchoki Githinji: "Stability of phytochemical constituents of avocado (Persia americana) seeds during postharvest processes and extraction." MSc Chemistry, JKUAT Graduated 2014.
• Virginia N. Chege: "Investigation of wastewater management techniques in selected smallholder tea factories in Kenya." MSc (Environmental Legislation and Management), JKUAT Graduated 2013.
• Petronilla M. Makuta: "A study of fire safety preparedness in public secondary schools: A case study of Thika West District, Kenya." MSc (Occupational Safety and Health), JKUAT Graduated 2013.
• Moses Guto Maobe: "Standardization of selected medicinal herbs from Kisii Region used in the treatment of diabetes, malaria, and pneumonia." MSc Chemistry, JKUAT Graduated 2013.
• Prudence Muiruri: "Evaluation of rocks from the Rift Valley, Eastern, and Coastal Areas in Kenya for viability for phosphate fertilizer production." MSc Chemistry, JKUAT Graduated 2012
• Adrien Rutikanga: "Characterization of freshwater algae and evaluation of its bioethanol and biodiesel potential." MSc Chemistry, JKUAT Graduated 2011.

PhD Ongoing Research Work:

• Moses Guto Maobe: "Standardization of selected medicinal herbs from Kisii Region used in the treatment of diabetes, malaria, and pneumonia." Chemistry, JKUAT. Draft thesis write-up.
• Anthony Kung'u Mundati: "Fabrication of Novel Light Emitting Microspheres: Potential Applications in Luminous Materials and Coatings." Chemistry, JKUAT. Final stages of lab work and thesis write-up
• Prudence Muiruri: "Development of Nano-structured Calcium Silicate from Geothermal Water as an Inhibition Method for Silica Deposition in Olkaria and Menengai Geothermal Wells, Nakuru County, Kenya." Chemistry, JKUAT. Preliminary lab work.

Participated in the drafting of the Kenya National Chemicals Policy, contributing insights and expertise during a workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.




Contributed to the updating of the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, and Minamata Conventions during a workshop on sound chemical management mainstreaming and UPOP reduction organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.




Facilitated the deliberations on the formation of the Multi-Sectoral Chemicals Management Coordination Committee during a workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.




Participated in the development of the Kenya Chemicals and Waste Roadmap during a workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.




Contributed to the mainstreaming of multi-environmental agreements (MEAs) in university curricula during a workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.




Served as a judge for the First Federation of Commonwealth Chemistry Posters Virtual Event, evaluating and providing feedback on scientific posters.




Provided consultation for the curriculum development of undergraduate chemistry programs at Maseno University and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, ensuring the alignment of academic programs with industry needs and best practices.




Served on the Local Organizing Committee for the Pan African Chemistry Network (PACN) Congress on Waste to Wealth, responsible for coordinating and organizing the event held at the University of Nairobi.




Acted as the Treasurer of the Local Organizing Committee for the Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA) Kenya International Conference, contributing to the successful organization and execution of the conference held at SAJOREC, JKUAT.




Provided expertise as the lead environmental expert for environmental impact assessment projects related to eucalyptus tree reforestation programs in Ogembo and Eberege tea factories in Transmara County.




Professional Development Activities:

• Pedagogy, Andragogy, and Mentorship Training KENYA NOTTINGHAM-SPHEIR PROJECT – Chiromo Campus, UoN, Nairobi 29 – 31 Jan. 2020
• Sustainable Chemical Security and Substitution Workshop Great Rift Valley Lodge Hotel, Naivasha April 30 - May 2, 2019
• Utilization of Natural Products for the Betterment of the Livelihood of Mankind SAJOREC, JKUAT 8-10 February 2018
• Courses Outlines Preparation, Examination Setting and Moderation Seminar Chiromo Campus, UoN, Nairobi 19th October 2018
• 3rd Tanzania Chemical Society International Conference Naura Springs Hotel, Arusha 11th -15th Sept. 2017
• Sensitization of Government Stakeholders on Chemical Security in Unregulated Chemical Markets Hilton Hotel, Nairobi 4th Dec 2017
• National Workshop on Trends in Teaching and Research in Inorganic Chemistry and its Applications in Kenya Chiromo Campus, UoN, Nairobi 12-13 May 2016
• Chemistry for Sustainable Development USIU-Africa, Nairobi 23rd April 2016
• The Industrial Chemical Security Workshop Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi 3-6 August 2015
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Training by Chromafrica Nairobi 6 -10 Oct. 2014

Member, Executive Board, Nyeri PhD Scholars Association: 2018 to Present

• Strategic Planning: Collaborating with other board members to establish the long-term goals, vision, and mission of the association Developing strategic plans to achieve these objectives and ensuring their implementation
• Governance and Leadership: Providing leadership and guidance to the association members Making decisions in the best interest of the association and its members. Ensuring compliance with the association's bylaws and regulations.
• Financial Management: Overseeing the financial resources of the association Participating in budgeting, fundraising, and financial planning activities. Ensuring transparent and responsible financial management.
• Membership Engagement: Promoting the active participation and engagement of association members Organizing events, workshops, and networking opportunities to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development among PhD scholars.
• Advocacy and Representation: Representing the interests and concerns of Nyeri PhD scholars at various levels Advocating for the needs of the association's members to relevant stakeholders, including academic institutions, funding bodies, and government agencies.
• Communication and Outreach: Facilitating effective communication channels within the association Keeping members informed about important updates, opportunities, and resources relevant to their academic and professional development Enhancing the association's visibility and promoting its activities to the wider academic community
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Identifying and establishing collaborations and partnerships with other organizations, both locally and internationally, to enhance the opportunities and support available to Nyeri PhD scholars
• Program Development and Support: Assisting in the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support the academic and career development of PhD scholars Providing guidance and mentorship to fellow scholars when needed

Member, Local Management Committee, Pan African Chemistry Network (PACN).

• Network Coordination: Overseeing the coordination and functioning of the PACN activities within their local region or chapter Collaborating with other LMC members to ensure effective implementation of the network's objectives
• Event Organization: Planning and organizing scientific conferences, workshops, seminars, and other events related to chemistry and its sub-disciplines Coordinating logistics, securing venues, inviting speakers, and managing event budgets
• Membership Engagement: Facilitating the engagement and participation of PACN members within the local region Encouraging membership growth, organizing networking activities, and fostering collaborations among chemists and chemistry-related professionals.
• Advocacy and Representation: Representing the interests of the PACN and its members within the local region Advocating for the advancement of chemistry education, research, and innovation Building relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as academic institutions, government bodies, and industry partners.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Identifying and establishing collaborations and partnerships with local organizations, academic institutions, industry associations, and government agencies Collaborating on joint initiatives, research projects, and funding opportunities to enhance the impact and reach of the PACN
• Resource Mobilization: Assisting in fundraising efforts to support the activities and initiatives of the PACN Identifying potential funding sources, writing grant proposals, and seeking sponsorships from private and public entities
• Communication and Outreach: Facilitating effective communication channels within the local region Disseminating information about PACN activities, opportunities, and resources to members and the broader chemistry community. Utilizing various communication platforms, such as newsletters, websites, and social media, to promote the network's initiatives
• Mentoring and Support: Providing mentorship and support to early-career chemists and students within the local region Facilitating mentorship programs, career development workshops, and educational activities to nurture the next generation of chemists

JKUAT Nominee to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Member of the Multi-Sectoral Committee on Sound Chemicals Management: Appointed in August 2020.

• Reviewing the Kenya National Policy on Sound Chemical Management
• Promoting collaboration and partnership among key stakeholders
• Reviewing and endorsing the SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management) implementation plan.
• Supporting decision-making among the chemical management stakeholders.
• Developing joint multi-sectoral projects and implementation activities

Funded Research Projects:

• Stability of phytochemical constituents of avocado (Persia americana) seeds during postharvest processes and extraction (NACOSTI-funded)
• Assessment of Ochratoxin-A in Coffee Beans from Coffee Growing Regions of Kiambu County, Kenya (NACOSTI-funded)
• Extraction, characterization, and value addition of Malva verticillata through pharmaceutical and medicinal exploration (NACOSTI-funded).
• Analysis and assessment of potential pesticide residuals in tomatoes and tomato products in Kenya (JKUAT, RPE-funded)

Consultancies:

• Curriculum Development in BSc Industrial Chemistry, JKUAT and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Ogembo and Eberege Tea Factories; Eucalyptus Tree Reforestation Programs in Transmara District

Selected Theses Examined:

• PhD Chemistry: "Development of an Effective Management System for the Legume Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata (LEPIDOPTERA: CRAMBIDAE) using Semiochemicals" by Ms. Mwanasiti Mohamed Bendera, Chemistry, JKUAT (Internal Examiner)
• MSc Chemistry 2021: "Physicochemical Characteristics of Mangrove Honey from Kilifi County, Kenya" by M/TH/047/2021, Chemistry, Kenyatta University (External Examiner).
• MSc Chemistry 2021: "Identification of polyphenols in two medicinal tubers from Zimbabwe and their effect on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil" by M/TH/086/2020, Chemistry, Kenyatta University (External Examiner).
• MSc Chemistry 2021: "Determination of physical and chemical properties of sisal honey from Taita Taveta County, Kenya" by M/TH/094/2020, Chemistry, Kenyatta University (External Examiner).
• MSc Chemistry 2021: "Application of peanut husks functionalized with citric acid and ethylene-1,2-diamine for removal of lead (II) ions from contaminated water" by M/TH/104/2020, Chemistry, Kenyatta University (External Examiner).
• MSc Chemistry 2021: "Antimicrobial Activities and Bioassay Guided Structural Characterization of Selected Kenyan Medicinal Plants" by M/TH/188/2020, Chemistry, Kenyatta University (External Examiner).
• MSc (Environmental Legislation and Management): "Treatment of Wastewater from Slaughterhouses by Electro-coagulation: Case Study of Gachororo Slaughterhouse, Kiambu County, Kenya" by Ms. Lilian K. Mulimi, IEET, JKUAT (Internal Examiner).
• PhD (Biological Sciences): 2019: "Bioassay-Guided Fractionation and Structural Elucidation of Compounds from Leaf and Flower Extracts of Vernonia glabra for Evaluation of Activity Against Selected Fungal Pathogens of Cereals" by Ms. Catherine Kitonde, School of Biological Sciences/Chiromo, UoN (External Examiner).
• MSc Pharmacology (Drug Design Option): "Hypoglycemic Activity of Kenyan Aloe Secundiflora and Aloe Lateritia Leave Extracts" by Charles Makau Mbithi, School of Pharmacy, JKUAT (Internal Examiner).
• MSc (Applied Physics) - 2019: "Application of Geo-Electrical Resistivity and Gravity Methods for Geo-Hydrological Investigation in Matuu, Machakos County, Kenya" by Ms Dorothy Kanini Mwanzia, Physics, JK

Aquatic Recreation:

• Swimming: Engaging in regular swimming activities to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle

Nature Appreciation:

• Exploring Natural Environments: Taking leisurely walks in serene natural surroundings fosters a deeper connection with the environment and promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being.

Intellectual Enrichment:

• Reading Motivational Books: Pursuing personal growth and self-improvement through the exploration of motivational literature, enhancing knowledge and inspiration

Cultural Appreciation:

• Listening to Kenyan Indigenous Music: Enjoying the rich and diverse melodies of Kenyan indigenous musicand celebrating the cultural heritage and artistic expressions of the nation