Ratemo Michieka

Professor Michieka is a member of staff at the University of Nairobi and has specialized in Agriculture (Weed Science) and Environmental Sciences. He obtained his BSc, MA, and PhD in Weed Science and Environment from Rutgers University, USA. He went for a Postdoctoral training at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) prior to his appointment at the University of Nairobi as a lecturer in 1980. He later became the Founding Vice Chancellor of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology where he served for 13 years. Prof Michieka was later appointed the Director General of the National Environment Management Authority, NEMA, where he articulated the dangers of environmental pollution and natural resources degradation. He was responsible for the production of Kenya’s first report on the State of our Environment. Professor Michieka has done extensive research in Weed Science, with special emphasis on appropriate management systems, water conservation and food security. His studies in the testing of herbicides assisted in the recommendations of various weed control methods to farmers in East Africa and beyond. He is a strong proponent of using safe pest control management systems to avoid environmental pollution. Prof Michieka is a member of several national and international organizations and has received many awards locally and internationally. Prof Michieka has published widely in local and international journals, has written three books, one on the taxonomy of the East African Weeds which is translated in Kiswahili , his autobiography, a monograph and he has edited the annual proceedings of the east African weed society in the 80’s and the 90”s. He is a strong advocate of Kenya’s environmental conservation and food security. As a scholar, Prof Michieka has made some impact to young scientists on the promotion of science and technology in Kenya and East Africa. He is A Distinguished scholar and recipient of many awards for his exemplary services to society. Ratemo has vast knowledge of the East African countries as he was involved in the revitalization of the Inter University Council of East Africa, The establishment of the African Institute for Capacity Development, AICAD, and an external examiner in the region. Michieka is a Fellow and Honorary Secretary of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences and a Chairman of the Kenyatta University Council.