Prof Wandiga is Managing Trustee. His specialization is Inorganic Chemistry & Atmospheric Research

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Research Collaboration:

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Recent Work on Climate Modelling: Evaluating Machine Learning Models for Rainfall Prediction: A Case Study of Nyando in Kenya (2023) – relevance: modelling hyper local microclimate data instead of national and regional models.​

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Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) 

• Titanium Dioxide Coupled with Tungsten Trioxide and Titanium Dioxide Coupled with Molybdenum Trioxide Nanocomposite-Assisted Photocatalytic Inactivation of Escherichia coli in Direct Sunlight, Solar Simulator, and Visible Light (2023) – relevance: biochar’s porous network could support the dispersion of TiO₂–WO₃ nanoparticles, increasing catalytic surface area and preventing agglomeration. A biochar–TiO₂–WO₃ composite panel in construction could:

  • offer passive disinfection when exposed to sunlight—ideal for areas needing antimicrobial surfaces.

  • act as an insulator, while maintaining functionality in daylight-rich contexts.

 

Extensive Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis on pesticides and inorganic pollutants.

• Spatial and temporal trends of polychlorinated biphenyls in water and sediment from Nairobi River, Kenya (2020) – relevance: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals that have become ubiquitous environmental pollutants due to their past use, persistence, and long-range transport thus requiring continuous monitoring. PCBs, most commonly found in electronic equipment, pose significant health risks, including skin conditions like acne and rashes, liver damage, and an increased risk of cancer, particularly of the liver and biliary tract. High exposures, even indirect (e.g. living near an e-waste dumpsite) can lead to anaemia, behavioural changes, and impaired reproduction, while long-term low-level exposures may affect the immune system, endocrine system, and the neurological development of young children. 

• Dynamics of chlorpyrifos in water from upper Tana River in Kenya (2014) – relevance: chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used to kill variety of insects, especially ticks. It poses significant health risks, particularly to children, and can cause neurological damage and has accumulated deposits in fresh water systems.

• Use and distribution of organochlorine pesticides. The future in Africa (2009)  – relevance: early summary of the chemical pollution risks from unregulated pesticide use

Pioneered Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) for Chemical Pollutant Analysis in Africa

• Spartial and Seasonal Variations in Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water and Sediment of Kisumu City Bay of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria-Kenya (2009) – relevance: climate variability of chemical pollutants

 

• Interference effects of different metals in the atomic absorption spectrophotometric determination of chromium (1976)  – relevance:  heavy metal contaminants in biochar can also affect the accuracy of the instrumentation readings.

Dr. Ogutu is a Trustee (Finance).  Recommended to the CSTI Board by his aunt and CSTI Advisory Board Member Dr. Lawino Kagumba. Dr. Ogutu is head of the Chemistry Department at Kisii University. His specialization is Green Chemistry and Climate Policy Research

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• Spicing up nutrition: investigation of trace elements in some spices locally sold in two markets in Kisumu-Kenya (2024) – relevance: heavy metal contamination in foods

• Sustainable Hydrothermal and Solvothermal Synthesis of Advanced Carbon Materials in Multidimensional Applications: A Review (2021) – relevance: energy and materials decarbonization

• Synthesis of Pyrazole-Based Pyridine Ligands and Their Use as Extractants for Nickel(II) and Copper(II): Crystal Structure of a Copper(II)–Ligand Complex (2016) – relevance: opportunity to functionalize biochar surfaces with similar pyrazole–pyridine ligands to enhance selectivity and binding strength toward metals like Ni²⁺ or Cu²⁺. Designing such modified biochars could improve their capacity for heavy-metal remediation.​​

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Dr. Kagumba is an Advisory Board Member. Her specialization is Material Science Research and Applications. (Based in Boston, MA, USA)

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Research Collaboration:

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• 2025 U.S. Patent Application Flame and Thermal Barriers  – relevance: potential evolution through biochar derived from pyrolysis which withstands high temperatures without significant degradation, similar to aerogels.

• 2019 U.S. Patent: Halogen-free flame-retardant compositions for flexible polyurethane foams – relevance: construction sector fire safety with reduced halogen toxicity.

• ​World Economic Forum (2015) Could this innovative product help to empower women? – relevance: affordable sanitary pads made from banana leaf fibres. (2021 update)

• 2011 U.S. Patent Oligomeric phosphonates and compositions including the same – relevance: designed for use in construction, coatings, or polyurethane materials where reducing flammability—without using harmful halogenated additives

Prof. Odada is an Advisory Board Member. He was previously Founding Trustee. His specialization is Geology and Water Science research.

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Research Collaboration:

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• An East African Perspective of the Anthropocence (2020) – relevance: examines the effects of human pollution in a tropical environment, specifically, changes in sediment properties, lake water quality, and aquatic ecosystems

• Stratigraphic and Earth System approaches to defining the Anthropocene (2016)  – relevance: geological evidence of sediment deposits from human activities that can be used to differentiate the Holocene Epoch (stable polar caps) from the Anthropocene Epoch (glacial melts directly attributable to human pollution)

• The Anthropocene is functionally and stratigraphically distinct from the Holocene (2016)  – relevance: establishing the demarcation parameters for the the Holocene Epoch vs. Anthropocene Epoch

• Human evolution in a variable environment: the amplifier lakes of Eastern Africa (2010) – relevance: amplifier lakes are commonly found in rift valley regions, especially in Africa. Their water levels are extremely sensitive to moderate climate shifts. Research on human migration patterns in response to amplifier lake changes provides insights on human evolution.

Prof. Olago is a Trustee (Governance). His specialization is Geological Research and Hydrology

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Research Collaboration:

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• Water security in Mbagathi and Stony Athi catchments within Kenya’s SGR corridor under environmental and socio-economic change (2025) – relevance: urbanization and fresh water modelling

• Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Water Quality Index-Based Evaluation of Groundwater for Drinking, Livestock, and Irrigation Use in the Arid Ewaso Ng’iro–Lagh Dera Basin, Kenya (2025) – relevance: agriculture and fresh water modelling

• Reconstructing Historical Land Use and Anthropogenic Inputs in Lake Victoria Basin: Insights from PAH and n-Alkane Trends (2025) – relevance: freshwater ecosystem impact of accumulated fossil fuel carbon emissions.

• Nature-based solutions in the savanna belt of Africa: Insights from a systematic review (2024)  – relevance: opportunities for ecosystem restoration and the create of new ecosystems

• A Cluster Analysis of Variables Essential for Climate Change Adaptation of Smallholder Dairy Farmers of Nandi County Kenya (2020) – relevance: understanding success factors for climate information systems

Dr. Wandiga is both a Trustee and the CSTI Executive Director. She is managing the continuation of her father's (Prof. Shem Wandiga's) legacy in building a UNESCO Associated scientific African research trust. Her specialization is Technology Transfer & Innovation Strategy on Industrial Equity and Emissions Reduction.

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Research Collaboration:

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• ​First Urban CDR Pathway Fact Sheet - Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Enhancement from Urban Land Regeneration Practices (2025)  – relevance: guidance for development of municipal hubs that reduce methane emissions from horticulture waste

• Second Urban CDR Pathway Fact Sheet - Biochar in Construction and Road Infrastructure. (2025) – relevance: guidance for development of municipal hubs that reduce methane emissions by converting landfill waste into low carbon construction materials

• TESS Forum Blog: Voluntary Carbon Markets – Unfinished Business From COP28 (2024) – relevance: community land loss risks in African carbon markets.

• ​GIZ, Global Solutions Initiative - G20 Indonesia 2022: Embedding the Circular Economy in Global Value Chains: Strategies and Frameworks for a Just and Effective Transition – relevance: industrial equity circular economy policies for African countries.

• Definition and Criteria for Sustainable Chemistry (2022) – relevance: introducing social impact metrics for chemical analysis

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Mr. Mnene is an Advisory Board Member. His specialization is is Digitalization and SME (small and mid-sized enterprise) Capacity Building.

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Research Collaboration:

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• Development of a biodiversity management plan for the Lake Chala Conservancy (ongoing) – relevance: project management to support rural capacity for biodiversity conservation credits.

• 2017 - 2021 Enhancing Community Resilience against Drought (ECORAD II)  – relevance: development of robust public participation frameworks for domestic resource mobilization in 7 ASAL counties (Baringo, Marsabit, Isiolo, Turkana, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot and Samburu)

• 2016-2017 Programme for Rural Outreach of Financial Innovations and Technologies (PROFIT) – relevance: risk guarantee facilities as blended finance mechanisms for de-risking climate finance in under served communities

Prof. Mihyo is an Advisory Board Member. He was previously Founding Trustee. His specialization is Public Law and Administration. (Based in Tanzania)

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Thought Leadership:

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• University–industry linkages and knowledge creation in Eastern and Southern Africa: some prospects and challenges (2013) – relevance: called for African Union, African Development Bank, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), and African regional communities to deliver explicit policy mandates that direct African universities and government incentives towards research outcomes that enhance industrial development.

• European Union Environmental Regulations and Their Potential Impact on Market Access for Africa's Exports. (2001) – relevance: precursor to the current (2025) market environment in which EU Cross Boarder Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Deforestation  Regulation (EUDR) are shaping the parameters of sustainable trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA)

• ​Non-Market Controls, Power and Accountability (1994) – relevance: defined by British Labour politician Herbert Morrison (1888–1965), a Morrisonian public corporation (also known as state owned enterprises, e.g. Norwegian Statoil) possesses an independent corporate personality, operates at a distance from government with a semblance of autonomy, and is accountable only to Parliament.  An elected Board of Directors is a non-market control that enables a Morrisonian public corporation to make long-term decisions instead of focusing on short-term stockholder demands.