Company fetes three Kenyan women for scientific work
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards have acknowledged the outstanding contributions of three Kenyan scientists who have been recognised among 30 most brilliant women scientists in Africa.
The young researchers, Cheryl Kerema, Mwende Mbilo, and Faith Njeru, have been honoured for their groundbreaking work in public and environmental health, renewable energy, and food security and agribusiness solutions.
Spanning various fields of research, the scientists are employing innovative approaches to address significant challenges in their respective domains.
Original discovery
Cheryl Kerema, a doctoral student in Public and Environmental Health at KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, has been commended for her original discovery of the impact of sugar regulation on tuberculosis.
Her findings have the potential to shape health policies, contributing to the prevention of tuberculosis in Kenya and beyond.
Mwende Mbilo, also a doctoral student in Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Nairobi, was recognised for her innovative work to enhance the efficiency of organic solar cells. Her goal is to provide more sustainable and reliable clean energy solutions.
Faith Njeru, a doctoral student in Food Security and Agribusiness at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, is developing novel diagnostics to preserve Kenya’s maize crops. Using nanobodies derived from the serum of camelids, she aims to control a viral disease affecting maize plants in East Africa and beyond.
L’Oréal East Africa Managing Director, Yassine Bakkari, applauded the dynamic Kenyan scientists for their contributions, saying, “These young and dynamic Kenyan scientists are bringing hope and innovative solutions to improve the quality of life, not only in Africa but also worldwide through their careers and relentless determination.”
