Dr. Mark Nanyingi

Dr. Mark Nanyingi is the Technical Director for Global Health Security at the Center for Global Health and Pandemic Intelligence (CGP). He is an infectious disease epidemiologist and public health expert with a PhD in Epidemiology, an MPH, an MSc, and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, complemented by Postdoctoral advanced training in infectious disease modelling, surveillance systems, and health security governance. He is an adjunct professor of Epidemiology and Global Health at the Center for Global Health Equity, University of Michigan, and the American University (USA), he focuses on advancing global health equity by strengthening epidemic preparedness and response systems through integrated One Health surveillance, epidemic intelligence, and data-driven decision-support tools. His expertise spans One Health surveillance integration, epidemic and pandemic intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, Spatio-temporal disease modelling, health security systems strengthening, and multisectoral coordination frameworks. He works at the interface of human-animal-environmental health to design and operationalize integrated surveillance systems, structured response decision-support tools, and capacity-building frameworks that strengthen evidence-informed emergency preparedness and response at national, regional, and global levels.

Dr. Shaleen Angwenyi

Dr. Shaleen Angwenyi is a wildlife veterinarian and wildlife health surveillance specialist holding a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Science in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation from the University of Bristol. She works with the Smithsonian’s Global Health Program serving as the Programme Lead for Wildlife Health Watch. In this capacity she leads efforts to strengthen community-based wildlife disease surveillance across Kenya through the integration of digital tools, ranger-led reporting systems, and epidemiological intelligence. With experience in field veterinary medicine, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, Dr. Angwenyi is particularly interested in advancing technology-driven, locally led innovations that enhance early detection and response to emerging diseases at the wildlife–livestock–human interface. Her work sits at the forefront of reimagining wildlife medicine in Africa — shifting the field from reactive response to data-driven, anticipatory systems that strengthen conservation, public health, and policy resilience. She also serves as the Chair of the Wildlife Disease Association Africa and Middle East Section, contributing to regional and global dialogue on wildlife disease and One Health.  

    Dr. Alice Kivinya Kithika

I am a veterinary surgeon at Petwell Veterinary Clinic with 38 years of experience, specializing in small animal care, mainly dogs and cats and also skilled in treating exotic pets. I graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Veterinary Surgery at the University of Nairobi. My career focus is on companion animal medicine and surgery, pairing extensive clinical work with ongoing academic growth to ensure high-quality care and expertise.

     Prof. David O. Kihurani

Prof. David O. Kihurani, a veterinarian, has PhD, MSc and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. He began his career as an Assistant Lecturer in 1984 at the Clinical Studies Department, University of Nairobi, rising through the ranks to become an Associate Professor in 2004, a position he still holds. While there he has taught subjects in Clinical Veterinary Surgery to undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as supervising degrees by the latter. He also has extensive clinical experience of over 40 years in large animal surgery (particularly cattle and horses) and equine medicine within the department. This experience has been extended to other institutions, including Del Monte Kenya Ltd. Company, Thika, where he has attended to the health and welfare of the horses for 34 years. In addition, he was appointed Consultant Clinical Veterinarian at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on various occasions from 1995 to December, 2006, to provide animal health care and perform experimental surgeries (e.g. carotid cannulations) in cattle for various research projects. He also performed Embryo Transfer (ET) services at ILRI to generate calves with specific genetic traits important for research in the disease East Coast Fever, as well as to propagate the N’dama cattle herd. This was following training at the National Embryo Transfer School, Senatobia, USA, in January, 2003. The ET services have also been used to produce high yielding Dairy cattle for different organizations and individuals countrywide. He has further trained many practitioners from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia in the theory and practice of ET. His international experience and exposure extended to a 3 month study visit to Leipzig, Germany, and 6 months sabbatical at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. This was to carry out research projects and do a postgraduate course on medical imaging techniques. These included Ultrasound, Endoscopy, Computer Tomography, Scintigraphy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. He subsequently taught these imaging techniques to undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a special emphasis on Ultrasound in large and small animals. In addition, he taught aspects of large and small animal Surgery to undergraduate Vet students of the University of Ghana for one academic year in 2018-19. Further, he has had progressive experience in animal health research for over 40 years and has published thirty-four publications in various aspects of veterinary surgery, medical imaging, medicine and pathology. He also has administrative experience, having served as Head of Surgery section for more than 10 years, which involved the coordination of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and examination in large and small animal Surgery. He oversaw the Clinical services in the Large Animal unit where animals were admitted for therapeutic surgical operations too. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Vet Faculty Biosafety, Animal Use and Ethics Committee, University of Nairobi. Also he is the Coordinator of the PhD programs, Clinical Studies Dept.

Paul F.McMullin MVB MSc DPMP Dipl ECPVS (retired) FRCVS

Paul McMullin is an internationally recognized specialist in poultry health and production and a European diplomate in poultry veterinary science. After qualifying as a veterinarian in Dublin, he worked in Brazil for 12 years before returning to the UK. He joined the in-house veterinary practice of the Hillsdown Group in 1992 and led a management buyout in 2002 to form Poultry Health Services, a leading poultry practice in the UK. He also holds an MSc in Livestock Health and Production from the Royal Veterinary College and acted as veterinary consultant to the British Egg Industry Council for around 14 years. He sold PHS in 2014 and retired from full-time veterinary practice in 2017. He continued to act as a scientific consultant to industry bodies, poultry companies, and the pharmaceutical industry, and still participates in, and presents, at relevant scientific meetings while supporting some organisations with their web-site development and maintenance.

Dr. Dennis N. Makau

Dr. Dennis N. Makau is an epidemiologist whose work focuses on integrating genomics, epidemiology, and data science to understand and anticipate disease risks across animal and human health systems. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Makau leads the Population and Epidemiology Data Innovation Lab (PEDIL), where his research combines genomic data, epidemiological modeling, and predictive analytics to strengthen disease surveillance and support data-driven decision-making in health systems. Through collaborations across Africa, Asia, and North America, his work advances scalable approaches to improving livestock health, strengthening zoonotic disease surveillance, and building more resilient One Health systems capable of proactive, data-driven responses to emerging disease threats.”

Dr. Patrick Waweru Kamundia

Dr. Patrick Waweru Kamundia is a Lecturer, researcher, and mentor in the Department of Animal Health and Production at Maasai Mara University, Kenya, with a career dedicated to advancing veterinary science and aquatic animal health. He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Science in Fish Science, and a PhD in Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology. His expertise spans aquatic pathobiology, antimicrobial resistance, ecotoxicology, and the promotion of robust science and research ethics. Dr. Kamundia is committed to applying the One Health approach through his teaching, his leadership on the University’s Science and Research Ethics Committee, and his contributions to national technical working groups. Beyond the university, he integrates his professional knowledge with practical experience as a farmer, bridging the gap between academic research and grassroots application in livestock and fisheries management.

David Mworia

David Mworia is an Operations Manager at Sanergy Limited with over five years of experience in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming. His work focuses on translating circular economy principles into practical, large-scale operations by converting organic waste into sustainable agricultural inputs, while developing operational frameworks that support the growth and commercialisation of the BSF sector.

Dr. Pauline Gitonga

Dr. Pauline Gitonga is a veterinarian and dryland one health systems researcher with over 15 years of experience and serves as the Managing Director of ASAL eXtension Limited. Her work applies rangeland mapping and participatory disease surveillance approaches to inform climate-smart livestock systems, strengthen veterinary service delivery, and support zoonotic disease surveillance and response. She has conducted numerous technical consultancies with organisations including WOAH, FAO, AU-IBAR, IGAD, Zoetis, Concern Worldwide, and ACTED. She also coordinated a five-year Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)-funded project on laboratory capacity building for zoonotic disease risk mitigation in Kenya, including capacity building for frontline human and animal health workers. She is affiliated with the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA), University of Nairobi, and the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University.

Dr. Sam Owilly, B.Vet Med (UoN), MBA (Strathmore University)

Dr. Sam Owilly is a practitioner in International Development with over 18 years’ experience advancing climate resilience, economic inclusion and community development programs across the drylands of Africa. Dr Owilly holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from University of Nairobi, an MBA from Strathmore Business School, training in Climate Change and Adaptation, Project Planning and Management and is a Perennial Fellow. Dr Owilly brings a rare combination of scientific grounding and strategic leadership to complex development challenges with a particular focus in Designing and Implementing Impactful development programs, Resource Mobilization, Strategic Partnerships, Negotiations and Bargaining, Competitive Strategy and Game Theory. He has a strong track record of mobilizing significant multi-donor funding across governments, multilateral and bilateral institutions, and philanthropic foundations including GoK, WB, USAID, UKAID/FCDO, IKEA F among others.  

Eddy Geoffrey Mosoti Mogoa 

Eddy Geoffrey Mosoti Mogoa obtained his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in 1986 and Master of Science in Clinical Studies in 1990 from the University of Nairobi. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Veterinary Surgery, specializing in Veterinary Anaesthesiology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1999. He has been a staff member at the Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, since 1988. At the moment, he is an Associate Professor in Veterinary Surgery where he is involved in training both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Health and Management / Wildlife Management and Conservation, Biomedical Science; undertaking research; and offering consultancy services in various areas in the livestock industry / animal health sector. He is also involved in supervision of undergraduate student projects, Masters and Doctorate students. He has carried out research and published more than 50 papers in various local and international journals, and presented more than 70 papers (authored by self and / or with colleagues) in various conferences / workshops. These presentations have been on anaesthesia, pain management, disaster preparedness and mitigation, veterinary education, animal welfare, One Health, livestock policy issues, zoonoses, among others. 

Jane Wangui Kariuki

Jane wangui Kariuki is a quality assurance professional in the beekeeping sector with a Bsc in analytical chemistry. She has vast experience in quality assurance and value addition of bee products having been in the sector for 14 years.  Her focus mainly is making sure the bee products meet the established quality and safety standards through laboratory analysis and proper processing practices while also supporting the development of honey, propolis, bee venom, royal jelly, beeswax and pollen into high- value products for health, cosmetic and nutraceutical markets. She supports training of beekeepers and processors on good harvesting, handling and value addition practices to enhance product quality and market competitiveness. 

Dr. Thomas Odera Owino

Dr. Odera Owino is a veterinary surgeon and livestock production specialist with over 18 years of experience advancing commercially competitive, investment‑ready beef enterprises across East Africa. He has led and advised high‑performance feedlot operations—including a fully integrated 3,000‑head facility—where he strengthened nutrition strategies, herd health systems, feed milling operations, and market‑driven production efficiencies. Dr. Owino holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) and a Master of Science in Livestock Production Systems from the University of Nairobi, alongside a Master of Management in Agribusiness from Strathmore University; he is also a registered veterinary surgeon and active member of the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) and the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA). His areas of expertise include commercial feedlot design and advisory, preventative herd health in high‑density fattening systems, traceability and animal welfare standards, advanced beef genetics through fixed‑time artificial insemination, and the development of agribusiness financial models and market‑linkage systems. A former Kenya National Rugby Team player, Dr. Owino brings a unique blend of discipline, strategic thinking, and industry insight to modern livestock agribusiness and beef value‑chain transformation.

Dr. Daniel G. Muchendu

Dr Daniel G. Muchendu is veterinary Surgeon and experienced poultry health specialist with over 15 years in animal health and commercial leadership across East Africa, currently serving as Key Accounts Manager – Poultry at CEVA Sante Animale. He has received advanced training in poultry production from the University of Luxembourg, complementing his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and ongoing MBA in Strategic Management. Representing CEVA, the global leader in poultry vaccination—renowned for its innovations in hatchery vaccination, immune complex vaccines, and vectorised vaccine technologies—he works closely with hatcheries and large-scale poultry producers to implement advanced vaccination programs and optimize flock health. His key areas of focus include poultry disease control, vaccination strategy, hatchery health management, and translating scientific knowledge into practical, high-impact solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability in the poultry industry.”

Dr. Bitsu Kiflu Mekete

Dr. Bitsu Kiflu Mekete is a veterinarian from Ethiopia with over a decade of experience across public and private sectors. He holds a DVM from Hawassa University and an MVPH from Jimma University.

He currently works at Zoetis as the Medical Lead–Ruminants for North, West, and East Africa, serving as the primary technical, scientific, and strategic expert for the ruminant portfolio and providing regional technical leadership, training, and stakeholder support. >

Across Sub‑Saharan Africa, Dr. Bitsu has lead initiatives on udder health and mastitis management, including training on mastitis prevention, dry‑cow management, rational antimicrobial use, and sustainable dairy productivity. 

Dr Joe Collins MVB PhD CBiol CSci FRSB MRCVS CertEP CertVR

Chief Veterinary Advisor, The Donkey Sanctuary

Joe graduated as a veterinary surgeon from University College Dublin in 1987. Following seven years in private veterinary practice he spend three years at Cambridge University Veterinary School as an equine clinical resident. Thereafter he returned to private equine practice before completing a PhD titled ‘Equine Health and Welfare in Ireland’, working in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry and conducting a research project regarding donkeys in Ireland. He is currently President of FEEVA – the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations.

Joe has travelled extensively on behalf of TDS and other organisations to:

•       Conduct workshops and present on equine welfare and working equids in Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, S Africa, Mexico, India, S. Korea, China, US, and across Europe.
•       Visit donkey farms and ejiao producers in China.

Dr. Robert Aruho

Dr. Robert Aruho is the Head of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy where he is leading the reintroduction of Mountain Bongo in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service. He holds a Master’s degree in International Animal Health from the University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University. He is a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Antelope, Pangolin, Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Groups.

Joel W. Ochieng, PhD

Programme Leader, Agricultural Biotechnology, University of Nairobi

Joel Ochieng is a biotechnology, biosafety and food security expert involved in training, research, product development and policy formulation. He is currently the Programme Leader, Agricultural Biotechnology, University of Nairobi, and Secretary General for the Kenya University Biotechnology Consortium (KUBICO), a guild of biotechnology experts in Kenya using biotech approaches and innovations for improvement in agriculture, health and the environment. Joel completed PhD in Genetics & Applied Biotechnology in 2010 at Southern Cross University/University of New England, Northern Rivers, Australia. His current research focuses on application of genetic engineering and a range of other biotechnologies to accelerate agricultural productivity and improve food and feed safety, Biosafety and Biotechnology Stewardship, National Food Security Analysis, and enhancing the enabling agricultural policy environment for remunerative agriculture. The programme currently hosts two Fulbright Scholars on secondment, two local Postdoctoral Fellows, and seven PhD students working on various crop and animal genetic engineering, conservation and agricultural policy projects.

This conference provides an opportunity to converse with the public on the research, development and benefits of genetically engineered crops and livestock; and to address concerns on safety and socioeconomics of the technology. The theme of the conference complements his focus on outcomes that align with climate change and resilience, applying biotechnology to improve food and nutritional security, mitigate footprints of agricultural practices and climate change, and to invigorate public education for an enhanced understanding on biotechnology and risk mitigation, within the one-health framework. With the veterinary professionals, we will converse on how best to manage modern biotechnology products for the benefit of Kenya, especially as many of these products head to commercialization.

Dr. Lilyan Mathai BVM, MVetSurg

Dr. Lilyan Mathai is a veterinary surgeon with over a decade of experience in small animal medicine and surgery. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in 2010 and a Master of Veterinary Surgery in 2015 and is currently pursuing a PhD in Veterinary Surgery.

Her clinical and academic work has a strong focus on diagnostic imaging, with particular emphasis on advancing the use of ultrasound in small animal practice in Kenya. Through this work, she has contributed to improving diagnostic accuracy and enhancing patient outcomes in the region.

Dr. Mathai is a Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian accredited by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and holds further certification in veterinary practice management. Her contributions to the profession have been acknowledged through multiple honours, including a nomination for Clinician of the Year (2017), the Colin F. Burrows International Scholarship (WSAVA, 2018), a Royal Canin Small Animal Nutrition Ambassadorship (2018), and her selection as a USDA Faculty Exchange Scholar (2018). She has also been recognised as a Vet of the Year nominee.

Her academic and clinical interests centre on strengthening standards of care in small animal practice through evidence-based diagnostic imaging. She is also actively engaged in mentoring and advocating for mental well-being within the veterinary profession. 

Dr. Michael Powell  BVSc (Hons)

Michael Powell is a veterinarian, business thought-leader and a co-director at Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business. A practitioner with over 30 years experience and a former owner of a multiple award-winning ASAV Hospital of Excellence, Michael’s professional passion and focus now lies in provision of empowering education and support of veterinary professionals around the world. Since 2011, his company has been shaping an even brighter future for the veterinary industry through evidence-based training and support.  Michael is a researcher, industry advocate and highly regarded international speaker on the subjects non-technical competency development, organizational leadership and strategic business management.

Dr. Victor Yamo

Dr. Victor Yamo is a University of Nairobi trained Veterinary Surgeon who has spent the better part of his career spanning over three decades within the animal production and the global food systems arena. He is a consummate animal welfare and one health practitioner who has worked across various sectors from corporate entities to governmental agencies and public benefit organizations. Throughout his distinguished career, his work has continued to extend beyond the confines of traditional veterinary practice, delving into the intricate interplay between animal welfare, animal health, public health and environmental sustainability. He continues to be at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of farmed animals while simultaneously safeguarding public health, ensuring environmental sustainability and promoting food security and livelihoods for producers.

He is the founder and current Executive Director of Global One Health Advocacy Alliance (GOHAA), part time lecturer for Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT), Member of the Poultry Sector Skills Advisory committee of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) of Kenya and Councilor for Kenya to the Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA).

He is a member of the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) and Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). He is a past Chairman of the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) and the professional association (KVA) and last year (2025) he was named the Veterinarian of the Year.

Professor Thumbi Ndung’u

Thumbi Ndung’u is Director of Science at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in Durban, South Africa; Professor of Infectious Diseases at University College London; Scientific Director, Professor and Victor Daitz Chair at the HIV Pathogenesis Programme of the University of KwaZulu-Natal; Provost’s Visiting Professor of HIV Virology and Immunology at Imperial College London; Programme Director for the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE); Associate Member of the Ragon Institute; and Adjunct Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, completed a PhD in Biological Sciences in Public Health from Harvard University, USA and performed post-doctoral research in Virology at Harvard Medical School. He has received several awards for scientific excellence and leadership contributions, including the South African Medical Research Council Gold Scientific Achievement Award, the Leadership Award in Public Health Practice from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and the KT Jeang Retrovirology Prize in recognition of outstanding work on HIV. He is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa, a fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and a member of the United States National Academy of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding interactions between HIV and the immune system and how these may be harnessed and translated for HIV prevention or cure.

Dr. Willy Mwangi

Dr. Willy Mwangi is a trained veterinarian and specialist in small animal surgery. He is a faculty member at the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where he teaches small animal surgery, and also serves as a consultant surgeon at the University of Nairobi Small Animal Hospital.

He is a founding member of the Kenya College of Consultant Veterinary Surgeons, established in 2022. Dr. Mwangi has a strong professional interest in both orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, with a particular fascination to the biology of tissue regeneration and healing.

Beyond clinical practice, he is deeply committed to mentorship and capacity building. He founded and leads AO Vet Kenya, an initiative that delivers high-level, hands-on training in a wide range of small animal orthopedic procedures.

Dr. Mwangi has published widely and regularly delivers lectures both locally and internationally. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys football, swimming, and hiking.

Dr. Apollo G. Mirera

Dr. Apollo G. Mirera, BVM (UoN), is the Day Old Chicks Sales Manager at Kenchic Plc. A specialist in poultry health and production, Dr. Apollo blends clinical mastery in disease management with commercial strategy. He is a strong advocate for stakeholder education, viewing animal health as a primary pillar for achieving regional food security and economic growth.