Virtual Affiliate Fellowship

My work centers around historical trauma as a theme, I also look at issues of gender and I look at this using visual methodologies. I'm interested in the everydayness of gender trauma, I look at trauma, not as an individual experience only are limited to an individual experience. But I look at trauma as also a social experience as something that does not only affect the individual in isolation, but always at the same time. It's always in relation to other people as well. I challenge psychology in how we've always looked at the idea of trauma. Then I zoom in and specifically look at the gendered nature of trauma. I do this drawing on the South African experience, on the ways in which apartheid affected people in South Africa, but in particular, the ways in which it affected women in South Africa. Often when we look at the master narratives, it's all always the story or the narrative of how people were generally affected by apartheid, but also zooming in on the gruesome violations of apartheid in people's lives. But what we often don't pay attention to, isthe everydayness nature of how the brutal system affected people on the everyday and in particular women, how they were affected in their homes, how they were, their private spaces, were also affected by the brutal system, and how then the trauma manifested through these experiences that women encountered. Oftentimes in our theorizing, when in the ways in which we speak about trauma, we don't pay specific attention to the gender trauma of it, but also to look at the ways in which it shows itself in the everyday experiences of women, and the everyday experiences of people of color. I then go further to engage the ways in which often it's difficult to speech from, it's difficult to express some of the traumatic experiences that people go through.

In my work in my research, I draw from visual methodologies and in particular, I use embroidery as a method wherein women can come together in solidarity, and collectively engage and speak about their experiences of growing up during apartheid, but also to look at how one can recollect how we can draw from our memories to then make artworks that speaks to and that reflects on traumatic experiences of people. Embroidery then has assisted me to critique and engage the idea of trauma that but also to offer space and platform for women to express that which they otherwise would not be able to express. I go back to apartheid, I go back to the past, because the past influences the present, because it's the past experiences, that also determines or affects how people experience the present. I then draw also from decolonial framework and argue that visual methods such as embroidery actually serve as a decolonial lens that assist us to look at what we think of when we engage issues of epistemology and issues of ontology. So how do we come to know how do we make sense of the world? And how can we do this without limiting ourselves to the mainstream ways of knowledge production. I look at embroidery not only as a research method, but I also look at embroidery as an epistemological framework that women can use to make meaning of the world to reflect on the world, and to also critique and challenge some of the injustices that they experience in their everyday lives. I have shifted from looking at apartheid, to looking at the current issues and current challenges that women are experiencing in their everyday, but always, at the same time, acknowledging the role of history, acknowledging the role of the past, in how the present manifests itself in how people experience the world in the now. My work has also then also moved on, to look at the ways in which COVID has affected women.

I am a senior biomedical scientist, senior lecturer, and researcher in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Fourah Bay College and Departments of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at the University of Sierra Leone.  I am also the Founder and Chief Strategist of Project 1808, Inc, a US 501(c3) non-profit and Sierra Leone community base organization. I am a technical leader, thought leader, and scholar with broad research interests at the intersection of biomedical science (infectious disease, toxicology, immunology, genomics, systems biology), environmental science, One health, climate change, geography, African history, anthropology, indigenous African Knowledgebase systems, and sustainability. I uniquely combine the power of mind (technical mastery), power of people, and power of agility to drive big ideas and innovation from industry to academia and community.

At University of Sierra Leone, I teach immunology, microbiology, environmental science, epidemiology, toxicology, and research methods to under graduates, medical and graduate students. Apart from teaching, I supervise and mentor undergrad, graduate, and postdoctoral research locally in Sierra Leone. I also lead international research, collaborations, and mentoring as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) on various projects.  Since December 2014, I have led as a Co-PI Ebola control, epidemiological surveillance, and Action Against Infectious Diseases Emerging in Africa (A-IDEA) initiative in Sierra Leone that has resulted in:

• establishment of international collaborative projects on Ebola and infectious diseases between University of Sierra Leone, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Institute of Medical Sciences at University of Tokyo, and Joint Medical Unit of 34 Military hospital
• set-up of functional laboratory in Freetown
• collaborative research on the Ebola host-pathogen responses and development of a novel Ebola vaccine,
• understanding the epidemiology, surveillance of Ebola and other unknown viruses,
• community social mobilization, education, and awareness through radio, TV, and community programs.
• https://news.wisc.edu/in-sierra-leone-a-chance-to-learn-from-ebola/
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewwight/2021/04/30/this-scientist-retu…
• https://news.wisc.edu/in-the-heart-of-devastating-outbreak-research-team-unlocks-secrets-of-ebola/?fbclid=IwAR0ooleF6GNEosgqrWSRzsAetlvuNFZwQ3Kuon2IsqiHeIf_ZJFqtNMio-Y
• https://pbswisconsin.org/watch/here-and-now/alhaji-njai-ebola-vaccine-n…

I have also taught and led UW-Madison Global Health Institute (GHI) field course to Sierra Leone between 2012 to 2014, that played a major role in building global health competencies for students from the US and Sierra Leone (https://ghi.wisc.edu/tackling-ebola-on-many-fronts/). In 2019, together with UW-Madison Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center (METC) Toxicology graduate students designed a unique African centered toxicology course for students at University of Sierra Leone (https://madison.com/news/local/education/university/african-university-gets-course-on-pollution-problems-with-help-of-uw-grad-team/article_abeb47d6-ae72-5736-9cd1-f732952bb42c.html)

I am currently a senior technical advisor with the directorate of health securities and emergencies (DHSE) at Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) and a Co-PI for Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Grand Challenges grant for strengthening surveillance and public health in Sierra Leone. In this regard, my work in partnership with MoHS is focused on, 1) building a system for tracking and reporting of mortalities in country, 2) system interoperability, 3) Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) surveillance for diagnosis of fevers of unknown origin, and 4) Acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (AVHF) surveillance for routine community seroprevalence studies to determine exposures and immunity(https://www.thepatrioticvanguard.com/sierra-leone-ministry-of-health-re…).  I am a PI for the Carnegie Mellon University-Africa (CMU Africa) inclusive digital transformation grant to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and additive manufacturing to improve access to quality prosthetics and orthotics for amputees. I also PI and lead the UW-Madison Global Health Institute (GHI) Africa One Health Center that is expected to launch in April of 2023. I am also a Co-PI for a new Japan $2 billion government initiative to prep pandemic vaccines in 100 days (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-03000-3)

Nationally, I chair the One Health Technical Working Group (TWG) Committee, bringing together technical persons from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, and the University (https://www.ayvnewspaper.com/ayv-news/sierra-leone-commemorates-interna…).  Sierra Leone has adopted the National One Health Platform in 2018 to enhance coordination and collaboration in preparedness and response to public health threats. I am the Managing Editor of the Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research (SLJBR) (https://salonemessengers.com/dr-alhaji-njai-appointed-managing-editor-of-the-sierra-leone-journal-of-biomedical-research-sljbr/), the only peer reviewed biomedical and public health journal (https://www.sljbr.org/index.php/sjbmr/index) in Sierra Leone indexed with African Journal Online (AJOL). I am also a member of the Sierra Leone Ethics and Scientific Research Committee (SLESRC) at the MoHS that is the national IRB and provide ethical clearance for all human subject studies conducted in Sierra Leone. I am a member of the college of experts at Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) reviewing research proposals for fellowships and mentoring postdocs from across Africa (https://www.africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk/). I also serve as a postdoc mentor for International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA)- Science Advice Skills Development Program (SASDP)(https://ingsa.org/chapters/ingsa-africa/activities/sasdp/)/(https://ingsa.org/).

As Founder and Chief Strategist of Project 1808, Inc. (http://www.project1808.org), a Madison Wisconsin based US Federal 501 (c3) non-profit organization and Sierra Leone Community based organization, I have been able to successfully build a wide moat of programs around health, environment, entrepreneurship, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Leadership, and the arts from our three fundamental pillars of education, community, and opportunities. From an initial 56 students in 2011, Project 1808, Inc. has now supported and trained over 700 students drawn from various primary and secondary schools in Koinadugu District. The School-Community-University Partnership Models developed for Project 1808 has resulted high success rates for students through the life cycle from primary to secondary school and university. Other highlights of programs include training and capacitating over 100 Ebola survivors in computers, tailoring, catering, and driving. Through disruptive innovation, diversity of ideas, leadership, volunteer support, and community empowerment, Project 1808 has been able to create impactful, meaningful, and sustainable programs for thriving communities in Sierra Leone. The three-day Science (#STEEEAM -Science Technology Engineering Environment Entrepreneurship Arts Mathematics) and Leadership festival (#SciLeadFest) organized by Project 1808 is now a national event in Sierra Leone. Annually, the SciLead has focused on small pointed and targeted activities that build #STEEEAM and leadership capacity among students, youths, and adults in the community:

• https://www.switsalone.com/43567_dr-alhaji-njai-holds-6th-annual-science-festival-in-kabala-through-project-1808-inc/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
•  https://manoreporters.com/news/tech/sierra-leone-6th-annual-science-festival-kickstarts-in-kabala/
•  https://www.wortfm.org/the-6th-project-1808-science-and-leadership-festival/
•  https://www.wortfm.org/sixth-project-1808-steeeam-and-leadership-festival-update/

Along with Project 1808, Inc. and partners, I am working on developing Koinadugu College, a model One Health focused college in Koinadugu District, Sierra Leone.  The college scheduled to officially launch this fall 2023 will be the first higher institution of learning in Koinadugu District.  Koinadugu College will uniquely offer integrated, skills training sessions at the certificate, diploma, and degree levels in the following core areas: Agriculture, Health, Environment, and Science and Engineering. An education at Koinadugu College would have a special emphasis in these core educational areas that align with our values of: Entrepreneurship, Global-mindedness, Leadership, Indigenous knowledge systems, and Sustainability. The nexus of practical, experiential, community-level skills training, and academics offered through Koinadugu College we envision will serve as an economic engine for the districts, change the face of the districts, foster creativity and innovation, nurture local talents and attract others globally, build national and international connections, address societal challenges, and ultimately improve lives. (https://isthmus.com/news/news/wisconsin-idea-reached-one-of-the-poorest-regions-in-sierra-leone/)

Finally, I am a trusted radio, TV, and newspaper social and political commentator and analyst on the issues affecting Sierra Leone and Africa. I write opinion pieces for local and international news media on issues ranging from social, environmental, health, and political economy of Sierra Leone and Africa. I am also regularly interviewed on local and international news media. From Ebola outbreak, August 2017 landslides to elections in Sierra Leone and Covid-19 pandemic, I have used my voice and news personality to educate, social mobilization, and bring hope to communities.  Some excerpts below:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/06/world/africa/eugenia-kargbo-chief-heat-officer-africa.html - New York Times on Heat Officer and Freetown
• https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/12/world/africa/sierra-leone-protests.html - New York Times on August 10 unrest
• https://politicosl.com/articles/why-curfews-and-lockdowns-may-not-be-answer-covid-19-africa - Why Curfews and Lockdowns may not be answer to Covid-19 in Africa
• https://www.facebook.com/TheSLMDA/photos/dr-nathaniel-williams-vice-president-of-sierra-leone-medical-and-dental-associat/682675352524224/?paipv=0&eav=AfYjEwOOuZnD86N_KpbsdFinDEh2vu1ignh3vLy-devo964FBkZngYeqygeTFPGeQB8&_rdr - Lockdown
• https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-caught-between-examination-malpractices-education-decadence-and-social-dysfunction/ - Sierra Leone – Caught Between Examination Malpractices, Education Decadence and Social Dysfunction
• AYV Television Wake Up Salone https://fb.watch/iiphAEA7Qw/?mibextid=j8LeHn
• Africa and the World Cup: https://www.wortfm.org/alhaji-njai-on-africa-and-the-world-cup-2022/
• Decolonizing Sierra Leonian Minds And Reclaiming Traditional And Cultural Self Reliancehttps://www.wortfm.org/connecting-sierra-leones-past-and-future-for-peace-justice-and-prosperity/
• Alhaji Talks Africa Nations Cup https://www.wortfm.org/alhaji-talks-africa-cup-of-nations/
• Reflections on 61 Years of Sierra Leone’s Independence – Between Quest for Nationhood and Free Dependence https://panafricanvisions.com/2022/04/reflections-on-61-years-of-sierra-leones-independence-between-quest-for-nationhood-and-free-dependence/
• George Floyd and a History of Black Oppression https://www.politicosl.com/articles/george-floyd-and-history-black-oppression
• What can American multi-racial democracy learn from Africa? https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/what-can-american-multi-racial-democracy-learn-from-africa/

My name is Dr. Everlyne Chepkemoi Nyangwaria Rotich Bsc.N (University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya), MSN/Midwifery (University of Nairobi Kenya), PhD (University of Cape Town, South Africa). I am currently a senior lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Moi University Kenya. I am the coordinator for Kansas University- Moi University collaboration and currently working together with KU colleagues on a COIL grant whereby we are doing virtual classroom with Moi University and Kansas University Midwifery graduate students. I am humbled having been selected as SPR 2022 KASC African Affiliate Fellow.

I have served at different capacities at Moi University including being founding chair department of Midwifery and Gender 2012-2015, School of nursing representative to graduate school, participated in development of various curricula at school of nursing and college of health sciences including, Master of Science Nursing (Maternal and Neonatal Health) curriculum, Bachelor of Science Nursing Curriculum Master of Medicine Reproductive health, Development and implementation of nursing and midwifery protocols, guidelines, courses and programs, particularly developed clinical midwifery protocols, Bachelor of Science in psychology curriculum.

I was raised as a child in a remote village where distance from home to the nearest health facility or school was over 10kms with no reliable transport and other basic amenities. Many women then in the neighborhood had their births at home attended to by traditional birth attendants or family member. Occasionally there were medical outreach programs in the nearby trading center. I walked to school barefoot. There was no piped water in the neighborhood, most families and institutions depended on boreholes and seasonal water sources.

The background stated above stimulated my passion for midwifery and supporting women to have a satisfying experience during pregnancy and childbirth. My pursuit to understand and support women to have a satisfying birth experience led me to utilize engaging approaches Appreciative Inquiry and Human Scale Development Model. The participatory nature of the Appreciative Inquiry and Human Scale Development framework promotes inclusion of consumers of the service (women) and the people who work in the area (midwives and health service managers), as they understand the environment and what is required for the system to perform optimally to build on what works well in the system (Guillen-Royo, 2010; Whitney & Trosten-Bloom, 2010). 

My PhD research “Development of Woman Centred Midwife-led Model of Care through Participatory Methods for the Uasin Gishu County Referral Hospital, Kenya” engaged women, midwives and health service managers in the development of UPENDO-S model. Acronym UPENDO-S represents: (U)User-friendliness, (P)Person (woman)-focused care, (E) Excellence in evidence-based practice, (N)Networking, (D)Dedicated supported midwives, (O)Organised care and (S) Supportive leadership. The term UPENDO means ‘love’ in the Swahili language.

FIGURE: UPENDO- S WHEEL (Rotich, E. C. (2020). Development of Woman-Centred Midwife-led Model of Care through Participatory Methods for the Uasin Gishu County Hospital, Kenya)

The model identified the main components for a satisfying fulfilling birth experience for both women and their care providers. User-friendliness recognizes personalised, responsive care, live and well mother and baby, efficiency and timeous service delivery, effective, responsive communication and compassionate, respectful care. Person (woman)-focused care considers women central to maternity services undergoing a normal physiological process and not illness. The woman’s individuality is embraced and personalised and responsive care provided. Understanding of the woman requires building of relationships and providing women with information to enable them to direct decisions on their care and support cultural sensitivity.

It entails excellence in evidence-based practises to ensuring continuity of care, achieving good maternal and neonatal outcomes, providing targeted responsive interventions and excellence in service provision. The model identifies networking, collaborations, formation of linkages and stakeholder engagement important. Recognizes importance of the involvement of the community and political leadership in decisions related to maternity care. The model identifies dedicated supported midwives educated with knowledge and skills, updates and supported and protected to maximise their skills as maternity care providers. The model recognizes competent midwives with clearly defined roles and responsibilities working within a supportive system with access to specialists to support them in case of need for referrals.  Through regulation, midwives can uphold professionalism and practice within defined professional codes of ethics and standards. It is also important that the midwives are well remunerated and deployed. It also proposes motivation and minimisation of frequent transfers of midwives and use of implementation of human resource policies and codes of ethics in managing issues related to human resource.

The model in addition delves in organisation of care that entails maintained infrastructure and essential departments, maintained clinical resources, improved hospital processes and effective systems, maintained health information systems and well-defined nature of service at the facility. Finally, this woman-centred midwife led care requires supportive leadership who are experienced focused, visionary/transformational with a capacity to make decisions. Such leaders participate in facilitative supervision, shared governance and embrace employee participation in decision-making.

My other research publications include:

• Nthiga S., Rotich E., Yego F (2020). Birth preparedness and complications readiness among primigravid women attending antenatal clinic at a County Hospital in Kenya. Kenya Journal of nursing and midwifery 5 (2), 44-52
• Mochama, R. S., Esamai, F., & Rotich, E. (2019). Outcomes for preterm babies during the neonatal period in Kisii teaching and referral hospital, Kenya. Global Journal of Health Sciences, 4(1), 1-10.
• Rotich, E., &Wolvaardt, L. (2017). A descriptive study of the health information needs of Kenyan women in the first 6 weeks postpartum. BMC pregnancy and childbirth,17(1),1-8.
• Getanda, A., & Nyangwaria-Rotich, E. C. (2017) THE SPECTRUM OF MIDWIFERY CARE.
• Rotich E., Mbai I., Marete I., Bennasar V. M., Lelong B.A.  (2012). Being Homeless: Reasons for and Challenges Faced by Homeless Women in the Streets of Eldoret Town, Kenya. African Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health.

I have participated actively as reviewer of Abstracts for International Confederation of Midwives Conference to be Held in Bali in 2023 in 2022, Sub-Saharan Africa Faimer 2015-2018 and National Nurses Association Scientific Conferences 2004-2008. Article reviewer for African Journal of Midwifery and Women’s health 2008-2016, Editor of the procedure Manual for Nurses for the Nursing Council of Kenya 2008 and contributor to the maternal and new-born health chapters and Developed UNFPA and MAK FGM E-learning toolkit for Midwives 2016.

Additionally, I have participated in several workshops locally and internationally notable among them February 2022: Speaker at the International Conference on harmonization of Curriculum and training of Health Professionals held in Mombasa “Role of Counties in regulation and training of health care workers”, December 2021: Key Note Speech at the Annual Scientific Midwives Conference in Kakamega title “Invest in Midwives for Birth Equity in Kenya”; November 2021: Presentation of Step 10 on “Supportive Human Resource Policies” of the 12 steps to safe and Respectful Mother-Baby Family Maternity Care of International Childbirth Initiative; May 2021:  Key Note Speech at the International Interdisciplinary Research Conference Held at the University of Eastern Africa Baraton Title: “Exploring Solutions to Contemporary issues influencing the 21st century Social Fabric”; Key Note Speech at the Midwives Association of Kenya annual Scientific Conference in Kilifi Theme “Midwives Leading the Way in quality Care for Universal Health Coverage”; June 2017: Delegate Midwives Association of Kenya at the International Confederation of Midwives in the Triennial ICM Congress held Toronto Canada; December 2016: Poster Presentation on “State of Midwifery in Kenya” in Johannesburg, South Africa; October 2016: Hosted the launch of Midwives Association of Kenya in Eldoret, Kenya ; June 2015: Kenya Delegate at International Council of Nurses “Global citizen, Global Nursing” In Seoul Korea and Nov 2014: Key note speakers at the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association conference in Meru: Key Note Speech “Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery to achieve vision 2030”.

In addition to research activities, I have served at different capacities at Moi University including being founding chair department of Midwifery and Gender 2012-2015, School of nursing representative to graduate school, participated in development of various curricula at school of nursing and college of health sciences including, Master of Science Nursing (Maternal and Neonatal Health) curriculum, Bachelor of Science Nursing Curriculum Master of Medicine Reproductive health, Development and implementation of nursing and midwifery protocols, guidelines, courses and programs, particularly developed clinical midwifery protocols, Bachelor of Science in psychology curriculum.

My experience also spans in leadership and policy. I served as a County Executive Committee Member (regional minister) for the County Government of Uasin Gishu (Dec 2017- N0v 2022).  During my tenure I was able to implement key activities towards improving maternal and neonatal health and impact overall in health. Key achievements include construction, equipping and operationalization of health facilities, notably operationalization of theatre services and first ever 20 bed Intensive care unit by County Government of Uasin Gishu. Development of innovative measures to coordinate and handle emergencies, through establishment of a 24 hour call centre,  realized Improvement in Health indicators to include increase in skilled birth attendants from 67%in 2017 to 88% in 2021, proportion of fully immunized children from 75.4% in 2018 to 86.6% in 2021 and uptake of 4th antenatal care 40.2 % in 2018 to 51.5 % in 2021.Initiated measures to scale up NHIF and LINDA MAMA Rebates that realized an increase in rebates to health facilities from Kshs. 7,000,000 per annum in 2017 to over Kshs 100,000,000.00-year 2021. Guided Development of different policy documents for department of health County Government of Uasin Gishu, Initiated distribution of sanitary towels to schools in collaboration with the office of the First Lady County, Invested in development of human resource capacity initiatives,  Empowerment and development of different committees at the County Department of health, In ensuring service excellence, operational and organizational efficiency, improved quality of care, initiated measures to improve the coordination of health service delivery through,

As a CECM, I participated in development of different policy documents and guidelines for the Ministry of Health, and Council of Governors, including Kenya Health Financing Strategy 2020-2030;  Kenya Health Strategic Plan 2018-2023; Inter-Governmental Participation Agreement on implementation of Universal Health Coverage, Participated in Midterm Review of the Transforming Health Services funding programme with World Bank team, Chaired Health Care Financing, Leadership and Governance Committee of the County Executive Committee Members for Health Caucus at the Council of Governors, Co-chaired Health Care Financing Intergovernmental Technical Working Group, Representation of CECMs for Health Caucus in Reproductive maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health Technical Assistance Multi Donor Trust Fund (RMNCAH TA MDTF) advisory Group at world bank and Board Member AMPATH, chairperson Finance and Human Resource Committee.

Having served as Chairperson of the Nursing Council of Kenya between September 2010 to June 2015. Duties and responsibilities included: Providing oversight to the Nursing Council Nursing Council of Kenya in regulation of nursing and midwifery education and practice in Kenya, making provision for training and instruction of persons seeking registration or enrolment as nurses and midwives in Kenya, establishing and improving standards of all branches of the nursing profession and safeguard interests of all nurses in Kenya, Prescribing and Regulating syllabuses and instruction courses of training for persons seeking registration as nurses or midwives in Kenya, Directing and supervising the compilation and maintenance or registers, rolls and records for nurses in Kenya and Advising the Cabinet Secretary on matters concerning all aspects of nursing. Guided in the development of tools and systems towards cooperate Governance, competitive recruitment of CEO/registrar, institution of mechanisms for effective human resource management systems and structures, Development of strategic plan 2012-2017, Development of different syllabi including syllabi for Bsc. Nursing, and syllabi for Upgrading of KRCHN to Bsc. Midwifery. Developed tools for cost containment and risk management (audit, finance, procurement manuals) and Development and review of governance manuals (HRM manuals, legal and other instruments).

My passion is in maternal and newborn health and overarching passion towards provision of affordable, reliable, quality health services to all.

I hold a PhD from the university of Nairobi in clinical pharmacy which was awarded in 2017. In addition, I have diverse knowledge in clinical and social sciences. To this end I hold a Mater of science in microbiology, Master of science in health economics, Master of Business administration, Master of clinical Pharmacy, Bachelor of Pharmacy and few diplomas.

I have taught in several universities in the last 20 years and currently I am a senior lecturer of clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice at the University of Nairobi Kenya. During my teaching career, I have published 51 articles in peer reviewed journals and supervised many postgraduate students.

Beside teaching, I have worked with several organizations in Kenya and other countries. Notable among them is the University of Rwanda and Kansas University. I have been involved in training vaccinology which is joint activity between the University of Nairobi and Kansas University since 2014.

Currently I am involved in several research activities in Kenya. My main areas of interest include drug therapy problems and health supply chain management. The main goal is to enhance the quality of life of patients through provision of safe and effective  medicines.. The findings of these activities will inform policy on how to facilitate uninterrupted supply of medicines to patients especially in public health facilities.

Sinnei, D.K., Karimi, P.N., Maru, S.M. et al. Evaluation of vaccine storage and distribution practices in rural healthcare facilities in Kenya. J of Pharm Policy and Pract 16, 25 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-023-00535-2

Degu A, Karimi PN, Opanga SA, Nyamu DG. Determinants of survival outcomes among esophageal cancer patients at a national referral hospital in Kenya. ChronicDis Transl Med. 2022;1‐9. doi:10.1002/cdt3.52

Fredrick Githinji , Shital M. Maru , Peter N. Karimi , Eugene Rutungwa, and Egide ayitare. Factors affecting provision of female family planning commodities in public health facilities in Kajiado county, Kenya. Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice (2022) 15:91.

Degu A, Karimi PN, Opanga SO, Nyamu DG. Survival outcomes among colorectal cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital: A retrospective cohort study. Cancer reports.2022; e1743.doi.10.1002/cnr2.1743

Monicah W. Karara, Faith Apolot Okalebo, Peter K. Ndirangu and Sylvia A. Opanga. Comparative Glycemic Control in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes on Herbal and Conventional Glucose-Lowering Agents in Nairobi County, Kenya. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research 19(2): 25-34, 2022

Degu A, Karimi PN, Opanga SA, Nyamu DG. Predictors of survival outcomes among patients with gastric cancer in a leading tertiary, teaching and referral hospital in Kenya. Cancer Med. 2022; 00:1-14. doi: 10.1002/ cam4.527

George Walukana, Shital Maru, Peter Karimi, Pierre Claver Kayumba Effect of Universal Health Coverage on the Availability of Medicines in Public Health Facilities in Kisumu County, in Kenya. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(2): 269-280

 Anyona Johnson, Karimi Peter, Maru Shital. Inventory Management Practices and Supply Chain Performance of Antiretroviral Medicines in Public Hospitals in Nyamira County, Kenya, Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(2): 257-268.

 Karimi PW, Karimi PN, Wata DE. Adverse Drug Events and Predictors of One Year Survival among Adult Patients   with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in a Kenyan Tertiary Health Facility. J Cancer Sci Clin Onco,2   l 021; 8(1):102

Lucy Wanjiku Kanja, Peter Ndirangu Karimi, Shital Mahindra Maru, Pierre Claver Kayumba, Regis Hitimana. Factors that affect vaccines availability in public health facilities in Nairobi city county: a cross sectional study. Pan African Medical journal. 2021; 38:72[doi: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.72.21580

Eunice Wangechi Muthuki, David Gitonga Nyamu, Peter Ndirangu Karimi. Adequacy of blood pressure control and management patterns among hypertensive adult patients attending a sub-county hospital in central Kenya: a cross-sectional study. Pan African Medical Journal, 2020;37:325. [doi: 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.325.25366

Charles M Kabiru; Peter N Karimi; David G Nyamu; Irene W Weru. Drug therapy problems and health related quality of life among patients with colorectal cancer in a Kenyan tertiary health facility. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice:2021(27) 2;428- 434. DOI: 10.1177/1078155220971024.

P Wakoli, S Opanga, P Karimi. Effectiveness and safety of artemether lumefantrine in malaria treatment at a regional referral hospital in Kenya. Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety, 2021 (30) 430-430.

Norah K. Maore, Peter N. Karimi and Eric M. Guantai. Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacteria Implicated in Neonatal Sepsis at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Vol. 23 (2020) 67-71.

Gathoni KC, Karimi PN, Weru IW. Drug therapy problems and clinical outcomes among patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer on Trastuzumab-based therapy in a Kenyan Tertiary Health Facility. J Cancer Sci Clin Oncol, 2020. 6(1): 105.

Eunice W. Muthuki, David G. Nyamu, Peter N. Karimi, Kefa O. Bosire. Predictors of non-adherence to antihypertensive therapy in a rural health facility in Kenya Afr. J. Pharmacol. Ther. 2020. 9(2): 34-38.

Ganatra N.1, Karimi P.N., Shital M., Kayumba C. Factors that affect the availability of medicines in public health facilities in Kenya: A case study of Nairobi City County. Vol. 24, No 3/ Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya / 2020

Gaceri P.G., Karimi P.N. Medication Related Problems in Patients with Head and Neck Cancers at Kenyatta National Hospital. Vol. 24, No 4/ Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya / 2020.

Musembi Y.W., Karimi P.N. Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Urogenital Pathogens in a Kenyan Tertiary Health Facility Vol. 24, No 4/ Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya / 2020.

EW Njau, SA Opanga, PN Karimi. Prevalence and management of dyslipidemias in adult renal transplant recipients attending nephrology clinic at a Tertiary Hospital in Kenya Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety,2019 (28) 91-91.

Emmanuel M Mwengi, David G Nyamu, Peter M Njogu, Peter N Karimi. Antihypertensive therapy and adequacy of blood pressure control among adult hypertensive diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease in a tertiary referral hospital. Hospital practice, 2019.

Innocent M, Karimi PN, Nyamu DG and Maranga ISO: Efficacy and cost of granisetron versus ondansetron in the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting among cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital. Int J Pharm Sci Res 2018; 9(4): 1644-49. doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.9(4).1644-49.

A.W. Karita, D.G. Nyamu, P.N. Karimi, S.C. Gitau. Amphotericin B toxicities among HIV infected adults with Cryptococcal Meningitis in Kiambu District Hospital. The Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. Vol. 23, No 4/ Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya / 2018. P 113-117

Ayan A. Magot, Peter N. Karimi, Eric M. Guantai , Shital M. Maru, and David G. Nyamu. Identification and characterization of potential drug interactions in hypertensive patients in a Kenyan tertiary hospital. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. 7 No. 1 Pages 7-12, 2018.

P.N. Karimi, A.N. Guantai, C. Kigondu and T. Ogaro. Prevalence of adverse events of Anti tuberculosis drugs and their impact on adherence to treatment in Nairobi City County. The Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. 2017. Vol. 23 No. 2. 56-60.

P.N. Karimi, A.N. Guantai, C. Kigondu and T. Ogaro. Adverse Drug Reactions Among Patients Being Treated for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in Nairobi City County Health Facilities. The Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. 2017.Vol. 23 No. 2. 61-65.

Amsalu Degu, Peter Njogu, Irene Weru and Peter Karimi. Assessment of drug therapy problems among patients with cervical cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Gynecologic Oncology Research and Practice (2017) 4:15DOI 10.1186/s40661-017- 0054-9.7.

E. K. Kituzi, P. N. Karimi, D. G. Nyamu and L. J. Tirop.Effect of Insulin Storage and Administration Methods on Long Term Glycaemic Control among Adult Diabetic Patients in a Kenyan Referral Hospital. East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Vol. 19 (2016) 3-9.

C.K. Maina, P.N. Karimi, K. Mariita, D.G Nyamu, G.A Mugendi, S.A Opanga. Correlates and management of anaemia of chronic kidney disease in a Kenyan Tertiary Hospital. East African Medical Journal - Vol 93, No 10 (2016).

K. Mariita, G. Nyamu, C. K. Maina, P. N. Karimi, A. Mugendi and T. B. Menge. Patient associated factors that affect adherence to warfarin therapy in a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Kenya. East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.Vol. 18 (2015) 67-74.

Bichanga K.P, Karimi N.P, Guantai E.M. Adherence to National Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. The Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. Vol. 23 No. 1/2016.

Mwangi WW, Karimi P, Githinji C and Fatmah, Challenges in the pharmacological management of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in children in the maintenance phase of therapy at Kenyatta National Hospital. J Cancer Sci Oncol 3(2): 207.doi: 10.15744/2394- 6520.3.207.

Winnie W. Mwangi, Peter Karimi, Apollo Maima, Charles Githinji, Abdallah Fatuma.Factors influencing the Management of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Children at Kenyatta National Hospital. The Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. Vol. 23 No. 1/2016.

Aisha Mongi, David Nyamu, Peter Karimi, and Shital Maru. Evaluation of the management of hypertension among diabetic and non-diabetic adult outpatients at a referral hospital in Kenya. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. 5 No. 2 Pages 93-99, 2016.

Kizito Mariita, David G Nyamu, Carol K Maina, Peter N Karimi, Tom B Menge. Patient factors impacting on oral anticoagulation therapy among adult outpatients in a Kenyan referral hospital. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Vol 5 No 3(2016).

Cecilia M. Wamalwa, Caroline N. Wafula, Peter N. Karimi, Kefa B. Ogonyo and George Wandolo. Factors that influence adequacy of asthma control in children residing in Naivasha, a flower growing area in Kenya. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 5. 4 Pages221-228, 2016. 8.

Lawrence M. Kimani,Peter N. Karimi, Sylvia A. Opanga and Kefa O. Bosire. Treatment of chronic heart failure in adults at a referral hospital in Kenya: adverse drug reactions and determinants of adherence. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. 5 No.1 Pages 35-41, 2016.

Faith R Lulalire, Peter N Karimi, Evans M Mwagangi, George Wandolo. Effect of Magnesium Sulphate in Mothers suffering from Toxemia of Pregnancy and their Neonates. African journal of Pharmacology and therapeutics. Vol 5, No 2 (2016)

Mwai G.O.,Nyamu D.G.,Menge T.B., Karimi P.N. Prevalence and Preventive strategies of Nephrotoxicity in Patients receiving Cisplatin based regimen in a Kenyan Referral Hospital. The Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. Vol. 22 No. 3/Dec. 2013.

Rugendo A.B., Karimi P.N. Amugune B.K., Maima A.O. Impact of medication related problems on individualized dispensing at Kenyatta National Hospital. The Pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. Vol. 22 No. 3 / Dec. 2015.

Nassali Huldha, Karimi Peter, Nyamu David, Guantai Eric, Maima Apollo O, Kajungu Dan, Kirui Jackson. Evaluation of prescribing practices at Kenyatta National Hospital. The pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. Vol 22 No 2 pages 42-49, 2015.

Wasike C.N, Karimi P.N, Mwangangi E., Bosire K. Antibiotic prescribing for neonatal sepsis at Kisii Level 5 Hospital, Kenya. The pharmaceutical Journal of Kenya. Vol 22 No 2 pages 34-38, 2015.

Deogratias M. Katabalo, David G. Nyamu, Beatrice Amugune, Peter N. Karimi, Faith A. Okalebo, Kefa O. Bosire, and Gichuru Muriuki. Determinants of Adherence to Anticonvulsants Therapy among Outpatient Epileptic Children in a Kenyan Referral Hospital. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. 4 No. 2 Pages 40-47, 2015.

Linet K. Elamenya Peter N. Karimi, Nasser Nyamweya, Caroline N. Wafula Faith A. Okalebo. Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacteria that cause Wound Sepsis in the Paediatric Surgical Patients at Kenyatta National Hospital. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. 4 No. 1 Pages 21-27, 2015

Caroline N. Wafula , Cecilia M. Wamalwa , Margaret Ambetsa , Linet Elamenya , Boniface Osano , Dalton Wamalwa , Faith A. Okalebo, Kefa O. Bosire, George Wandolo, and Peter N. Karimi. Effect of Pesticide Exposure on Serum Cholinesterase Levels among Asthmatic Children in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. 4 No. 1 Pages 7-15, 2015 .9.

Nancy G. Nkonge, Sylvia A. Opanga , Eric M. Guantai and Peter N. Karimi, Knowledge of Correct Use among Hormonal Contraceptive Users in a Kenyan Referral Hospital. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. 3 No. 4 Pages 105- 111, 2014.

Jackson K. Kirui , Raphael Ngure , Christine Bii , Peter N. Karimi , Charles Mutaie, and Beatrice K. Amugune.Combined Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Eucalyptus citriodora and Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oils. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. 3 No. 1 Pages 29-37, 2014.

P.N. Karimi, J.M. Bururia, P.A. Odhiambo, B.K. Amugune, G.O. Museve. Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae collected from patients with Wounds at Kenyatta National Hospital. The East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12(2). p.42.2009.

P.N.Karimi, T.K. Ndungu, K.A.M. Kuria, J.M. Bururia,S.M Maru. Prescription Audit carried out at the Pharmacy Practice Centre of the University of Nairobi between June and November 2004. The East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 10 (2). p.50.2007.

J.M. Bururia, P.N. Kinyanjui, P.G. Waiyaki, S.M. Kariuki, P.N. Karimi. Plasmid Borne Resistance in Klebsiella isolates from Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi Kenya. East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.2007.

P.N. Karimi, T.K. Ndungu, K.A.M. Kuria, J.M. Bururia,S.M. Maru, P.A Odhiambo. Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus at the Kenyatta National Hospital. The East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9 (3). p.74.2006.

In addition to research activities, I have served at different capacities at Moi University including being founding chair department of Midwifery and Gender 2012-2015, School of nursing representative to graduate school, participated in development of various curricula at school of nursing and college of health sciences including, Master of Science Nursing (Maternal and Neonatal Health) curriculum, Bachelor of Science Nursing Curriculum Master of Medicine Reproductive health, Development and implementation of nursing and midwifery protocols, guidelines, courses and programs, particularly developed clinical midwifery protocols, Bachelor of Science in psychology curriculum.

My experience also spans in leadership and policy. I served as a County Executive Committee Member (regional minister) for the County Government of Uasin Gishu (Dec 2017- N0v 2022).  During my tenure I was able to implement key activities towards improving maternal and neonatal health and impact overall in health. Key achievements include construction, equipping and operationalization of health facilities, notably operationalization of theatre services and first ever 20 bed Intensive care unit by County Government of Uasin Gishu. Development of innovative measures to coordinate and handle emergencies, through establishment of a 24 hour call centre,  realized Improvement in Health indicators to include increase in skilled birth attendants from 67%in 2017 to 88% in 2021, proportion of fully immunized children from 75.4% in 2018 to 86.6% in 2021 and uptake of 4th antenatal care 40.2 % in 2018 to 51.5 % in 2021.Initiated measures to scale up NHIF and LINDA MAMA Rebates that realized an increase in rebates to health facilities from Kshs. 7,000,000 per annum in 2017 to over Kshs 100,000,000.00-year 2021. Guided Development of different policy documents for department of health County Government of Uasin Gishu, Initiated distribution of sanitary towels to schools in collaboration with the office of the First Lady County, Invested in development of human resource capacity initiatives,  Empowerment and development of different committees at the County Department of health, In ensuring service excellence, operational and organizational efficiency, improved quality of care, initiated measures to improve the coordination of health service delivery through,

As a CECM, I participated in development of different policy documents and guidelines for the Ministry of Health, and Council of Governors, including Kenya Health Financing Strategy 2020-2030;  Kenya Health Strategic Plan 2018-2023; Inter-Governmental Participation Agreement on implementation of Universal Health Coverage, Participated in Midterm Review of the Transforming Health Services funding programme with World Bank team, Chaired Health Care Financing, Leadership and Governance Committee of the County Executive Committee Members for Health Caucus at the Council of Governors, Co-chaired Health Care Financing Intergovernmental Technical Working Group, Representation of CECMs for Health Caucus in Reproductive maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health Technical Assistance Multi Donor Trust Fund (RMNCAH TA MDTF) advisory Group at world bank and Board Member AMPATH, chairperson Finance and Human Resource Committee.

Having served as Chairperson of the Nursing Council of Kenya between September 2010 to June 2015. Duties and responsibilities included: Providing oversight to the Nursing Council Nursing Council of Kenya in regulation of nursing and midwifery education and practice in Kenya, making provision for training and instruction of persons seeking registration or enrolment as nurses and midwives in Kenya, establishing and improving standards of all branches of the nursing profession and safeguard interests of all nurses in Kenya, Prescribing and Regulating syllabuses and instruction courses of training for persons seeking registration as nurses or midwives in Kenya, Directing and supervising the compilation and maintenance or registers, rolls and records for nurses in Kenya and Advising the Cabinet Secretary on matters concerning all aspects of nursing. Guided in the development of tools and systems towards cooperate Governance, competitive recruitment of CEO/registrar, institution of mechanisms for effective human resource management systems and structures, Development of strategic plan 2012-2017, Development of different syllabi including syllabi for Bsc. Nursing, and syllabi for Upgrading of KRCHN to Bsc. Midwifery. Developed tools for cost containment and risk management (audit, finance, procurement manuals) and Development and review of governance manuals (HRM manuals, legal and other instruments).

My passion is in maternal and newborn health and overarching passion towards provision of affordable, reliable, quality health services to all.