Four University students feted for outstanding performance in biotechnology

Professor Richard Oduor, the registrar in charge of Research at Kenyatta University recognizes Mwihaki Lucy Waititu from the University of Nairobi as one of the best performing students in Biotechnology. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard]

Four students have been recognised for their exceptional academic performance in biotechnology by the Kenya University Biotech Consortium (KUBICO).

The awardees include two students from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and two from Kenyatta University (KU).

Representing UoN were Precious Ondieki and Lucy Waititu, while Amos Ndoli and Sarah Awuor represented KU. All the winners received trophies, certificates and monetary awards in recognition of their achievements.

Lucy expressed her joy at the award: "Today, I am deeply grateful and honoured to receive this award as a biotechnology student. This recognition motivates me to work even harder and contribute meaningfully to this field."

She urged the government to invest in more biotechnology laboratories, emphasising their importance in training, especially conducting experiments and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Lucy also encouraged more students to pursue careers in biotechnology, especially because many African countries, including Kenya, continue to face critical challenges in producing enough food to feed their population.

Amos said he had been working hard from his first year through to his fourth year.

"For the first time since joining the university, I feel truly motivated and appreciate the course I'm pursuing. This recognition is an incentive that will open more opportunities for me," he says.

He often spends long hours in the biotech lab, where the work can be isolating. Ndoli stressed the importance of learning how to communicate and share research directly, rather than always relying on others to do so.

Professor Richard Oduor, the registrar in charge of research at KU, said the future of biotechnology is rapidly advancing, with growing interest and innovation across all the disciplines.

"We are seeing innovations emerging in the 21st century. We want to encourage young people in this field to start appreciating and adopting these emerging trends. For a long time, the discussions around biotechnology have primarily been advanced by older scientists," he said.

The Prof of Molecular and Cell Biology revealed that biotechnology has become one of the premier courses in Kenyan universities. Currently, there is a noticeable increase in student interest, with many applying for admission.