Dr. Peter Kirira, P.hD.

amndungu

PhD Nagasaki University, Japan

MSc, Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya

Email:pkirira@mku.ac.ke

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor APIA

 

 

 

Academic Qualification

  1. Name of Institution: Kyoto University, Japan
    Field of Study: Synthetic Chemistry
    Degree: Postdoctorate Training
    Completion Date: March 2012
  2. Name of Institution: Nagasaki University, Japan
    Field of Study: Pharmaceutical Sciences
    Degree: PhD
    Completion Date: September 2010
  3. Name of Institution: Kenyatta University
    Field of Study: Organic Chemistry: Natural Products
    Degree: MSc
    Completion Date: December 2004
  4. 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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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
  2. 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

  1. 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
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  1. 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

  1. i) Member of MKU Ethics Review Committee

Role: Reviewer of protocols and a facilitator during trainings on ethics.

  1. 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.