Dr. Joseph Ndegwa | Veterinary Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Chief veterinary officer from University of Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Ndegwa Joseph Macharia is an accomplished veterinary professional specializing in fish science and aquatic animal health. With a diverse career spanning clinical veterinary services, public health, animal disease management, and aquaculture research, Dr. Macharia has built a commendable profile in Kenya’s agricultural and scientific landscape. Currently serving as the Chief Veterinary Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya, he plays a critical role in animal disease surveillance, prevention, and control across the country. His academic journey is enriched with a Master’s degree in Fish Science from the University of Nairobi, complemented by international certifications in aquatic animal health and aquaculture from Egypt and Norway. Dr. Macharia’s work is well-supported by peer-reviewed publications focusing on fish pathogens and parasitology, demonstrating his commitment to addressing pressing challenges in the aquaculture industry. He has presented his research at significant international platforms, showcasing Kenya’s contribution to aquatic veterinary sciences. Beyond his scientific work, Dr. Macharia is deeply committed to community engagement, serving as a motivational speaker and youth leader for over a decade. His multifaceted career reflects a perfect balance of practical veterinary skills, scientific inquiry, leadership, and community service.

Professional Profile

• Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Ndegwa Joseph Macharia has pursued a comprehensive academic pathway that underpins his expertise in veterinary and aquatic animal sciences. His most recent academic pursuit is a Master of Science in Fish Science from the University of Nairobi, which he began in 2022 and is expected to complete in 2024. This program has enhanced his specialization in fish health and aquaculture management. In 2022, Dr. Macharia further broadened his knowledge through a diploma course in “Fish for Development” at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute in Norway, which provided him with advanced insights into sustainable fish production and global aquaculture standards. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nairobi between 2012 and 2017, establishing his foundational knowledge in veterinary clinical practice and animal health management. Dr. Macharia also holds a certificate in computer applications from Partners Computer Training College in 2011, which has contributed to his data analysis and reporting capabilities. His academic journey is well-rounded, starting from an impressive secondary education where he graduated with top grades and consistently demonstrated academic excellence. His educational background has significantly contributed to his ability to integrate veterinary knowledge with aquaculture research, positioning him as a leader in his field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ndegwa Joseph Macharia’s professional career is rich with hands-on experience in veterinary practice, animal disease control, and aquaculture health management. Since August 2020, he has served as the Chief Veterinary Officer at the State Department for Livestock Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya. In this capacity, he oversees animal disease surveillance, prevention, and eradication efforts at the national level. Prior to this role, he worked as an intern at the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), gaining experience in vaccine production and distribution. From July 2019 to January 2020, he worked as a Veterinary Officer at Mau Flora Company Limited, managing animal health for a diverse livestock population including cattle, poultry, goats, and exotic animals. Dr. Macharia’s field experience includes a one-year internship at the Nakuru County Veterinary Department, where he provided public health services, disease surveillance, extension services, and training to farmers. His career also includes laboratory diagnostics at Kenya Central Veterinary Labs and hands-on animal husbandry at Kanyariri Vet Farm. Throughout his career, Dr. Macharia has demonstrated a strong capacity for disease management, vaccination programs, laboratory diagnostics, animal breeding, and public health outreach.

Research Interest

Dr. Ndegwa Joseph Macharia’s research interests are deeply rooted in aquatic animal health, aquaculture sustainability, and emerging fish diseases. His primary focus is on the diagnosis, prevention, and management of diseases affecting farmed fish, with a particular emphasis on bacterial and parasitic pathogens that threaten the productivity and sustainability of aquaculture systems. Dr. Macharia is interested in the molecular and conventional characterization of fish pathogens, as demonstrated in his published work on Aeromonas isolates from aquaculture farms in Kenya. He is equally passionate about epidemiological studies that address disease outbreaks in aquatic environments and seeks to understand the interaction between aquaculture practices, water quality, and fish health. Dr. Macharia is committed to contributing solutions that enhance fish farming productivity while maintaining animal welfare and food safety standards. His interest also extends to capacity building and public awareness regarding fish disease management in Kenya and the broader African aquaculture sector. Through his research, Dr. Macharia aims to provide practical interventions that can mitigate fish mortality and improve aquaculture health management strategies. His ongoing exploration of aquatic epidemiology and fish histopathology reflects his dedication to advancing veterinary knowledge in aquatic sciences.

Research Skills

Dr. Ndegwa Joseph Macharia possesses a robust set of research skills that bridge both laboratory and field applications in veterinary and aquatic animal health. He is proficient in disease surveillance, clinical diagnosis, molecular and conventional pathogen characterization, and laboratory diagnostics such as bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and hematology. His laboratory experience includes postmortem analysis, pathogen isolation, and chemical analysis, including aflatoxin detection. Dr. Macharia’s skills in molecular techniques have allowed him to co-author studies that use advanced pathogen identification methods, reinforcing his scientific credibility. In field research, he is experienced in conducting epidemiological investigations, managing vaccination programs, and performing outbreak investigations. His expertise extends to fish histopathology, gained from specialized training in Egypt, which supports his work in aquatic animal disease diagnosis. Dr. Macharia’s ability to translate laboratory findings into practical, community-level interventions showcases his integrated approach to research. His competencies also include data collection, scientific writing, public presentation of research findings, and cross-sector collaboration with farmers, scientists, and policymakers. Additionally, his capacity for organizing workshops and training sessions positions him as a skilled communicator and educator within the veterinary and aquaculture research communities.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Dr. Ndegwa Joseph Macharia has earned recognition for his academic excellence and technical proficiency. In 2011, he was honored as the Best Student in Computer Applications by the Computer Society of Kenya, highlighting his early commitment to developing essential technical skills. During his secondary education, he was recognized as the Best Student among District Schools in Nyandarua Central District based on his outstanding performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) in 2010. These early accolades set the foundation for his disciplined and achievement-driven approach to his career. In addition to his academic and professional milestones, Dr. Macharia has been actively involved in community leadership and youth mentorship, serving as a Youth Leader at United to Christ End Time Ministries since 2015. His leadership and outreach work further demonstrate his dedication to contributing positively to society. His growing list of international conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications reflects his increasing prominence in veterinary and aquaculture research. As he continues to engage with global scientific communities, Dr. Macharia’s recognition in both academic and professional spheres is expected to further expand.

Conclusion

Dr. Ndegwa Joseph Macharia represents a well-rounded and impactful professional whose contributions span veterinary clinical practice, aquatic animal health research, public service, and community leadership. His career trajectory is marked by continuous academic advancement, diverse field experiences, and a commitment to addressing animal health challenges, particularly in the aquaculture sector. Dr. Macharia’s growing body of research, coupled with his practical veterinary skills, positions him as a valuable asset in the scientific community and a strong advocate for sustainable aquaculture practices in Kenya and beyond. His ability to balance rigorous scientific inquiry with community engagement and mentorship highlights his multifaceted approach to professional growth and social responsibility. While there is still room for further international collaboration and increased research output in higher-impact journals, his foundation is solid, and his potential for future contributions is significant. Dr. Macharia’s dedication to animal welfare, public health, and capacity building positions him as a deserving candidate for prestigious recognitions such as the Best Researcher Award. His career continues to demonstrate the impact of combining scientific expertise with a commitment to societal development.

Publications Top Notes

1. Polymorphisms in Pfmdr1, Pfcrt, and Pfnhe1 Genes Are Associated with Reduced In Vitro Activities of Quinine in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Western Kenya

• Authors: J. Cheruiyot, L.A. Ingasia, A.A. Omondi, D.W. Juma, B.H. Opot, J.M. Ndegwa, et al.

• Journal: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 58 (7), 3737-3743

• Year: 2014

• Citations: 45

2. The Growth Performance of Indigenous Kenyan Chickens Fed Diets Containing Different Levels of Protein During Rearing

• Authors: J.M. Ndegwa, R. Mead, P. Norrish, C.W. Kimani, A.M. Wachira

• Journal: Tropical Animal Health and Production 33, 441-448

• Year: 2001

• Citations: 42

3. Rural Poultry Production in Kenya: Research and Development Strategies

• Authors: J.M. Ndegwa, C.W. Kimani

• Source: Focus on Agriculture for Sustainable Development in a Changing Economic Environment

• Year: 1996

• Citations: 26

4. Characteristics of Rural Poultry Production in Different Agroecological Zones in Kenya

• Authors: J.M. Ndegwa, C.W. Kimani, D.A. Siamba, E.A. Mukisira, R. Jong

• Year: 1999

• Citations: 18

5. A Research Process and Methodology Focusing on Indigenous Kenyan Chickens

• Authors: J.M. Ndegwa, P. Norrish, R. Mead, C.W. Kimani, A.M. Wachira

• Source: Proceedings of the International Network for Family Poultry Development

• Year: 2000

• Citations: 17

6. Investigating Eggs Hatchability in Indigenous Chicken System with Smallholder Farms in Kenya in a Participatory Research Using Analysis of Variation

• Authors: J.M. Ndegwa, R. Mead, P. Norrish, D.D. Shephered, C.W. Kimani, A.M. Wachira, et al.

• Journal: Journal of Applied Biosciences 80, 7000-7013

• Year: 2014

• Citations: 13

7. Improvement of Indigenous Poultry Production in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Authors: J.M. Ndegwa, T. Tchombe, L.W. Kabuage, G. Mukkibi-Muka, I.S. Kosgey

• Institution: University of Nairobi

• Year: 1998

• Citations: 13

8. On-Farm Evaluation of Improved Management Practices on Production Performance of Indigenous Chickens

• Authors: J.M. Ndegwa, C.W. Kimani, D.N. Siamba, C.N. Ngugi

• Institution: University of Nairobi

• Year: 1996

• Citations: 13

9. Growth Characteristics of Six Reciprocal Crosses of Kenyan Indigenous Chicken

• Authors: J.M. Ndegwa, R. Mead, P. Norrish, D.D. Shephered, C.W. Kimani, A.M. Wachira

• Journal: Journal of Agricultural Science 4 (6), 160

• Year: 2012

• Citations: 12

10. Rural Poultry Production: Efforts to Improve Production and Contribution to Household Economy

• Authors: C.W. Kimani, J.M. Ndegwa, S. Ole, E.A. Mukisira, D.N. Siamba, R. de Jong, et al.

• Institution: Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)

• Year: 1999

• Citations: 11