3 Kenyan Women Among Female Scientists Awarded For Impeccable Research In Africa

• Cherly Kerema, Mwende Mbilo and Faith Njeru were honoured for their excellent contribution to science in Africa
• The three women were honoured at the 14th award ceremony in Kasane, Botswana, for their innovative solutions to improve the quality of life
• L’Oréal East Africa managing director Yassine Bakkari noted that their contribution would make an impact worldwide

The Kenyan flag has been raised high as three female scientists have been recognised for contributing to science in Africa.

Cherly Kerema, Mwende Mbilo and Faith Njeru were among the 30 women who bagged awards recognised by the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa.

Innovative solutions to improve quality of life

The three were honoured at the 14th award ceremony in Kasane, Botswana, in the presence of His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana.

The ceremony aimed to support African female scientists for the excellence of their scientific research.

"These young and dynamic Kenyan scientists are bringing hope and innovative solutions to improve the quality of life, not only in Africa but worldwide through their career and relentless determination," L’Oréal East Africa managing director Yassine Bakkari said, as reported by Nation.Africa.

Does sugar contribute to tuberculosis?

Kerema, a student at the University of Nairobi (UoN), was honoured for her research on how sugar contributes to the increase in tuberculosis.

Her schoolmate Mbilo was recognised for her innovation in improving the efficiency of organic solar cells to bring cleaner energy to people.

"The innovation combines new strategies and affordable materials into existing cells to extend their lifetime and improve their performance," she noted.

Conserving Kenya's main crops through novel diagnostics

Njeru, who studies at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, was honoured for her research in developing novel diagnostics to conserve Kenya's main crops.

She noted she enjoyed "serving as an inspiration to other young women" and showing that dreams were achievable.

Kenyan policewoman makes history

In another story, a Kenyan policewoman's dedication and sacrifice were recognised with a global award.

Senior Superintendent of Police Zipporah Nderitu was honoured with the 2023 International Association of Women of Police Award.

The recognition marked a historic milestone, as Nderitu became the first Kenyan to receive the prestigious global accolade, as reported by Nation.Africa.

Nderitu was lauded for her unwavering commitment to combatting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the country.

Her exceptional policing skills in preventing and detecting offences of violence against women, including human trafficking, have earned her this esteemed accolade.