Position: National Chairperson

Email Address: okomosimon@gmail.com / simon.aloo@monash.edu

Research Links: Okomo Simon Aloo‬ - Google Scholar‬

Profile Summary

Dr. Simon Aloo is a biomedical and food science researcher at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, affiliated with Monash University, Australia. His research integrates food science, biotechnology, and clinical /metabolomics/lipidomics to understand how dietary and metabolic factors influence cardiometabolic health.

Dr. Aloo earned his bachelor’s degree in food science and nutrition (First Class Honors) from Karatina University, Kenya. He was then awarded the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) to pursue a master’s in food science and biotechnology at Kangwon National University (KNU), South Korea. Upon completion of his master’s program, he received both the Brain Korea (BK) Scholarship and the Bring Excellent Student to KNU (BEST-KNU) award to undertake his PhD in Food Science and Biotechnology, completed in 2024. His doctoral research focused on the development of functional ingredients from plant-derived bioactives and their protective roles against obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Motivated by a deep interest in metabolic health, Dr. Aloo received the Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) to pursue a second PhD in Biomedicine, specializing in lipidomics. His current research investigates lipid metabolism and its contribution to cardiometabolic disorders using advanced mass spectrometry and systems biology approaches.

Dr. Aloo has authored and co-authored several over 28 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in high-impact international journals covering food science, bioactive compounds, lipid metabolism, and nutritional biochemistry. His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including an Award of Excellence from the Ministry of Education of Korea and two Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards from Kangwon National University.

Passionate about translational and preventive health research, Dr. Aloo aspires to bridge food science, nutrition, and medicine to advance innovative strategies for improving human health and well-being.

Position: National Secretary 

Email Address: skilonzi@gmail.com

0000-0001-7764-0004; skilonzi@gmail.com

Profile summery

Dr Sheila Kilonzi is a lecturer at the School of Agriculture and Biotechnology at Karatina University, where she has been a faculty member since 2012. Dr Sheila holds a PhD degree in Food Science and Nutrition, a Master's degree in Food Security and Rural Development, a BSc degree in Food Science and Nutrition, and a diploma in Food Technology. Sheila has spearheaded the development and implementation of curricula programs in food science and nutrition that integrate student learning experiences with the industry needs.  She has been a mentor and advisor to undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them in research projects, internships, and career development opportunities. Sheila has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field of food science and nutrition through the publication of research-reviewed articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals. Her research interests lie in the area of sustainable food systems, non-communicable diseases and gut microbiota. She has collaborated actively with researchers and recently won a research grant for banana-based foods and feeds in Kenya. She has also presented findings at conferences, fostering professional networks for research and collaboration initiatives.

Dr. Sheila has served in various capacities, including being the head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at Karatina University, Treasurer and Secretary to the Kenya Institute of Food and Technology (KIFST), and sits on the National Codex committee that develops food standard positions for Kenya.  She also serves on the executive committee of the Association of Professional Societies of East Africa (APSEA). Sheila is also involved in the development of a high school curriculum on food safety under the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI). Sheila is a professional member of: American Society of Nutrition, Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI), Kenya Institute of Food Science and Technology, Kenya Nutrition and Dietetics Institute, The Nutrition Society- UK and an alumnus of the African Nutrition Leadership programme (ANLP) of 2020. 

Position: National Treasurer

PhD Fellow, CLARITY-Africa Program in Climate Science
AIMS Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS-RIC), Rwanda
Email:stephennyaranga@gmail.com | LinkedIn

Stephen Nyaranga is a PhD Fellow in Climate Science under the CLARITY-Africa Fellowship, coordinated by Imperial College London in collaboration with AIMS-RIC, Rwanda. His research integrates deep learning and SAR time-series analysis to enhance flood depth estimation and urban resilience in Kigali and Musanze, Rwanda.

He holds an MSc in Mathematical Sciences (Data Science) from AIMS-Senegal, where his thesis focused on climate modeling using AI-driven methods, and an MSc inGeophysics from ICTP-EAIFR (University of Rwanda). He previously earned a BSc in Physics and Mathematics from Karatina University, Kenya.

Stephen currently serves as Head of IT at Vatel Rwanda, leading digital innovation and AI integration in education. His research interests include GeoAI, Earth observation, hydrological modeling, and climate resilience across Africa.

Position: Project Coordinator 

Email Address: mutindi.monicah@yahoo.com

Profile Summary

Monicah Ndunda is a Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Nutrition professional with a strong foundation in food science, clinical nutrition, and community health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in food science and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health nutrition and policy at Karatina University, Kenya.

Monicah serves at the Kitui County Referral Hospital, where she provides clinical and community-based nutrition interventions targeting the dual burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Beyond her clinical role, she is a Student Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). Her ongoing research explores novel, sustainable food sources—specifically mealworms and spirulina—as innovative strategies to combat malnutrition in vulnerable populations, including those in refugee settings such as Kakuma Refugee Camp.

She is certified in the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) for Acute Malnutrition, enhancing her ability to analyze and interpret food security and nutrition data for evidence-based decision-making.

Monicah’s professional interests encompass maternal and child nutrition, preventive health, and sustainable food systems. Driven by a passion for translating research into policy and practice, she is dedicated to strengthening nutrition governance, advancing public awareness, and promoting healthier dietary behaviors to improve population health outcomes across Kenya.

Position: Communication Manager

Email Address: silasanyanje93@gmail.com

Profile Summary

Silas Ambundo is a Senior Teacher at Gititu Secondary School, where he has distinguished himself as an educator dedicated to fostering academic excellence, discipline, and holistic learner development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education (First Class Honors) from Karatina University, Kenya. He specialized in mathematics and physics

With over six years of experience in teaching and student mentorship, Silas has played a pivotal role in guiding students toward academic success and personal growth. His teaching philosophy emphasizes interactive learning, critical thinking, and values-based education, ensuring learners are not only well-prepared academically but also equipped with essential life skills.

Beyond classroom teaching, Silas is actively involved in curriculum implementation, academic coordination, and co-curricular mentorship. He has a keen interest in educational leadership, curriculum innovation, and youth empowerment, and continually seeks to integrate modern pedagogical approaches to enhance learning outcomes. He sis currently the Christian Union Patron at Gititu secondary School.

Passionate about nurturing future leaders, Silas remains committed to advancing quality education and promoting lifelong learning among students and fellow educators alike.