UoN first female ‘fungi’ professor targets aflatoxin

Despite their immense contribution towards improving lives, scientists have stayed in the shadows only to be noticed when they win major awards.

Sheila Okoth, the first female mycology (study of fungi) professor at the University of Nairobi and among the few in the country, is one such scientist.

In a research laboratory at the university’s School of Biological Sciences, Prof Okoth is guiding two students — Abigail Ouko and Esther Marijani — researching on plant diseases in a non-conventional way when the Business Daily visited the institution.

Her teaching approach deviates from the conventional stern teacher-student and finds time to crack a few jokes and talk about life skills.

Judging by their relaxed demeanour, one can sense the affection that these students have for their teacher.

Prof Okoth, in her 40s, says she enjoyed her childhood mainly due to supportive parents, especially a father who made her believe from a tender age that she could achieve, irrespective of her gender.

This assurance made it easy for Prof Okoth to take up science courses —traditionally considered a man’s domain — and excel.

Another first for the university was the postgraduate Mycology and Mycotoxin Laboratory she established through a grant given to her after winning the prestigious African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) fellowship.

This research facility specialises in studying fungi, which Prof Okoth says are responsible for close to 80 per cent of plant diseases. Prof Okoth says it will offer solutions to farmers who are fighting crop diseases.

As she watches Abigail and Esther make use of the new laboratory to address farmers’ concerns, Prof Okoth is upbeat she has supported the growth of science.

For close to five years now, she has been participating in a research programme at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) which seeks to develop maize varieties resistant to aflatoxin and fumonisms — toxic substances produced by some types of fungi that target grains.

Prof Okoth is especially interested in aflatoxin, which can result in liver failure, rapid death or cancer.

“And we may be consuming these poisonous substances unknowingly because unless we test, it is hard to distinguish between safe and contaminated maize by just looking,” she warns.

So before the aflatoxin-resistant maize is ready, the don also works with farmers to pass preventive messages like proper drying of maize, discarding contaminated grains and planting at the right time when rainfall is sufficient.

Mapping of different fungi (that produce aflatoxin) in different regions of Kenya makes list of her achievements.

“We discovered variations. For instance, the fungi in Eastern Kenya tend to produce more aflatoxin than those in the Rift Valley. This information will help us to develop appropriate strategies to fight the problem,” she explains.

Due to her work in aflatoxin research, Prof Okoth was in 2010 elected a Fellow of the London-based Society of Biology that works on improving the quality of human life through biological advances.

A legacy

She had earlier been elected as a member of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences in 2007.

She believes in leaving behind a legacy. “And you can only attain this by mentoring people who will then extend the journey you started.”

A wife and mother of four children, Prof Okoth says it is possible to have it all: be a successful researcher and still have a happy family life, as this is where the support comes from.

But to achieve this, she says, “delegation of duties to people you have trained is important. This frees you up to focus on other things.”

Specialising and gaining expertise in an area also promotes efficiency enables one to “do much in just a short time.”

Although there are fewer women scientists than men, Prof Okoth says the tides are slowly changing as various institutions develop structures to address the gender gap.

“Women should grab these opportunities and have a positive attitude towards science. With hard work, nothing is impossible.”