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DR INDIEKA STEPHEN ABWAO

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Staff Information
PERSONAL DETAILS
Designation
LECTURER
Corporate Email
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Personal Email
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Job Category
Teaching
Phone Number
+254719 737 140
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science
Directorate / Dept
BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Section
NJORO-MAIN CAMPUS
Address
P.O. BOX 536, NJORO 20115, KENYA; OR P.O. BOX 53509-00200, NAIROBI, KENYA
SUMMARY

Dr. Indieka Stephen Abwao (PhD) is a.... 

ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1630-9075
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • 2024-2025: Short-term PostDoc (ICGEB-AICAD), Interanational Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
  • 2007-2012: PhD (Molecular and Cellular Biology- Plant), University of Glasgow, UK
  • 2004-2007: MSc. (Biotechnology), Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • 1995-1999: BSc. (Botany and Zoology), Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • 1990-1993: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
  • 1982-1989: Kenya Certificate of Primary Education
FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION

Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,  (Plant tissue culture, Plant microsymbionts interactions, Plant molecular virology, Nutritional quality of food crops  ) and Plant Genetic Transformation/Modification

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Certificate Course on Strategic Management and Leadership Course, 7-18 July 2025. AMREF International University, Nairobi Kenya
  • Regional Training Course on Forest Genetic Resources, 10-12 December 2019. Kenya Forestry Research Institute Headquarters, Muguga, Kenya.
  • Agricultural Innovation Systems and Value Chain Development Approach (Topics: Innovation and learning, Chain Selection, Chain mapping and analysis, building engagements, Value Chain grading, & Monitoring and Evaluating Value Chains) 15-19 September, ILRI, Nairobi Kenya.
  • Working with GM plants and GM plant materials. 19 November 2014. ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Working safely with plants and plant pathogens. 20 November 2014. ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Institutional, national and international guidelines on working with plants in research and movement of plant research materials. 21 November 2014. ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya
WORK EXPERIENCE
  • October 2018 to date: Departmental Postgraduate Committee Chairperson Biochemistry & Mol. Biology Department and Member Faculty of Science Postgraduate Committee Egerton University (EU)
  • September 2013 to date: Lecturer, Biochemistry & Mol. Biology Department (EU)
  • March 2012– August 2013: Lecturer, Biological Sciences Department, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
  • 2011-2012: Adjunct Lecturer, JKUAT and Catholic University, Nairobi
  • October 2006-June 2007: Research Assistant/Laboratory Manager, Plant Transformation Laboratory (Level 2 Bio-safety laboratory), Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University.
  • Nov. 1999- Oct.2006: Research Assistant, EU-funded microsymbionts (rhizobia and mycorrhiza) /Agroforestry projects, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)-Biotechnology Laboratory (Muguga).
KEY PROJECTS
  • 2023-2028 Project: Establishment of International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Regional Research Center (RRC) at Egerton University. I am a key member of Egerton University Research team that competitively won the call to establish and host up to USD 32,615,786/= level II Plant Transformation facilities.
  • 2020-2022 Project: Enhancing Production of Quality Chloris roxburghiana, a climate-smart forage for the beef value chain in the ASALs. Funding Agency: KALRO-KCSAP. Grant Value: USD 70,112.41/= (Co-Principal Investigator).
  • 2018-2022 Project: Using biotechnology tools to enhance breeding and sustainable use of taro (Colocasia sp.): an orphaned but highly promising food and nutritional security crop in Kenya Funding Agency: National Research Fund (NRF)- Kenya. Grant No NRF/1/MMC/163; USD 63,886.44/=.(Principal Investigator).
  • 2014-2015 Project: Regeneration and Transformation of Kenyan Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Cultivars via Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis. Funding Agency: Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund Fellowship (ABCF) offered by BecA-ILRI hub. Fellowship Value: USD 25, 000/= (Principal Investigator).
  • 2004-2005 Project: Abdou-Salam Ouédraogo Research Fellow 2004 (ASO-Fellow 2004); Funding Agency: Bioversity International (Bioversity-SSA), Nairobi, Kenya. Grant Value: USD10, 000/=. (Principal Investigator).
RESEARCH INTERESTS

My current research interest is in the use of biotechnological tools (molecular biology and biochemical tools, genome engineering and plant tissue culture techniques) to address/complement the limitations associated with conventional plant breeding techniques in improving/intogressing  important traits. I am particularly interested in developing food & forage crops that are tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses and, enhancing nutritional value of important cereals/fodder and orphaned African staple root crops. I am also interested in the application of molecular biology (genome engineering, transgenic, genomics & proteomics) and bioinformatics tools for identifying characterising plant traits/genes for purposes of improving tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress among others.

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
  1. Wanga, L. A., Indieka, A. S., & Matasyoh, J. C. (2025). Phenolic compounds from Calpurnia aurea subsp. aurea (Aiton) Benth and their antimicrobial, antidermatophytic, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities. The Microbe 8, 100421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microb.2025.100421 (Published online 14 June 2025).
  2. Mohamed, C., Gesimba, R. and Indieka S.A. (2024). Development of Somatic Hybridization Protocol for Taro (Colocasia esculeneta esculeneta (L) Schott. and Colocasia antiquorum (L) Schott.) to Address Conventional Breeding Constrain. African Journal of Biotechnology 23(4),142-146. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB2023.17627 (Published online April 2024).
  3. Maiyo, Z. C. and Njeru, S. N. and Toroitich, F. J. and Indieka, S. A. and Obonyo, M. A. (2024). Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the people of Mosop, Nandi County in Kenya. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1328903. (Published online 19 January 2024)
  4. Wanga, L. A., Indieka, A. S., & Matasyoh, J. C. (2023). Antidermatophytic quinolizidine alkaloids from Calpurnia aurea subsp. aurea (Aiton) Benth. Fitoterapia, 171, 105698. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105698
  5. Johnmark, O., Indieka, S., Liu, G., Gowda, M., Suresh, L. M., Zhang, W., & Gao, X. (2022). Fighting Death for Living: Recent Advances in Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease Resistance. Viruses, 14(12), 2765. https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122765 (Published 12 December 2022)
  6. Mohamed, C., Gesimba, R., & Abwao, I. S. (2022). Development of Somatic Hybridization Protocol for Taro (Colocasia esculeneta esculeneta (L) Schott. and Colocasia antiquorum (L) Schott.) to Address Conventional Breeding Constrain. Egerton University 14th Biannual International Conference. https://conferences.egerton.ac.ke/index.php/euc/article/view/27 (Published online 1st April 2022).
  7. L.N. Wamalwa, J.C. Tovar, S.A. Indieka, B. Torto and M. Ghislain (2022). Exogenous and Endogenous Plant Growth Regulators Effect on Regeneration of Selected African Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) Cultivars. European Journal of Horticultural Science, 1611-4434 online; https://doi.org/10.17660/eJHS.2022/022 (Published 19th April 2022).
  8. Samuel Ngure Kariithi, Stephen Abwao Indieka and Manfred Miheso Masheti. (2021). Environment and genotype effect on quality baking traits of advanced stem rust wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines grown in Kenya. International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology, 6 (4):85-95. https://doi:10.11648/j.ijfsb.20210604.11 (Published 12th October 2021).
  9. Jesca Ochieng, Nimmo Gicheru, Stephen A. Indieka, Monicah Maichomo, Hezron Wesonga, and Edwin Murungi (2021). Draft genome sequence of Enterococcus faecalis_1351 isolated from mastitis infected camels in Isiolo County, Kenya. Microbiology Resource Announcements 10:e00143-21. https://doi.org/10.1128/MRA.00143-21 (Published 15th April 2021) 
  10. Vestine Uwamariya, Lydia N. Wamalwa, Joseph Anyango,John M. Nduko and Abwao S. Indieka (2021). Variation and Correlation of Corm Trace Elements, Anti-nutrients and Sensory Attributes of Taro Crisps. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 100, 103896; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2021.103896 (corresponding author Published online 22/03/2021).
  11. Ruth Moraa Obare, Stephen A. Indieka and Josphat Matasyoh (2020). Antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of medicinal Plant Leucas martinicensis L. growing in a Kenyan tropical forest. African Journal of Biochemistry Research 14(3), pp. 81-91, July-September 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5897/AJBR2020.1055 (published 31 July 2020).
  12. Urbanus Kinuthia Muthai, Stephen A. Indieka, Alice Muchugi, Karori Mbuthia, Simon Mng’omba, Catherine Dembele, and Ramni Jamnadass. 2019. Quantitative Variation of Fatty Acid Composition in Seed Oil from Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Wild Populations in sub-Sahara Africa. South African Journal of Botany 123 (1-8). https://doi.org/10.1016/j. sajb.2019.01.026. (Published on 22/02/2019).
  13. Winnie Chemutai Sum, Stephen Abwao Indieka and Josphat Clement Matasyoh. 2019. Antimicrobial Activity of Basidiomycete Fungi Isolated from a Kenyan Tropical Forest. African Journal of Biotechnology 18(5), 112-123. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB2018.16660. (Published on 30/01/2019).
  14. Kinuthia U, Karori S, Muchugi A, S Indieka, Dembele C, Mng’omba S, Jamnadass R. 2017. Nutritional variation in baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit pulp and seeds based on Africa geographical regions. Food Science & Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.502. (Published on 27/08/2017).
  15. Kariithi Samuel Ngure, Abwao Stephen Indieka, Ndung’u John, and Njau Peter. 2016. Nutritional, Rheological and Organoleptic Properties of Whole Meal Flour Prepared from Stem Rust Resistant Wheat Varieties Released in Kenya. World Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016, Vol. 4, No. 6, 173-182. https://doi.org/10.12691/wjar-4-6-4. (Published on 10/10/2016).
  16. S.N. Kariithi, S.I. Abwao, P.N. Njau and J.N. Ndung’u. 2016. Evaluation of grain nutritional quality and resistant starch content in Kenyan bread wheat varieties. African Crop Science Journal, 24, (4): 417-428. https://doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v24i4.8. (Published on 02/12/2016).
  17. Asande, L.K., Indieka, A.S., Adero, M.O., Kiboi, S. and Amugune, N.O. 2016. In vitro regeneration of pigeon pea using leaf explants. African Crop Science Journal, 24, (2):1-17. https://doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v24i2.7 . (Published on 19/05/2016).
  18. Abwao Stephen Indieka 2012. Translational control of abiotic stress responses in Arabidopsis thaliana. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow, UK http://theses.gla.ac.uk/view/creators/Abwao=3 AStephen_Indieka=3A=3A.html 
  19. Indieka, S.A. and Dominy, P.J. 2010.  Translational control of abiotic stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana.  Poster presented at the Society of Experimental Biology (SEB) main meeting, 30th June to 3rd July 2010, Prague, Czech Republic.
  20. Indieka, S.A., Odee, D.W., Muluvi, G. M., Rao, K.N. and Machuka, J. 2007.  Regeneration of Melia volkensii Gürke (Meliaceae) through direct somatic embryogenesis.  New Forests 34: 73-81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-007-9038-7 . (Published on 24/01/2007).
  21. Indieka, S.A. 2007.  Vegetative propagation (Macro- and Micro-propagation of Mellia Volkensii Gurke: an indigenous multipurpose dry lands tree species, MSc (Biotechnology) thesis April 2007, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/ 123456789/1606 (Published online 08/11/2011).
  22. Indieka, S.A. and Odee, D. W. 2005.  Early growth response and nodulation of Sesbania sesban to increasing nitrogen (Ammonium) concentration under glasshouse conditions. African Journal of Biotechnology 4: 57-60. www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb /article/view/15052 . (Published on 24/3/2005).
  23. Indieka, S.A. and Odee, D. W. 2005.  Vegetative propagation of Melia volkensii Gürke: an indigenous multipurpose dry lands tree species.  In: Kamondo B.M, Kimondo J.M., Mulatya J.M. and Muturi G.M. eds. 2005. Recent Mukau (Melia volkensii Gürke) Research and Development.  Proceedings of the first Melia National Workshop. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Nairobi, Kenya. November 16 to19, 2004.
  24. Odee, D.W., Indieka, S.A and Lesueuer, D. 2002.  Evaluation of inoculation procedures for Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn. grown in tree nurseries.  Biology and Fertility of Soils 36: 124-128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-002-0519-8 . (Published on 18/9/2002).
  25. Odee, D.W., Indieka, S.A. 2000.  Inoculation methods for Calliandra calothyrsus: nodulation and growth response in Leonard jar and unsterile nursery soil conditions. Extended abstract presented at African Association of Biological Nitrogen Fixation (AABNF) proceedings of September 2000, ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya.
CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS

The 8th Federation of African Societies of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (FASBMB) Congress, Held at Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS), Nairobi, Kenya.  28th to 30th October, 2024.

Egerton University 14th International Conference, Egerton University Main Campus, Njoro, Kenya, 23rd - 25th March 2022.

Society of Experimental Biology (SEB) main meeting, 30th June to 3rd July 2010, Prague, Czech Republic.

Recent Mukau (Melia volkensii Gürke) Research and Development: First Melia National Workshop. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kitui, Kenya. November 16 to19, 2004.

African Association of Biological Nitrogen Fixation (AABNF) Meeting. September 2000, ICRAF/World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.

HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS
  • October 2024 to March 2025: PostDoctorate Fellow (AICAD-ICGEB), Interanational Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
  • 2014-2015:  Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund Fellowship (ABCF) offered by BecA-ILRI hub.
  • 2007-2011: William Stewart Fellowship (PhD Research Student Fellowship), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
  • 2004-2005 Project: Abdou-Salam Ouédraogo Research Fellow 2004 (ASO-Fellow 2004); Funding Agency: Bioversity International (Bioversity-SSA), Nairobi, Kenya.
TEACHING AREAS
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Plant nutritional Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Intergrated lab. techniques
POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION
MASTERS LEVEL :

  1. Lydia Kwamboka Asande, (Reg No. I56/7436/2012). In vitro regeneration of two varieties of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) grown in Kenya. University of Nairobi (June 2014) (Completed)

  2. Kariithi Samuel Ngure, (Reg No. SM14/3660/13. Determination of zinc, iron, resistant starch, phytic acid and their effect on rheological and organoleptic properties for selected Kenyan wheat varieties, MSc Biochemistry, Egerton University (August, 2016).(Completed)
  3. Sum Winnie Chemutai. (Reg. No. SM14/14192/15). Characterization and antimicrobial activity of tropical basidiomycetes fungi and their secondary metabolites. MSc Biochemistry, Egerton University (October, 2018) (Completed)
  4. Ruth Moraa Obare (Reg. No. Sm14/14231/15). Characterization and antibacterial activity of secondary metabolites extracted from Leucas martinicensis and its endophytic fungi. MSc Biochemistry Egerton university (Completed)
  5. Vestine Uwamariya (KM16/14557/18). Essential micronutrient composition, chemical safety and sensory properties of raw taro (Colocasia esculenta.) And taro crisps in Kenya. MSc Food Science, Egerton University (Completed).

  6. Mohamed Abdalla Chungwa (Reg No. KM14/12020/17). Optimizing Regeneration of Taro (Colocasia esculenta var esculenta and C. esculenta var. antiquorum) Genotypes through Protoplast Culture. MSc in Horticulture, Egerton University (Completed)

  7. Onyino Johnmark Okello. Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Regulating Zea mays L. Genes Associated with MLN Disease Resistance. MSc Crop Genetics and Breeding, College of Agriculture of Nanjing Agricultural University, China (Completed).
PhD. LEVEL :
  1. Billiah Moemi (Reg. No. KD125/16515/18). Genetic diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f. Sp. lycopersici in kenya and transcriptome profiling of resistant and susceptible tomato germplasm during colonisation. PhD in Plant Biotechnology, Egerton University (Proposal Submitted to Graduate School, November 2020). (On-going).
  2. Wanga Lucy Aketch, (SD14/22028/18). Evaluation of antimicrobial, antidermatophytic, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity of secondary metabolites isolated from Calpurnia aurea subsp. Aurea (aiton) benth (l’herit) and associated fungal endophytes (July 2025: Thesis Submitted).)
OTHER SOCIETIES
  1. Society for Experimental Biology (SEB)
  2. Biochemistry and Biotechnology Society of Kenya (BBSK)
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