Paul K. Tanui
Senior Lecturer
Dedan Kimathi
Summary
Dr. Paul Tanui is the Managing Director of DeKUT Enterprise Services and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kenya. He specializes in applied chemistry, natural products, and industrial innovation, focusing on translating research into market-ready solutions. He is the founder of Veenky Naturals Ltd and Ongataki Solutions Ltd, which develop natural products and sustainable environmental technologies. His work promotes green manufacturing, bio-based materials, and industry collaborations while supporting skills development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable industrialization in Africa.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
DeKUT Enterprises Company
Nyeri, Nyeri District
07.2025 - Current
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
- Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
- Managed risk effectively by instituting comprehensive mitigation strategies across the organization's operations.
- Oversaw complex negotiations with suppliers/vendors for favorable contract terms that led to cost savings.
- Fostered an inclusive work environment by championing diversity initiatives and empowering employees at all levels.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with key clients, securing long-term revenue streams.
CEO and Founder
Ongataki Solutions Limited
01.2024 - Current
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Drove profitability with thorough financial analysis and strategic decisionmaking.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
Director
Veenky Naturals Limited
Nyeri, Nyeri District
01.2021 - Current
- Registered the company in 2021.
- Patented the process and the natural hair booster product for hair regrowth.
- Secured a seed money from DeKUT for the research and development for the company products.
- Developed business plan for the company.
- Secured intellectual property on the process and hair natural booster product.
- Applied for a grant of US$ 124,223.60 on SADF Accelerated Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge.
- Producing and selling the hair booster lotion.
- Launched the company hair natural booster product in 2022.
Lecturer of Chemistry
Chemistry Department, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri, Kenya
Nyeri, Nyeri District
01.2017 - Current
- Teaching all courses in Chemistry Department with emphasis in organic and natural products Chemistry to undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Developed and organized learning materials for undergraduate chemistry courses.
- Taught and examined undergraduate chemistry courses.
- Participated in departmental and school board meetings.
- Thematic leader, organic chemistry.
- Class advisor to undergraduate programmes.
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry on total synthesis of biological molecules for potential application in clinical medicine.
- Natural Products chemistry on extraction of bioactive compounds for potential medicinal use.
- Environmental waste management, especially industrial wastewater management.
COD
Department of Chemistry, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), Nyeri, Kenya
07.2018 - 06.2025
- Provide administrative and academic leadership, direction, and support of programs within the Department.
- A member of the University Senate.
- Member, School of Science Board.
- Member, School of Science Management Board.
- Chairing of all departmental meetings.
- Chief examiner of the department.
- Chairing and coordination of all departmental activities.
- Management and oversight of all the staff within the department.
- Facilitated equipment donation for polymer chemistry programme from Domino Science UK.
- Spearheaded the completion of MSc Chemistry curriculum.
- Secured funding for Phase 1 and 2 KFW funded Masters Scholarships in the East African Community for 2 (two) students.
- Enhanced the team spirit and good working relationship of staff and students within the department.
- Established Natural Products Center within the department.
- Facilitated the admission of 8 (eight) students and 4 (four)-(pending starting) students as the second and third cohort respectively for the MSc Leather Technology and 8 (eight) students and 6 (six) students as the first and second cohort respectively for the MSc. Chemistry.
- Spearheaded to development of PhD Chemistry programme and submitted to CUE.
- Spearheaded the development of BSc Polymer Chemistry curriculum and launched the programme.
- Spearheaded the graduated the (nineteen (19) first cohort Diploma in Leather Technology students.
- Spearheaded the graduated the (six) 6 first cohort of MSc Leather Technology students.
- Spearheaded the establishment of Biochemistry Department.
- Oversaw the harmonization of BSc Industrial Chemistry and BSc Leather Technology curricula.
Part-time Lecturer of Chemistry
Chemistry Department, Moi University, Kenya
01.2016 - 01.2016
- Courses taught: Heterocyclic Chemistry. Organic Chemistry. Pre-Organic Chemistry.
Lecturer of Organic Chemistry
Chemistry Department, Binghamton University, NY, USA
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Courses taught: Introduction to Organic Chemistry. Organic Chemistry. Pre-Organic Chemistry.
Lecturer of General Chemistry
Chemistry Department, Binghamton University, NY, USA
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Courses taught: Basic Chemistry. Introduction to Chemical Principles I. Introduction to Chemical Principles II. Chemical Principles (Chemistry for Engineers).
- Designed and implemented a new online and face-to-face pre-organic chemistry course for students who just completed general chemistry course and feel insufficient to proceed to organic chemistry courses.
- Initiated and implemented undergraduate teaching assistant program for Chemistry for Engineers.
Teaching Assistant and Laboratory Demonstrator
Binghamton University, NY, USA
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Courses taught: Introduction to Chemical Principles I. Introduction to Chemical Principles II. Chemical Principles (Chemistry for Engineers). Organic Chemistry.
Parliamentary Intern
Kenya National Assembly
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Work with the Clerk of the National Assembly on policy and organizational matters relating to the National Assembly.
- Enhance public understanding and knowledge of the work of the National Assembly and increasing public accessibility.
- Work with departmental committees of National Assembly on matters legislation.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Binghamton University, SUNY
New York12.2013
BSc. - Chemistry
University of Nairobi
Kenya10.2005
Skills
Sales leadership
Mentoring and training
Recruitment strategies
Business development
Client relationships
Staff management
Strategic planning
Business planning
Financial management
Team collaboration
Project management
Budget management
Strategic partnerships
Affiliations
- Secretary, Natural Products Research of Eastern and Central Africa- Kenya (NAPRECA-K): 2017-Present.
- American Chemical Society (ACS) member: 2008- 2016.
- Secretary, American Chemical Society, Binghamton Local Section, 2014-2016.
- President, Graduate African Student Organization, (GASO) Binghamton University, NY, USA 2009-2010.
Timeline
Managing Director
DeKUT Enterprises Company
07.2025 - Current
CEO and Founder
Ongataki Solutions Limited
01.2024 - Current
Director
Veenky Naturals Limited
01.2021 - Current
COD
Department of Chemistry, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), Nyeri, Kenya
07.2018 - 06.2025
Lecturer of Chemistry
Chemistry Department, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri, Kenya
01.2017 - Current
Part-time Lecturer of Chemistry
Chemistry Department, Moi University, Kenya
01.2016 - 01.2016
Lecturer of Organic Chemistry
Chemistry Department, Binghamton University, NY, USA
01.2013 - 01.2016
Lecturer of General Chemistry
Chemistry Department, Binghamton University, NY, USA
01.2013 - 01.2016
Teaching Assistant and Laboratory Demonstrator
Binghamton University, NY, USA
01.2007 - 01.2012
Parliamentary Intern
Kenya National Assembly
01.2006 - 01.2007
BSc. - Chemistry
University of Nairobi
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Binghamton University, SUNY
References
- Eriks, Rozners, Professor and Chair of Chemistry Department, erozners@binghamton.edu, 607-777-2441, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA, 13904-6000
- Dickson, Andala, CEO, National Research Fund, and Associate Professor, Chemistry Department, andala@gmail.com, +254 705 204 610, Multimedia University, Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul, Sang, Senior Lecturer, Chemistry Department, and Managing Director, paul.sang@dkut.ac.ke, +254 728 573 049, DeKUTEs, Nyeri, Kenya
ACADEMIC AWARDS & HONORS
DeKUT Staff Recognition Award 1st Position under the Innovation Category for successfully formulated Veenky hair product booster, DeKUT, Dec, 2022., Nominated to attend and participate in Entrepreneurial training by the DePUK project in German, 2019., Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award in Chemistry department, Binghamton University: 2011-2012., Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, Binghamton University: 2011-2012., Travel Award for Binghamton-Section of American Chemical Society: 2009., Graduate School travel award, 2010., Graduate Fellowship, Chemistry Department, State University of New York at Binghamton, awarded a graduate teaching and research fellowships during the summers (June-August) of 2008-2012 to teach and do research towards my Doctoral studies.
COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE
- PEFA Nyeri Glory Academy, Board of Management, Chair, 2022
- PEFA Nyeri Church, Secretary and Elder, 2019, Present
- PEFA Nyeri Glory Nursery School, Board of Management, Vice Chair, 2020, 2022
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Chemistry Club, Patron, 2017, 2019
- American Chemical Society Conference at Binghamton University, NERM, Chair, 2016, 2016
- Binghamton University Outreach Program, Chemistry Department, Binghamton, NY, USA, 2013, 2016
- Binghamton University Member, Undergraduate Program Committee, Chemistry Department, Binghamton, NY, USA, 2013, 2016
- American Chemical Society Science Olympiad competitions, 2008, 2014, Participated in the organization and facilitating of American Chemical Society Science Olympiad competitions for K-12 graders in the southern tier region.
- Chemistry Club, Binghamton University, Undergraduate Advisor, Binghamton, NY, USA, 2013, 2016
- Binghamton elementary school, Binghamton, NY, USA, 2009, 2009, Gave motivational talks and hold basic scientific experiments.
- Binghamton University, Demonstrator, Binghamton, NY, USA, 2009, 2009, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day.
- Chiromo Campus Christian Union, The University of Nairobi, Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, 2004, 2005, Formed a charity group that attended to the homeless persons in streets of Nairobi, Kenya.
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
- Medard Mathew Muna, Benson Ongarora and Paul Tanui. Removal of Chromium (III) from Aqueous Solution Using Limestone Rock Chippings. International Journal of Scientific Research in Chemical Sciences. (2023), 10, (2).
- Maurine Kengwerere, Benson Ongarora and Paul Tanui. Profiling of Metals in Lemon Savory (Satureja biflora) Traditionally used in the Management of Chronic Wounds. Journal of Natural Products Research and Application. (2022), 2, (1).
- Emmanuel Onesimo Duku, Benson G. Ongarora, Paul Tanui. Effects of Boiling and Cooling of Geothermal Fluids on Precipitation of Secondary Minerals: A Case Study of Olkaria Fields, Kenya. Journal of Geoscience and Environmental Protection. (2022); Vol. 10 No. 9.
- Wainaina, Peris N.; Ongarora, Benson G.; Tanui, Paul. Manufacture of Exotic Leather and Small Leather Goods from Ovine Stomach. Journal of American Leather Chemists Association. (2022); Vol. 117 No.5.
- Wainaina, P. N.; Tanui, P.; Ongarora, B.G. Extraction of Oil from Tannery Fleshlings for Chamois Leather Tanning. Society of Leather Technologists & Chemists (2019); 103(3), 159-162.
- Tanui, P. Kennedy, S. Lunstad, B. Haas, A. Leake, D. and Rozners, E. 2013 Synthesis, biophysical studies and RNA interference Activity of RNA Having Three Consecutive Amide Linkages. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry 12 (2014) 1207-1210.
- Tanui, P., Kullberg, M. Song, N., Chivate, Y., Rozners, E. Monomers for Preparation of Amide Linked RNA: Synthesis of C 3'-Homologated Nucleoside Amino Acids from D-Xylose. Tetrahedron 66 (2010) 4961-4964.
- Paul Tanui. Invited Speaker. Hair Lotions from Bush to Shelf. 11th Symposium /AGM of the Society for Economic Botany Kenya Chapter (SEB-K), Nairobi University, Nairobi, Kenya, December 2022.
- Paul Tanui. Bush to Shelf. The Start-Up Expo at Karatina University, main campus. Sustainable Technopreneurship- From Hub to User. November, 2022.
- Paul Tanui. Hair Lotions from Natural Products. Research Presentation at Natural Products Research of Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA). NAPRECA-COMSTECH Summer School, Nairobi University, Nairobi, Kenya, October 2022.
- Paul Tanui and Vivian Nikrote. From the bush to the Shelf. The 6th DeKUT International Conference on Science Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Nyeri, Kenya, November 2022.
- Rozners, Eriks; Tanui, Paul; Selvam, Chelliah; Kennedy, Scott D.; Mutisya, Daniel; Lunstad, Benjamin D.; Pallan, Pradeep; Haas, Amanda; Leake, Devin; Egli, Martin. Synthesis and properties of amide-modified RNA for applications in RNA interference. Paper presentation at 247th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, Dallas, TX, United States, March 16-20, 2014.
- Rozners, Eriks; Tanui, Paul; Selvam, Chelliah; Kennedy, Scott D.; Mutisya, Daniel; Lunstad, Benjamin D.; Leake, Devin. Synthesis and properties of non-ionic RNA analogs for applications in RNA interference. Paper presentation at 246th ACS National Meeting and Exposition, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA September 8-12, 2013.
- Rozners, Eriks; Tanui, Paul; Selvam, Chelliah; Kennedy, Scott D.; Mutisya, Daniel; Lunstad, Benjamin D.; Leake, Devin “Nonionic Nucleic Acid Analogues: Synthesis, Properties and Applications in RNA Interference”, Oral presentation, Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, NY, USA March, 2011.
- Tanui, P. Selvam, C. and Rozners, E. “Synthesis and properties of amide modified RNA analogs,” ACS National Meeting Denver CO, USA, Aug. 2011.
- Tanui Paul “Jua kali” Informal sector in Kenya; A force to be reckoned with, on Gender, Science, Technology and Socio-Economic Development “NYASA National Conference, SUNY Oneonta, New York, USA, March 2011.
- Tanui, P. Selvam, C. Thomas, S. Abbott, J. Kullberg, M and Rozners, E. “Synthesis and Properties of Amide Modified RNA Analogs”, ACS National Meeting, Washington DC, USA, August, 2009.
PREVIOUS RESEARCH EXPERIENCE & TEACHING ACHIEVEMENTS
- Facilitated the processing and shipment of Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) donated equipment from Domino Printing Science, UK.
- Developed Veenky Naturals Limited Company supported by the University Management.
- Enhanced research activities within the department of chemistry and the Natural Products Center.
- Designed, developed and implemented a new course, (CHEM 150) that started as an experimental course, but later approved by the university to serve as a smooth transition from general chemistry to organic chemistry.
- Designed and synthesized RNA molecules with therapeutic application in RNA interference.
- Developed protocol for automated solid phase chemical synthesis of amide modified RNA analogues.
- Developed methods for modified RNA purification using Reverse-Phase HPLC chromatography and flash chromatographic techniques.
- Performed biophysical characterization to establish the secondary structure of modified RNA analogues using spectroscopic methods such as: NMR, UV melting, Circular dichroism, and DSC techniques.
- Synthesized amide-linked short interfering RNAs (siRNAs); and studied their RNA interfering activities in collaboration with scientists from Thermo Fisher Scientific (Formally, Dharmacon inc.).
- Mentored 105 undergraduate students in research on the RNA project 2007-2013.
- Played active role in a collaborative project involving scientists from pharmaceutical company and other higher institutes of research. At the end of the project, the research attracted funding of USD. 1.5 M.
PATENTS
- Process of Tanning Tripe using Fleshing Oil to Produce Exotic Chamois Leather and Leather Products. Application Number: KE/U/2020/1427.
- Process of Formulating Natural Hair Products from Aloe Vera, Rice Water, and Avocado Oil. Application Number: KE/U/2021/1611.
- Process of Treatment of Chrome Tanning Effluent and Chrome Recovery for Reuse. (Submitted to KIPI).
GRANTS APPLICATION
- Collaborative Research on Leather Value Chain. NFR funding of Kes. 3,000,000.00. (Awarded 2023).
- Research to Commercialization pitching session from Kenya Innovation Agency, Nairobi, USD 4,000. (Awarded 2023).
- Solutions that address manufacturing pollution resulting from the tanneries sector in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, GBP 1,000,000. (Submitted Feb 2024).
- USADF Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge. An amount of USD 124,223.60. (Submitted Sept 2022).
PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP
- Facilitated 9 graduate students from DeKUT Chemistry department secure 100% scholarship grants to pursue PhD in Chemistry in the USA.
- Mentored young undergraduate and post graduate chemists conducting research and teaching.