Dr SELLAH JEPKEMBOI KEBENEI

OffLine

Staff Information

PERSONAL DETAILS

Designation: Senior Lecturer, Chemistry
Department: Department of Biological and Physical Sciences
Section: CHEMISTRY
Address: PRIVATE BAG, KABARAK 20157

SUMMARY

Dr. Sellah Jepkemboi Kebenei, PhD holder in Chemistry & Masters degree in Chemistry from Moi Universty, Eldoret. BSc degree (1st Class honor's & a chemistry major) from Universty of Nairobi. Specialized in Organic Chemistry, my research area are mainly on Natural products (Medicinal Plants) and Chemical pollution on the environment.

I have thought and graduated students doing chemistry doing B.Ed. Science, BSc and B. Pharmacy through my teaching experience of 18 years at University level.

Supervised and graduated PhD and masters students in Environmental Science. Published papers in reffered journals & presented papers in conferences.

Head of Depratment for over a period of 11 years, Acting dean, School of Science, Enginearing and Technology and Acting Director, Institute of Post graduate Studies.

I have been non -Executive Board member in State corperation ( Energy & Petrolium Regulatory Authority) for a period of six years, providing leadership and policy making in the Institution.

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=new_articles&hl=en&imq=Sellah+J.+Kebenei&nuan-1=Kebenei+J.+S.&nuan-2=J.S.+Kebenei&nuan-3=Kebenei+.S.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

ACADEMIC TRAINING

2005 – 2009: Moi University

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

Thesis Title: “Synergism of Artemsinin with Abyssinone-v from Erythrina Abyssinica against

Plasmodium falciparum parasites; A potential anti-malarial combination therapy”

2000 – 2003 Moi University

Master of Philosophy in Chemistry

Thesis Title: “Isolation and characterization of mosquito larvicidal compounds

from clerodendrum myricoides and vernonia amygdaline

1981-1985: University of Nairobi

B.Sc. First Class Honours (Major in Chemistry)

1975 - 1980: SECONDARY EDUCATION

Moi Girls High School –Eldoret

K.A.C.E –3 Principals & 1 sub

E.A.C.E – DIVISON II

Other responsibilities in high School; Head prefect, a member of science club and took part in science congress and a hockey player.

1968 - 1974: PRIMARY EDUCATION

Tarakwa Primary school

C.P.E. certificate 25 points

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS

1.The 12^th NAPRECA Pre – Conference workshop at Makerere University Uganda held on 17^th to 21^st July 2007. Topic: Identification of medicinal plants, new

chromatographic techniques and modern methods of structural analysis of natural products.

2. The Post graduate certificate in academic Practice (PCAP) workshop at York St John’s University – UK held on 1^st to 12^th October 2007.

Theme: ‘Enhancement of quality of Higher Education (HE) in Kenya and East Africa Universities.

3. PCAP Training workshops held at Kabarak University Guest house for 3 weeks during the a 12-Month period (July 2007 – July 2008).

4. Workshop on Planning and development of curriculum for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme held on 5^th – 8^th November 2008 at Methodist Guest

House & Conferences – Nairobi. This led to development of Kabarak University MB.CH.B curriculum.

5. Short Course- On Modern HPLC. Training at Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on October 2010

6. Attended the Quality Assurance Training on 26^th November 2010 at Kabarak University.

7. E-learning content development & electronic library resource Seminar held on 10-12^th may 2011 at Kabarak University

8. Attended the Five days Corporate Governance Training Course for Directors on 25^th to 29^th January 2016 conducted by Centre for Corporate Governance held at Sarova Whitesand Beach Resort –Mombasa.

9. Attended Enterprise Risk Management Training held on 6^th – 7^th September 2016 at Pan- Afric Hotel Nairobi.

10. Attended Training on ‘Risk Management & Audit held on 28^th – 30^th September 2016 helds at Sarova Whitesand Beach Resort –Mombasa

11. Attended the Public Utility Research Center (PURC)/World Bank International training on Utility Regulation, Strategy and Leadership held on 9^th – 20^th January 2017 at Gainesville, University of Florida, USA.

12. Attended the Public Utility Research Center (PURC)/World Bank International training on Practicing Leadership in a Political Environment held on 21st January 2017 at Gainesville, University of Florida, USA.

13. Attended Audit Committee Seminar: A Continuous Development Course for Directors held on 5^th -7^th April 2017 conducted by Institute of Directors Kenya at Prideinn Paradise Resort, Mombasa.

14. Attended Training on Trustee Development Program Kenya (TDPK) held on 11^th – 15^th September 2017 conducted by College of Insurance- Nairobi at Acacia Paradise Hotel, Kisumu

15. Attended Advantage training’s 23^rd Africa Corporate Governance Conference held on 26^th -29^th march 2018 at Premier Hotel O.R Tambo, Johannesburg, South Africa.

FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY ( Synthesis and natural products)

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY ( CHEMICAL POLLUTION OF ENVIRONMENT & ITS EFFECTS)

WORK EXPERIENCE

WORK EXPERIENCE1985–1986 Analyst – Food & Water Analysis in criminology cases.

Government Chemist Office of the President

1987-1991 Teacher, Moi Girls High School-Eldoret

Taught “A”- level classes Chemistry and “O” level classes chemistry and mathematics.

1992-1993 Deputy Headmistress, Elgon View Academy: In charge of academic affairs, students discipline and also taught Chemistry and Mathematics

1994 - 2000 Headmistress, Elgon view Academy: Taught Chemistry, Mathematics and secretary to the school board of Governors.

MOI UNIVERSITY: CHEMISTRY DEPT.

2003: While I was a M.Ph. student, I did supervise 4^th year chemistry students in their research projects (under Prof. Ndalut), supervision and marking of continuous assessment tests for 1^st, 3^rd. and 4^th year chemistry students.

2004 – May 2005 Part time lecturer in the Chemistry Department – Moi University:

Taught Basic Chemistry II – CHE 111 and Supervised 4^th year Chemistry student’s research projects under Prof. Ndalut.(Faculty of science 2003/2004 -2^nd semester-May group and Faculty of Technology 2003/2004- 2^nd semester- September group and Faculty of science 2004/2005 -2^nd semester January group) and Principles of Chemistry –EHB 111 (Faculty of Health Science 2004/2005-January group).

May 2005 – August 2006 Ass. Lecturer, Kabarak University – Chemistry Department.

September 2006 – March 2010 - Lecturer, Kabarak University – Environmental and life Sciences Department

-Ag.Head of Department – Environmental and Life Science Department in Sept – December 2007 and May December 2009.

January 2011 – April 1011 Ag. Director of Post Graduate Studies, QA & Research.

April 2010- Date:

Seniour Lecturer, Kabarak University

Currently HOD, Physical & Biological Sciences Department(from 2018)

HOD, Environmental and Life Science Department (2009- 2017)

Coordinator Health Sciences Programmes to July 2014.

Teaching subjects: Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry

Member of KABU Referral, Teaching, Research and Mission Hospital Task Force, in charge of spear heading the logistics of construction of the hospital from July 2014 to date.

Acting Dean of school science, engineering and technology in January- march 2015.

OCTOBER 2015 – OCTOBER 2018: NON-EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER

Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Government of Kenya.

Responsibilities:

Chairperson – Technical Committee (October 2015-December 2016)
Member – Finance & HR Committee (October 2015-December 2016)
Member – Audit & Risk Management Committee (Jan –Dec 2017).
Chairperson – Trustee Staff Pension Scheme (Jan 2017 to October 2018)
Member – Finance & HR Committee (Jan 2018 to October 2018)
Chairperson – Technical Committee (From May to October 2018)

FEBUARY 2019 TO FEBRUARY 2022:

Re-appointment for a second term, Non – Executive Commissioner, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Government of Kenya, Currently with the enactment of

2019 Energy & Petroleum act in March 2019, the name changed to Energy & Petroleum Authority (EPRA).

Responsibilities:

Chairperson – Technical Committee
Member – Finance & HR Committee

THESIS EXAMINER

November 2016: INTERNAL PhD THESIS EXAMINER

Internal Examiner for Mr Kefa Misuko Omoti PhD Thesis Entitle: An Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Extractive Industries: A Study of Gypsum Mining in Kajiado County, Kenya. Student Passed and graduated in November 2016.

October 2017 & 2019: EXTERNAL MSc. THESIS EXAMINER

External Examiner for Loice Bikeri Onyimbo, M.sc. Thesis, University of Kabianga. Entitle: The Study of the effect of Effluent from Agro – Chemical and Food Company on the water Quality of River Nyando. . Student Passed and to graduated in November 2017.

3. External examininer for Erick Kipngetich Towwett’s, MSc thesis, University of Kabianga. Entitle: Isolation of Secondary Metabolites from Endophytic Fungi of cordatum (MYRTACEA) for the control of Bean Bacterial Pathogens’. Kenya. Student Passed and graduated on 7^th November 2019.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT:

AUGUST 2011: Chaired and took part in the panel that reviewed BSc. In Environmental Science.

NOVEMBER 2009 TO 2012; The coordinator & chair of stake holder's panel that developed the health science Curriculums:

BSc in Nursing (approved & longed in may 2014)

Bsc. In Clinical Medicine

B. of pharmacy

B. of medicine and Surgery

2016 - 2022: Developed: MSc. in Environmental Science

MSc. in Chemistry.

2010 to 2013

(i). Coordinated the activities of the School of Health Science, which include spearheading, purchasing, equipping and putting in place

the facilities that were required for the start of the Health science Programs that met both CEU and Regulatory bodies (nursing

council, Clinical officers’ council and Pharmacy and poison Board. These include the following activities:

(ii). Developing MOU’s with Ministry of Medical Services for use of Rift valley Provincial Hospital – Nakuru, Tenwek, and AIC Kijabe hospitals as teaching hospitals for the programmes.

(iii). Setting up & equipping the required Laboratories

October 2011 & 2012: Kabarak University International Conferences:

Took part as a member of research committee that successfully participated and organized the 1^St and the 2^nd Kabarak International Conference held in October 2011 and October 2012

KEY PROJECTS

1. Isolation and characterization of mosquito larvicidal compounds fom clerodendrum myricoides and vernonia amygdaline (Complete)

2.Synergism of Artemsinin with Abyssinone-v from Erythrina Abyssinica against Plasmodium falciparum parasites; A potential anti-malarial combination therapy” (complete)

3.Dynamics in Artisanal Gold Mining and its Impact on Community Livelihoods and the Environment : A case Study of Nandi and West Pokot Counties in Kenya.(Complete)

4. Factors Influencing Compliance to Environmental Legislation on Polythene bag ban in Rongai sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya.(Complete)

5.Assessment of the socio-economic factors affecting uptake of biogas technology among rural households in Kuresoi South Sub-County,Nakuru county (On going)

6. An investigation on the social and environmental impacts of sisal plantations in Mogotio Ward, Kenya (On going)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

1. Study of Medicinal plants: Extraction, characterization and Bioassey of compounds from medicinal plants

2. Study of chemical components that couses pollution of the Environment

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

1. J.S. Kebenei, P.K. Ndalut, and C.P. Kiprono. (2004) Larvicidal Activity of myricoidine from Clerodendrum myricoides. Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop., Vol. 18(2) pp 225-227: ISSN 1011-3924

2. Kebenei J.S., Ndalut P.K., and Bett C.K.( 2007). Insecticidal activity of 3-Acetyl Moraldhehyde and Agauriasterone from Agauria salicifolia. Scienctific Research and Essay.Vol. 2 (7) pp 256-258. ISSN 1992-2248

3.Kebenei J.S. (2009). Synergism of Artemsinin with Abyssinone-v from Erythrina Abyssinica against Plasmodium falciparum parasites; A potential anti-malarial combination therapy Doctor of Phylosophy in Chemistry Thesis. Moi University.

4. Kebenei J.S. (2003) “Isolation and characterization of mosquito larvicidal compounds fom clerodendrum myricoides and vernonia amygdaline, Master of Philosophy in Chemistry Thesis, Moi University.

5. Kebenei J. S., Ndalut P.K and Sabar A.O. (2011) Synergism of Artemisinin with Abyssinone-v from Erythrina Abyssinica against Plasmodium falciparum parasites to be submitted to Journal of Natural Medicine Research. Vol 5(8), pp 1355-1360: ISSN 1996-0875

6. Kebenei J. S., Ndalut P.K and Sabar A.O. (2011). Anti-plasmodium activity of Nortrachelogenin from the root bark of Carissa edulis (Valh). International Journal of Applied research in Natiral preoducts Vol. 4 (3), pp 1-5: ISSN 1940-6223

7.Langat B.K., Ngeno V.K., Sulo T.K., Nyangweso P.M. , Korir M.K., Kipsat M.J and Kebenei J.S. (2011). Household food security in a commercialized subsistence econonomy: A case of smallholder tea farmers in Nandi South District, Kenya. Journal of Development and Agricultureal Economics.Vol 3 (5), pp 201-209. ISSN: 2006-9774.

8. Kebenei J. S., Ndalut P.K and Sabar A.O. (2012). Anti-plasmodiun activity of some medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria and synergism of methanolic extract of Carissa edulis (Valh) and artemesia annua. Kabarak Journal of research and Innovation. (KJRI).Vol. 1, pp 129 – 140: ISSN 2305-784X. Http://eserver.kabarak.ac.ke/ojs/

9. Akumu Edwin O, Kebenei Sellah, Anthoney Swamy T and Ngule Christophus Mutuku. (2014). Repellency of Lantana camara leave’s smoke against female Anopheles mosquitoes. International Journal of Bioassays, Vol. 3 (1), pp1695-1698. ISSN: 2278-778X.

10. Joyce J. kiplimo, Denis Chirchir, Brenda Kayoni, Jared Yugi and Kebenei J. Sella (2016). Chemical composition and Larvicidal activity of assential oil of Artemisia pontica. Journal of African Research and Development (J.Afr.Res.Dev.(Kericho)), Vol 1: Issue 1, pp 1-7

11.K.E. Yego, S.Kebenei and A. Sitienei (2018).Community’s Perception towards Adoptation of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in Artisanal Gold Mining within Nandi and West Pokot Counties, Kenya.Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International (JGEESI) Vol. 13 (4), pp 1-7.ISSN: 2454-7352

12. Yego. K. E., Kebenei. S., Cheserek. G. And Sitienei.(2018). Impacts of Organizational Dynamics in Artisanal gold mining on Community Livelihoods:

Case of Nandi County, Kenya. Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation (KJRI). Vol 5, No. 2; pp 89-99. ISSN 2305-784X (print) or ISSN 2410-8383 (online). Http://eserver.kabarak.ac.ke/ojs/

13. Yego. K. E., Kebenei. S., Cheserek. G. And Sitienei.(2018). Nexus between Artisanal Gold Mining and Community Livelihood in Nandi and West Pokot Mining Regions, Kenya. Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation (KJRI). Vol.6, No. 1;

pp 68-78. ISSN 2305 – 784X (Print) & ISSN 2410 – 8383(online). Http://eserver.kabarak.ac.ke/ojs/

14. Victor Kipkemboi Koros, Jackson J. Kitetu and Sellah. J. Kebenei. ( 2019). Influence of polythene Bag Alternatives on Compliance to Environmental Legislation on Polythene Bags Ban In Rongai Sub – County, Nakuru County, Kenya. Open Access Library Journal. Vol. 6, e5848.pp 1-10, ISSN (Online): 2333-9721 & ISSN (Print): 2333-9705.

15. Judith Chebwogen, Christopher Maghanga, Mghendi Mwamburi, Munyati Onesmus, Sylvester Hatwaambo and Sellah Kebenei (2019), Optical Characterization of Co:ZnO Films Fabricated by Anodization for Photocatalytic Water Purification. Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation (KJRI). Vol.8, No. 1; pp 1-7. ISSN 2305 – 784X (Print) & ISSN 2410 – 8383(online). Http://eserver.kabarak.ac.ke/ojs/

16. Akumu Edwin Otieno and Kebenei. J. Sellah (2019). Rapid Detection of floride in potable water using a novel Fluorogenic compound 7-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-3-cyano-4-methylcoumarin. Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation (KJRI). Vol.8, No. 1; pp 33-38. ISSN 2305 – 784X (Print) & ISSN 2410 – 8383(online). Http://eserver.kabarak.ac.ke/ojs/

17. Kebenei. J. Sellah and Akumu E. Otieno (2019). Effects of Solvent polarity on the absorption and fluorenscence spectra of 3-cyano-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin:Determination of Dipole moments. Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation (KJRI). Vol. 8, No. 1; pp 65-71. ISSN 2305 – 784X (Print) & ISSN 2410 – 8383(online). Http://eserver.kabarak.ac.ke/ojs/

18. Yego, E. and Kebenei. S. (2020). Evaluation of selected heavy metals on the artisanal gold mining sites in North Rift Region, Kenya. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, Vol.10, No.6, 2020. ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online): www.iiste.org.

19. Kurere, G.K; Michura, E. G. and Kebenei,S. (2024). Socio-Economic Factors. Influencing Biogas Technology Uptake among Rural Households in Kuresoi South Sub County, Nakuru County. Merit Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Sciences, Vol. 12(2) pp. 022-030, ISSN 2350-2274. (Online), http://meritresearchjournals.org/asss/index.htm, DOI:10.5281/zenodo.14055759

20. Nyandika, A., Nyawere, P., & Kebenei, S. (2025). First Principles Study of the Elastic Properties and Phonon Dispersion of Niobium Tin. Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation, 14(3), 304-312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58216/kjri.v14i3.480

21. Jackline C. Kiptui, Sellah Kebenei, and Edna Koskei, (2025). Assessment of the Impacts of Sisal Processing Industries on Water Resources in Rongai Sub – County, Kenya. Merit Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology, Vol. 9(1) pp.001-014, ISSN 2350-2266. (Online) http://www.meritresearchjournals.org/est/index.htm, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.15367122

CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES & PRESENTATION OF PAPERS

1. A paper on ‘Larvicidal activity of Marcrocyclic spermidine Alkaloid from Clerodendrum myricoidse’ – during the Kenya chemical society seminar at Egerton University. October 2003.

2. A paper on ‘Insecticidal activity of 3-Acetyl Moraldhehyde and Agauriasterone from Agauria salicifolia’- During NAPRECA SYMPOSIUM held at Kampala-Uganda. July 2007

3. A paper on “Anti-plasmodium activity of Nortrachelogenin from the root bark of Carissa edulis”Kabarak University First International Conference, November 2011.

4. A paper on Anti-plasmodiun activity of some medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria and synergism of methanolic extract of Carissa edulis (Valh and artemesia annua. At Kabarak University 2^nd International Conference, November 2012

5.A paper on Influence of polythene Bag Alternatives on Compliance to Environmental Legislation on Polythene Bags Ban In Rongai Sub – County, Nakuru County, Kenya. At Kabarak University International Conference, September 2019.

6. Rapid Detection of floride in potable water using a novel Fluorogenic compound 7-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-3-cyano-4-methylcoumarin. Kenya. At Kabarak University International Conference, September 2019.

7. Optical Characterization of Co:ZnO Films Fabricated by Anodization for Photocatalytic Water Purification Kenya. At Kabarak University International Conference, September 2019.

8. Participated in MWONGOZO Induction Programme for Board of Directors of State corporations from 12^th – 14^th November 2015 at Mombasa Continental Resort Mombasa

9. Attended the Africa Energy Forum at Copenhagen, Denmark from 11^th July – 15th 2017 and presented a paper on Energy Regulation in Kenya.

10. Attended Power Week Africa workshop & Conference held on 10^th to 14th

September 2018 at the Capital On-The-Park Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa.

11. Attended the Africa Energy Forum at Lisbon, Portugal from 3^rd June to 7th June 2019.

12. Kabarak University 9^th International Conference, September 2019 and three papers were presented (see above on paper Presentation).

13.Ab initio computational study of electronic structure and effect of applied pressure on superconducting properties of Nb3Sn and Ti;Nb3Sn at 14^th Kabarak University International Conference, July 2024.

14. Effectiveness of mini-grids powered by solar in enhancing economic and community livelihood in Turkana central. at 14^th Kabarak University International Conference, July 2024.

HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS

1986 : AWARD

Royal Society of ChemistryAward (U.K), for being the best female chemistry student at the University of Nairobi

RESEARCH GRANDS

Awarded 500,000 (five hundred thousand) research grand by Kabarak Univerity in February 2019 for the study “Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Phthalocyanine derivatives for rapid Fluoride Detection based on TBAF- promoted Desilyations’.
Awarded Kshs 394,000 (three hundred and ninety four shillings) research grand by Kabarak University in February 2019 for the study ‘Fabrication and Characterization of Anodized Zinc for Photovoltaic Application’.

TEACHING AREAS

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - BOTH UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY - BOTH UNDER & POST GRADUATE

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - BOTH UNDER & POST GRADUATE

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY - BOTH UNDER & POST GRADUATE

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - UNDERGRADUATE ONLY

POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION

Masters Level:

2018 – 2019: SUPERVISOR OF MASTERS STUDENT:

Victor Kipkemboi Koross, Reg. No. GMEN/NE/0206/01/18 did Masters in Environmental Science of Kabarak University.Research Project title:

Factors Influencing Compliance to Environmental Legislation on Polythene bag ban in Rongai sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya. -graduated on 20^th December 2019.

ONGOING SUPERVISION

2. GYPSON KIPKORIR KURERE GMEN/NE/3142/09/18

Research Title:

Assessment of the Socio-Economic factors affecting uptake of biogas technology among rural households in Kuresoi South Sub-County,Nakuru County-

(Defended Thesis & passed to graduate in DEC 2025)

3. JACKLINE CHELIMO KIPTUI: GMEN/NE/0063/01/20

Research Title:

Scio-Economic and Environmental effects of sisal processing industries in Rongai Sub-County, kenya.(Submitted thesis for examination)

4. NYANDIKA ABIGAEL NYANGARISA: Reg. No GMP/M/0679/05/22

Research Project title:

First Principles Study of the Elastic Properties and Phonon Dispersion of Niobium Tin.(Defended thesis and passed to graduate in Dec 2025).

PhD Level:

2013 to 2017: SUPERVISOR OF PH.D STUDENT;

Eliud yego- Reg. No. GDE/1170/09/12 did Ph.D. in Environmental science of kabarak University.

Thesis Title: Dynamics in Artisanal Gold Mining and its Impact on Community Livelihoods and the Environment : A case Study of Nandi and West Pokot

Counties in Kenya. Graduated on 22nd December 2017.

MEMBERSHIP / ASSOCIATION

1. Chemical Society of Kenya

2. NAPRECA - Natural Product Research network for EAST And CENTRAL AFRICA

Our Moral Code

As members of Kabarak University family, we purpose at all times and in all places, to set apart in one’s heart, Jesus as Lord. (1 Peter 3:15)