The University of Eldoret is in a celebratory mode after one of its ongoing Ph.D student was feted with a continental award.
Chebet Arusey’, a Ph.D. student and Laboratory Technician in the School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Soil Science Department was recently named one of only 10 recipients of the African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award 2025 by APNI.
According to the university, Chebet’s study focuses on the environmental fate of three commonly used veterinary antibiotics – Oxytetracycline, Enrofloxacin and Tylosin—in livestock manure, and how they affect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, microbial communities, and nutrient cycling.
The research output is expected to inform policy on safe manure use, support nutrient circularity, reduce GHG emissions, and improve the sustainability of integrated crop-livestock farming systems.
“These will help farmers manage manure in ways that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance, and keep soils fertile,” noted the university’s Vice Chancellor Prof Thomas Cheruiyot.
By connecting science to practice, Chebet wants to help farmers use manure safely and efficiently and promote climate-smart farming.
“Your work in advancing sustainable agriculture is putting our University on the map,” noted the VC.
How a UoE Graduate is Leading the Charge in Conservation Tech
Meanwhile, the University of Eldoret is also celebrating one of its distinguished alumni Eng. Sam Okemwa.
Okemwa’s innovative work is making waves in environmental sustainability and conservation.
The graduate Engineer of Department of Civil and Structural Engineering is currently the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zalika Greentech, the brains behind M-Situ – an AI platform transforming conservation and sustainability.
Zalika Greentech secured KSh 5 million during the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge, organized by KCDF, to scale bold green solutions.
“From AI-driven forest monitoring to smart water systems, Sam is a testament to the fact that UoE graduates are shaping Kenya’s green transition,” UoE VC said in a statement.
“Long live the flame of knowledge & innovation,” he added.
