PhD Nagasaki University, Japan
MSc, Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya
Email:pkirira@mku.ac.ke
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor APIA
Academic Qualification
- Name of Institution: Kyoto University, Japan
Field of Study: Synthetic Chemistry
Degree: Postdoctorate Training
Completion Date: March 2012 - Name of Institution: Nagasaki University, Japan
Field of Study: Pharmaceutical Sciences
Degree: PhD
Completion Date: September 2010 - Name of Institution: Kenyatta University
Field of Study: Organic Chemistry: Natural Products
Degree: MSc
Completion Date: December 2004 - Name of Institution: Kenyatta University
Field of Study: Education: Chemistry & Mathematics
Degree: BEd Science
Completion Date: October 2001
Postgraduate Student Supervision: PhD Supervision
- Name: Mr. Peter Karanja (MSc.) Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Title: Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities of Kenyan Cape
Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.). MSc. Supervision - Name: Ms. Anne Nyakio Nyamakima, Kenyatta University
Title: Synthesis and antimalarial evaluation of quinoline-trioxane and quinoline-chemosensitizer hybrid drugs. - Name: Mr. Solomon Githuka, Kenyatta University
Title: Antiplasmodial activity of some Kenyan medicinal plant extracts singly or in combination with chloroquine and/or artemisinin. - Name: Ms. Fiona Oyatsi, JKUAT/ITROMID
Title: Synthesis of novel hybrid molecules for malaria control. - Name: Ms. Dorothy Kedesani Moga, JKUAT/ITROMID
Title: An investigation of biological activity of plant therapeutics in vitro against cervical and prostate cancer cells - Name: Ms. Anne Muhuha, Mount Kenya University
Title: Antimicrobial activity of moringa oleifera, aleo vera and warbugia ugandensis on multidrug resistant escherichia coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus.
ii) Grant & awards:
- a) Donor: Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF), Amount; 862,311 USD, Date 2016-2018; Project summary: Kenya Christian and Scientific Affiliation (KCSA): Facilitating Synergetic Interactions between Science and Christian Faith. Role: Co-Principal Investigator
- b) Donor: Association of African Universities, Amount; 2,000 USD, Date 2016; Project summary: Small grants for thesis and dissertation awarded to Ms. Fiona Oyatsi for the thesis “Synthesis of Novel Hybrid Molecules for Management of Plasmodium falciparum”. Role: Supervisor
- c) Donor: National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI), Amount; 200,000 KSH, Date 2015-2016; Project summary: MSc. research grant for a proposal titled “An investigation of anti-proliferative and antioxidant activity of plant derived extracts against cervical and prostate cancer cell lines” awarded to Ms. Kedesani D. Moga. Role: Supervisor
- d) Donor: National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI), Amount; 200,000 KSH, Date 2015-2016; Project summary: MSc. research grant for a proposal titled “Investigation of the neem plant extracts regulation of genes associated with cervical and prostate cancer in vitro” awarded to Mr. Paul M. Kimani. Role: Supervisor
- e) Donor: Mount Kenya University Vice-chancellor Research Grant, Amount;
100,000 KSH, Date: 2013-2014; Project summary: Synthesis and antimalarial evaluation of quinolone-trioxane and quinolone-chemosensitizer hybrid drugs. Role: Principal Investigator.
- f) Donor: National Council of Science & Technology (NCST), Amount; 1,000,000
KSH, Date: 2013 -2015; Project summary: Investigation of anti-cancer activity in selected medicinal plants used in the management of cervical cancer. Role: Principal Investigator
- g) Donor: Kenya Medical Research Institute, Amount; 980,000 KSH, Date: 2013 –
2015; Project summary: Bioprospecting for anticancer agents from selected Kenyan medicinal plants for the management of prostate and cervical cancer. Role: Principal Investigator
- h) Donor: Jomo Kenyatta University of Science & Technology (JKUAT), Amount;
4,290,000 KSH, Date: 2012 -2015; Project summary: Synthesis of novel hybrid molecules for the management of malaria. Role: Co-Investigator
- i) Donor: National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI), Amount; 200,000 KSH, Date 2012-2013; Project summary: MSc. research grant for a proposal titled “Syntheses and Antimalarial Evaluation of Quinoline-Trioxane and Quinoline-Chemosensitizer Hybrid Drugs” awarded to Ms. Anne N. Wamakima. Role: Supervisor
- j) Donor: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas, Amount; 8,000,000
Yen, Date: 2010 -2012; Project summary: Postdoctorate research fellowship. Role: Postdoc
- k) Donor: Japanese Government Ministry of Education and Training (Monbukagakusho), Amount; 6,000,000 Yen, Date: 2007 -2010; Project summary: Research student scholarship. Role: PhD Student
- l) Donor: International Foundation for Science (IFS, F/4199-1), Amount; 10,000
USD, Date: 2007 -2008; Project summary: Isolation and biological studies of anti- plasmodial compounds from selected plants used by Maasai community, Kenya. Role: Principal Investigator
iii) External Thesis Examination – 2016
- a) Justus Omboga Obwoge, thesis titled “Studies of pharmacological properties and health benefits of tea selected from three tea growing regions of Kenya” an MSc thesis from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology.
- b) Ronald Nyakweba Otondi, thesis titled “Structure-activity studies of - octalactone analogues and blends against tsetse flies, Glossina pallidipes and G. morsitans morsitans” an MSc thesis from Kenyatta University.
- c) Ms. Kihagi R. Wamuyu, thesis titled “Antibacterial, Antifungal and Phytochemical Screening of the Plant Species Lannea Schweinfurthii (Engl.)Engl.” an MSc thesis from Kenyatta University.
- d) Victor I. Mwangi, thesis titled “Antimalarial activity of methylene blue against
drug resistant Plasmodium parasites” an MSc thesis from Jomo Kenyatta
University of Agriculture & Technology.
- e) Ms. Jackson M. Obegi, thesis titled “Phytochemical composition and repellency of volatiles emitted by live potted Mentha piperita (Pepper Mint) plants against Anopheles gambiae ss” an MSc thesis from Kenyatta University.
Other Activities
- i) Member of MKU Ethics Review Committee
Role: Reviewer of protocols and a facilitator during trainings on ethics.
- ii) Consultancy for Rafiki Bank.
Project: East Africa Chama Awards 2014
Role: Reviewer of applications and selection of winning candidates
iii) Consultancy for Partners for Care NGO
Project: a) Water Backpack Re-Design 2014, b) Water Backpack Impact Assessment in 4 Counties 2016
Role: Re-design strategies of Greif water backpack, impact assessment report on
use and adoption of the water backpack technology.F. Recent/selected publications (2006 to date)
PUBLICATIONS
- Kande, A. W., Kirira, P. G., & Michuki, G. N. (2017). University Industry Collaboration and Innovativeness of Firms: Evidence from Kenya Innovation Survey. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 5(3), 1-10.
- Kirira PG, Karenga SM, Michuki GN. A Technical Report Research on Utilization of packH2O in Kenya. 2016. http://www.packh2o.com/wp- content/uploads/2016/09/Mount-Kenya-University-Research-On-Utilization-of-packH2O- in-Kenya.pdf
- Wangai LN, Waithera BW, Karau MG, Ndura B, Kirira PG. J. Med. Plants Stud.
- 1: 42-47.
- Kato A, Okaki T, … Kirira PG, Onomura O, Minato D, Sugimoto K, Matsuya Y, Toyooka N. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2013. 21: 6565–6573.
- Matu EN, Kirira PG, Kigondu EVM, Moindi E, Amugune B. Afr. J. Pharmacol. 2012 1: 14-18.
- Moteki SA, Kirira PG, Arimitsu S, Maruoka K. A. J. Org. Chem. 2012, 1: 26-29.
- Muregi FW, Kirira PG, Ishih A. Curr Med Chem 2011, 18: 113-143.
- Kigondu E.V., Rukunga M., Gathirwa J.W., Irungu B.N., Mwikwabe N.M., Amalemba G.M., Omar S.A., Kirira P.G. S. Afr. J. Bot. 2011, 77: 725-729.
- Kirira PG, Kuriyama M, Onomura O. Chem Eur J. 2010, 16: 3970-3982
- Onomura O, Kirira PG, Tanaka T, Tsukada T, Matsumura Y, Demizu Y. Tetrahedron 2008 64; 7498-7503.
- Kigondu EV, Rukunga GM, Keriko JM, Tonui WK, Gathirwa JW, Kirira PG, Irungu B, Ingonga JM, Ndiege IO*. Anti-parasitic activity and cytotoxicity of selected medicinal plants from Kenya. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 123: 504-509.
- Rukunga GM*, Gathirwa JW, Omar SA, Muregi FW, Muthaura CN, Kirira PG, Mungai GM, Kofi-Tsekpo WM. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 121: 282-5.
- Gathirwa JW, Rukunga GM, Njagi EN, Omar SA, Mwitari PG, Guantai AN, Tolo FM, Kimani CW, Muthaura CN, Kirira PG, Ndunda TN, Amalemba G, Mungai GM, Ndiege IO*. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 115:223-31.
- Gathirwa JW, Rukunga GM, Njagi EN, Omar SA, Guantai AN, Muthaura CN, Mwitari PG, Kimani CW, Kirira PG, Tolo FM, Ndunda TN, Ndiege IO*. J Nat Med. 2007 61:261-8.
- Muthaura CN, Rukunga GM, Chhabra SC, Omar SA, Guantai AN, Gathirwa JW, Tolo FM, Mwitari PG, Keter LK, Kirira PG, Kimani CW, Mungai GM, Njagi EN*. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 112:545-51.
- Muthaura CN, Rukunga GM, Chhabra SC, Omar SA, Guantai AN, Gathirwa JW, Tolo FM, Mwitari PG, Keter LK, Kirira PG, Kimani CW, Mungai GM, Njagi EN*. Phytother Res. 2007 21:860-7.
- Kirira PG, Rukunga GM, Wanyonyi AW, Muthaura CN, Mungai GM, Machocho AK, Ndiege IO*. J Nat Prod. 2007 70:842-5.
- Kirira PG, G.M. Rukunga, A. Wanyonyi, F.M. Muregi, J.W. Gathirwa, C. N. Muthaura, S.A. Omar, F. Tolo, G.M. Mungai, I.O. Ndiege*. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 106:403-7.Conferences & Workshops
- February 2017: Participated in a two day “International Workshop on Clinical Research and Grant Writing” on 23rd & 24th February, 2017 at Meru.
- February 2017: Participated in a two day training workshop on “Quantitative data analysis with R” at African Population Health Research Centre, Kitusuru APHRC Campus on 16th & 17th February, 2017.
- November 2016: Participated in the IST-Africa Horizon 2020 Training workshop on Research & Innovation funding mechanism organised by the Ministry of Education Science and Technology in cooperation with IIMC, Ireland on 10th November 2016 at Moi University, Nairobi campus.
- September 2016: Organized and Participated in a two-day training course on Plagiarism on 14th and 15th September 2016 held at Mount Kenya University, Thika Campus.
- September 2016: Organized and Participated in a 2-day National Delegates Conference on Science and Religion themed “Fostering Dialogue between Faith and Science in the African Context” from 8th – 9th September, 2016 at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. Topic presented: Faiths and Worldviews.
- July 2016: Participated in the Faraday Institute Summer Course 11 Science and Religion: Conversations between Worldviews on 3rd – 8th July 2016, held at Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
- May 2016: Organized and Participated in a 3-day course facilitated by the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion on “Science and the Christian Faith: The Quest for Synergetic Co-existence” from 10th – 12th May 2016 at Masada Hotel, Naivasha, Kenya.
- April 2016: Organized and Participated in a two-day training on Research Ethics on 7th and 8th April, 2016 held at Mount Kenya University Graduation Pavilion, Thika, Kenya.
- December 2015: Participated in the inaugural Bioethics Society of Kenya conference held on 16th and 17th December, 2015 at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
- December 2015: Participated as a delegate in the second Senior Expert Dialogue Conference 2015 (SED – 2015) on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) on the theme “Innovation Hubs, Clusters and Parks and Africa’s Transformation” hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and NACOSTI on 2nd-4th December, 2015 held at Laico Regency Hotel, Nairobi Kenya.
- November 2015: Participated as a faculty trainer at MKU Kitale Campus on a workshop titled Scientific Communication: Grant Proposal and Publication Writing, on 13th November, 2015, Kitale, Kenya.
- October 2015: organized and participated at the ICABUMPA-iN4iN International Conference funded by Mount Kenya University in collaboration with Leipzing University of Germany, on 27th-29th October, 2015 titled “New Concepts for Business Acceleration for Africa” held at Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.
- September 2014: Received completion certificate/transcript for Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) modules on animal Care and Use.
- June 2014: Participated in a 5-day Critical Appraisal of Research Proposals Training Workshop on 16th to 20th June, 2016 held at Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
- August 2013: Organized and Participated in a 3-day (August 28-30) Mount Kenya University First Biannual International Conference themed “Towards Achieving a Knowledge Economy through Research and Innovation”, at Safari Park, Nairobi, Kenya. Topic: Apoptotic Machinery as a Drug Target in Protozoan Parasites: A Case of Malaria Parasite.
- June 2013: Participated as a Trainer in a two-day Supervisors and Postgraduate Students workshop at Nairobi Campus. Presentation: Dissemination of Research Findings.
- May 2013: Participated in a 5th Annual Academic Conference (1st International Conference): Globalisation and Empowerment in Africa held at Rift Valley Sports Club- Nakuru, Kenya From 16th to 18th May, 2013
- May 2013: Participated in a course on Compliance to Biosafety Act No. 2 of 2009 and its Regulations Topics: The Role of NBA in Biosafety Regulation in Kenya and the Biosafety (Contained Use) Regulations, 2011.
- April 2013: Organized and participated in Mount Kenya University Bioethics Sensitization Training.