Dr Mong’are is a lecturer in the school of medicine, Kisii University focusing on the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and reproductive health. Mong’are’s core competencies include Networking and Training, Facilitation, research, mentorship, supervision and Teaching. He is the founding member of the Kenya National young academy of sciences whose major aim is the promotion of the scholarly application of all aspects of Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development. Some of his recent research activities include; developing excellence in training researchers on prevention of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths in Kenya, Malawi and Egypt, Detection, transmission dynamics and natural and semi-synthetic therapeutic agents of COVI D-19, Motor Cycle Accident Reduction through Education Interventions and Ambulatory Services restructuring in Kisii County, Kenya

•   ERIC OMORI OMWENGA (PhD)
•    SENIOR LECTURER- MICROBIOLOGY/ NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY

      Biography:    
Omwenga is a Registered Medical Laboratory Technologist (A016479) and a Biomedical Scientist with a bias toward Medical microbiology. He earned his PhD from the University of Muenster, Germany – Magma cum Laude (2017), MSc. Microbiology - Kenyatta University, Kenya- (2009), BSc. MLS- Maseno University, Kenya (2012), BSc. Biomedical Sciences & Technology - 2nd class honours Upper division (Maseno University, Kenya- 2005). Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences, Medical Microbiology & Parasitology Dept.  He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles published in various journals and supervised several postgraduate students.
Fields of scientific expertise are in pathogenic microbes diagnosis, molecular biology, nanobiotechnology, cell biology, ethnopharmacology, etc.
His research interests are
-    Antimicrobial resistance profiling and exploring new strategies for combating microbial resistance by use of nature-based solutions like phage therapy, natural products drug discoveries etc.
-    Development of antibiotic-free therapies against bacterial pathogens relevant to food, aquaculture and health. The usage of natural compounds to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing (QS) processes which will end up exerting control on their virulence responses (e.g., biofilm formation) using biopolymer-based nanoparticles is an area he is exploring. He is further exploring the impact of the same bioactive compounds on inhibiting bacterial adhesion.
-    On usage of UVCLED gadgets in water treatment as a way of reducing AMR gene transmission from the environment to humans

     Academic Qualifications:   

•    April 2014 – March 2017: WESTFÄLISCHE WILHELMS-UNIVERSITÄT MÜNSTER, WWU: MÜNSTER- GERMANY  -  PhD in natural sciences – Microbiology/ Nanobiotechnology (Grade: - Magna cum Laude)
•    2006- 2009- KENYATTA UNIVERSITY - MSC- MICROBIOLOGY.
•    2000-2012   - MASENO UNIVERSITY, KENYA - B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Sciences (Pass)
•    2000-2005 - MASENO UNIVERSITY, KENYA – B.Sc. Biomedical Sciences and Technology (Grade - Second class honours upper division)

      Research Interests:   
•    Antimicrobial resistance profiling
•    Infectious diseases epidemiology
•    Antimicrobial discovery
•    “One Health” research
•    Bacteriophages and their applications
•    Bacterial antiquorum sensing and other antivirulence trait inhibitory strategies
•    Nanobiotechnological advancements in drug, gene and protein delivery  
•    UVC leds usage in water treatment

On-going main Research Projects

•    2023-2024: UVC-Led usage in water treatment – funded by Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei Company that manufactures UVC-LEDs, US – USD 2500. – Collaborative pilot study between Kisii University, Egerton University and Crystal IS Company (New York, US).
•    2022-2024: KOSERVE-AB “ONE HEALTH” research project - a collaborative pilot study/work between Kisii University, Universities of Hohenheim (Germany) and Tubingen (Germany) on antimicrobial resistomes -   Funded by the Germany Gov’t (7000 Euros).
      Publications:    
   Peer refereed journals

 Published manuscripts at the Senior Lecturer level
1.    Mwangi, M.W., Wanjau, T.W. &Omwenga, E.O. (2024). Stingless bee honey: Nutritional, physicochemical, phytochemical and antibacterial validation properties against wound bacterial isolates. PLoS ONE 19(5): e0301201. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301201
2.    Wanja, F.K., Omwenga, E.O.,Ngugi, C.W., Maina, J.N. &Kiiru, J.N. (2024). Genotypic Characterization of Urinary Tract Infections causing bacteria isolates among Adults at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kenya: Selected Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase genes and Biofilm Formation. Access Microbiology. 6:000632.v4 DOI 10.1099/acmi.0.000632.v4
3.    Awuor, S.O., Omwenga, E.O.,Mariita, R.M., Musila,J.M.&Musyoki, S. (2023). Monitoring the battleground: exploring antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors in wound bacterial isolates. Access Microbiology; 5:000613.v6 DOI 10.1099/acmi.0.000613.v6
4.    Omwenga E.O.,Awour S.O., &Goycoolea F.M. (2023). Paradigm shift: Bacterial quorum sensing and possible control targets. J. Clin. Images Med. Case Rep.; 4(10): 2632. DOI: www.doi.org/10.52768/2766-7820/2632   

 Published manuscripts at the Lecturer level
1.    Miriam WanjiruMwangi, Eric Omori Omwenga& Tabitha W. Wanjau (2023). Baringoapis Bee Honey: Nutritional, Physicochemical, Phytochemical and Antibacterial Properties Validation Against Wound Bacterial Isolates. Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing Vol.105. ISSN 2422-8419
2.    Silas Onyango Awuor, Eric Omori Omwenga (2022). Cervical Cancer in Women Living with HIV: A Review of the Literature. Cancer Research Journal. 10 (4), 81-84. doi: 10.11648/j.crj.20221004.12
3.     Silas O. Awuor, Omwenga O. Eric, Richard M. Mariita and Ibrahim I. Daud (2022).  Cholera outbreak: antibiofilm activity, profiling of antibiotic-resistant genes and virulence factors of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae isolates reveals concerning traits. Access Microbiology; 4:000324. DOI 10.1099/acmi.0.000324
4.    Sosmus M. Simba, Eric O. Omwenga, and Stanislaus K. Musyoki (2022). Prevalence of E. coli as a causative agent of urinary tract infections and its drug susceptibility patterns among pregnant mothers seeking medicare at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya. Int. J. Community Med. Public Health;9(3):1161-1169.http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2394 -6040.ijcmph20220671
5.    Mong’are, S., Omwenga, O.E., Stanislaus, M., Apicha, M. & Rogers, A. (2022). “SARS-COV-2 Analytical Review: Its Biology, Immunology and Exploration of Medicinal Plants as an Alternative Management Strategy.” IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS), 21(01),23-33. DOI: 10.9790/0853-2101052333 (Review paper).
6.    Awuor, S.O., Omwenga, O.E., Musyoki, S. &Daud Ibrahim. (2021). Confirmed malaria cases among under-five children with fever and history of fever in Masogo sub-county, Kisumu county-Kenya. J. Clin. Images Med. Case Rep.; 2(4): 1274.
7.    Khisia, T.W., Omwenga, E.O.&Emonyi, W. (2021). Sickle cell trait frequencies in blood donors and its effect among recipients in Bungoma County, Kenya. East African Medical Journal.  98 (7); 3916-3925.
8.    Wanja, F.K., Ngugi, C.W., Omwenga, E.O.&Kiiru, J.N. (2021) Urinary Tract Infection among Adults seeking medicare at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kenya: Prevalence, Diversity, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles and Selected Risk Factors., Advances in microbiology; 11, 360-383. DOI: 10.4236/aim.2021.118028.
9.     Silas O. Awuor, Omwenga O. Eric,Stanslaus K. Musyoki, Ibrahim I. Daud., Peter O. Mugah& Beatrice Mukunzi. (2021). Morphological patterns of anaemia among under-five children on Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs in Masogo sub-County Hospital, Kisumu County, Kenya. J. Clin. Images Med. Case Rep.; 2(2): 1048. DOI: 10.52768/2766-7820/1048
10.    KweyuEverlyne, Omwenga O. Eric&Maiyo Geoffrey (2021). Preterm Neonatal Sepsis: Associated Risk Factors and Microbial Profiles at Kitale County Hospital New-born Unit, Western Kenya. Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing. 89; 40-49. ISSN 2422-8419; DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/89-06
11.    Kiptum, L.J., Omwenga O. E.,&Musyoki, S. K. (2021). Antimicrobial resistance profiles of selected Enterobacteriaceae contaminating raw beef from retail butcheries In Kakamega Town, Kenya. East Africa Medical Journal; 98 (2): 3474-3484.
12.    Ripotolim, M. M. K., Omwenga E. O., and Mbeke A. M. (2020). The social demographic factors associated with trachoma infection among children aged 1-9 years in Kapenguria sub-county in West Pokot County; Kenya. East African Medical Journal. 97 (9): 3020-3029
13.    AwuorS.O., Omwenga E.O.,&Daud Ibrahim (2020). Geographical distribution and antibiotics susceptibility patterns of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae isolate from Kisumu County, Kenya. Afr. J. Prm. Health Care Fam. Med. 12(1), a2264. https://doi.org/10.4102/ phcfm. v12i1.2264.
14.    E. O. Omwenga, F. M. Goycoolea, A. Hensel & A. Shitandi (2020). Antimicrobial validation, cytotoxicity assays and preliminary phytochemical determination of commonly used medicinal plants to treat an oral cavity, urinary tract and gut infections by inhabitants of Borabu sub-county, Nyamira County, Kenya- an in vitro study. Malaysian Journal of Microbiology, 16 (4), 312-322. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21161/mjm.200697
15.    Omwenga Omori Eric& Okemo Owour Paul (2020). "Five Samburu community (Kenya) medicinal plants show In Vitro antibacterial activity against selected human pathogenic bacteria." International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR): 9 (1), 137 – 143. DOI: 10.21275/ART20203641
16.    Migiro Victor, Omori Eric,&Cholo Wilberforce (2019). Assessment of nutritional status and level of alcohol dependence of men residents of Gesima village, Nyamira County, Kenya. International Journal of Academic Research and Development; 4(4); 61-67. ISSN: 2455-4197 www.academicjournal.in.
17.     S. K. Musyoki, E. O. Omwenga, S. M. Kariuki, & E. K. Kemoi (2019). Progesterone and immunological changes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection during pregnancy. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research- Review: 8 (07); 450 – 454. ISSN 2277-8616
18.    Migiro Victor, Cholo Wilberforce &Omori Eric (2019). What is the impact of alcohol dependence on the nutritional status of men living in Gesima village, Nyamira County, Kenya? International Journal of Medicine Research. 4 (3); 03-10. ISSN: 2455-7404.
19.    E.O. Omwenga, F.M. Goycoolea, A. Hensel, S. Pereira, and A. Shitandi (2018). Chitosan nano-encapsulation of flavonoids enhances their quorum sensing and biofilm formation inhibitory activities against an E. coli Top 10 biosensor. Colloids and Surfaces B: Bio interfaces 164; 125–133.
20.    Eric O. Omwenga, Francisco M. Goycoolea, Andreas Hensel, Susana Pereira, &AnakaloShitandi (2018). Antiquorum sensing, antibiofilm formation, and cytotoxicity activity of commonly used medicinal plants by inhabitants of Borabu sub-county, Nyamira County, Kenya. PLoS ONE 12(11): e0185722. https://doi. org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185722.
21.    E.O. Omwenga, A. Hensel, A. Shitandi, and F.M. Goycoolea (2015). Ethnobotanical survey of traditionally used medicinal plants for infections of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and oral cavity in Borabu sub-county, Nyamira County, Kenya. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 176, 508 – 514. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.032
22.     E.O. Omwenga, P.K., Mbugua& P.O., Okemo (2014). Ethno-Medicinal Survey of Important Plants of Samburu Community (Wamba)-Samburu District in Kenya. RRJBS, 3 (3), 25-29. e-ISSN: 2320-0189 p-ISSN: 2347-230     http://www.rroij.com/jbs/index.php/jbs/article/view/55/pdf)   

 Published manuscripts at the Assistant Lecturer level

1.    Omwenga, E.O., Okemo, P.O., &Mbugua, P.K. (2012). In vitro antimicrobial and preliminary phytochemical screening of some Samburu Anti‐diarrhoealmedicinal plants ‐Kenya. South Asian J. Exp. Biol; 2 (5): 217-226;  (http://www.sajeb.org) ISSN: 2230-9799
2.    Omwenga E.O., and Okemo O. (2012). Antimicrobial evaluation of the methanol bark extracts of Plumbago dawei Rolfe. a local spp. used by the Samburu community, Wamba, Samburu District, Kenya for the treatment of diarrheal ailments. Malaysian Journal of Microbiology, 8(4); 248-252. ISSN (print): 1823-8262, ISSN (online): 2231-7538. (http://web.usm.my/mjm)
3.    Omori, E.O., Okemo, P.O., Ogol, C, K., &Mbugua, P.K (2012). Ethnobotanical identification and antimicrobial evaluation of some anti-diarrhoeal plants used by the Samburu community- Kenya- Malaysian Journal of Microbiology, 8(2) 68-74. ISSN (print): 1823-8262, ISSN (online): 2231-7538 (http://web.usm.my/mjm)
4.    Omori E.O, Mariita, M.R, Alaro, L. and Okemo, O.P (2011). Evaluation of methanolic extracts of six medicinal plants used by herbal practitioners in Central Province -Kenya. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Research (http://www.ijpsr.com). IJPSR; 2(4): 867-874 ISSN: 0975-8232
5.    Omwenga, E.O., Okemo, P.O., Mbugua, P.K. and Ogol, C.K. (2009). Ethnobotanical survey and antimicrobial evaluation of medicinal plants used by the Samburu community (Kenya) for treatment of diarrhoea. Pharmacognosy, magazine. 4(18),165-176.  (www.phcogmag.com).                           

    Conferences/workshops (most current)
    20th-22nd May., 2024:  KDSA/DAAD-SEKU conference held at Marie Gardens-Kitui courtesy of SEKU – Mental health pandemic & wellbeing among Kenyan Academic staff
    14th and 15th September 2023: Attended and presented a paper and poster titled “ Evidence gaps in antimicrobial resistance one health data in Africa:  A systemic review’’ at BIOGARD – Bio-geosphere Africa 2023 research for diversity & sustainable development in the climate change conference (at University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart- Germany. Primrose Beryl, Thorben Schilling, Oscar Nyangiri, Siri Gopel, Wycliffe Mogoa, Eric Omwenga and Ludwig Holzle

      Classes/units  taught: 
    MBCHB, B. Pharmacy, BSc. Nursing, BSc. Clinical Medicine, BSc. Public Health, BSc. Biomedical Sciences and Technology, MSc. & PhD in Biomedical Sciences, MSc. Infectious diseases
Units:
    Pathogenic Microbiology, Medical Cell & structural biology, Biology of HIV/AIDS and society, Medical Mycology, Medical/Human Virology, General Medical Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Bacteriology and Mycology, Microbial physiology and genetics units.

    Other relevant links:   

    ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8583-8109
    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Omwenga/research
    Google Scholar:  scholar.google.com

 Official Contact Details:  
    E-mail: omorieric@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke