KENYA – Empowering Scientific Collaboration for Researchers in Biochemistry.
Biochemistry and Biotechnology Professionals Society of Kenya (BBPSK), formerly known as the Biochemical Society of Kenya (BSK), is the leading association for scientists specializing in biochemistry, biotechnology, synthetic biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics. Since its relaunch in 2019, BBPSK has remained dedicated to advancing these broader fields for the benefit of humanity and the planet.
In an interview with Healthcare Middle East and Africa Magazine, Dr. Patrick Okanya, the chairperson of BBPSK, provided further insights into the association.
HCMEA: We’re delighted to have you here for this interview. Before we dive into the association, could you please take a moment to introduce yourself?
OKANYA: I’m a biochemist by profession. I completed my undergraduate studies in biochemistry and chemistry and pursued my master’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Nairobi. Later, I obtained my Ph.D. from the University of Saarland in Germany, focusing on research in microbial drugs. Upon returning to Kenya, I joined the Technical University of Kenya, where I currently serve as a senior lecturer in biochemistry.
HCMEA: What kind of person are you, and what personal values have enabled you to take on leadership roles in the association?
OKANYA: I consider myself a people person who values transparency and honesty. When it comes to leadership, I think I am gifted because I started being a leader in primary school where I was a class prefect and later a headboy. In my first year in high school, I was a class prefect and later the hall prefect. I was also a head boy in high school.
As an undergraduate, I was a member of the Student Organization of Nairobi University (SONU) and the Chiromo campus congressperson. Leadership qualities have been following me somehow. Most of the time I don’t even put much effort in campaigning but get nominated, maybe it is because of how I carry myself out.
HCMEA: That sounds like a compelling mission. Can you provide an overview of the association, including its origins and key management roles and their responsibilities?
OKANYA: The Biochemical Society of Kenya (BSK), which evolved into BBPSK, was established in 1986 at the University of Nairobi for biochemists engaged in research and teaching, reflecting the limited scope of the field at the time, as only the University of Nairobi offered biochemistry courses.
As time progressed, related disciplines like Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics emerged as independent fields. This evolution led to a pivotal meeting where the decision to expand beyond biochemistry alone was made, resulting in the birth of BBPSK. The society was officially registered in 2019 under the Societies Act of the Laws of Kenya, with the late Ms. Lucy Kariuki serving as our founding chair.
BBPSK is affiliated with the Federation of African Societies of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (FASBMB), which in turn is under the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB).
Our organization comprises several key positions: chairperson (myself), vice chair, secretary-general, organizing secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, legal advisor, and digital and communication director.
The chairperson’s primary role is to preside over all meetings, with the vice chair assuming this responsibility when needed. The secretary-general manages meeting minutes and issues memos for meeting notifications. The organizing secretary represents us at workshops and conferences, while the treasurer oversees financial matters.
To enhance our outreach efforts, we recently appointed a digital communication director with an IT background. This director maintains our website and ensures that our social media platforms (including Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp) remain active and engaging.
HCMEA: How does one become a member of BBPSK, and what are the membership requirements?
OKANYA: We draw most of our members from academic institutions that offer biochemistry, biotechnology, and biomedical sciences. We have chatter representatives in public universities but in private universities, we have members only.
We also have members from research organizations like Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) since they have recruited biotechnologies and biochemists.
Others are from related industries, like the pharmaceutical industries and the chemical industries, or those that supply reagents and equipment that have done Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry.
HCMEA: How did you personally join the association and eventually rise to its leadership?
OKANYA: Having a background in Biochemistry, I wanted to fit where my peers are. So, I joined BSK while doing my undergraduate at the University of Nairobi. We used to have opportunities to present our work through poster presentations, have networking opportunities, and be in the company of our peers and it was a good anchor for the job market since we knew someone.
It was also through the society that I did my master’s and Ph.D. I was an active member when it was being registered and that’s how I got elected as a vice chairperson and after the passing on of the founding chairperson, Madam Lucy Kariuki, the constitution allowed me to proceed as the chairperson of the association.
HCMEA: What pivotal role does the association play in advancing the healthcare sector?
OKANYA: Biochemists and biotechnologists contribute significantly to healthcare by conducting research that informs disease management strategies. For instance, we research about a disease and how it can be managed. What is the causative agent, is it a virus or a bacterium? How does this bacteria or virus behave? What is the life cycle?
Once we know that, we come up with mitigation measures of what point in the lifecycle to kill it and if we are going to use a drug or produce a vaccine. It’s not just about the theory, we want to get solutions for the theory that is learned in class by providing either products in the form of medicine or vaccines or information that can guide policy.
HCMEA: What core values and strategies have driven the association’s growth?
OKANYA: There are several things that we are doing that have product strategy one being the IT. We actively engage with our members through social media platforms, where we promote opportunities such as scholarships and workshops for undergraduates. Additionally, we run a robust mentorship program pairing students with industry professionals who guide them in areas like writing motivational letters, crafting CVs, and applying for scholarships.
Transparency and honesty are foundational values in all our activities. We prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and gender sensitivity, ensuring active participation from undergraduates to professors. Our online membership recruitment drive has also been instrumental in expanding our reach and engagement. This combination of innovative strategies and values has been pivotal in propelling our association’s growth and impact.
HCMEA: What services does BBPSK provide to its members?
OKANYA: We provide diverse platforms for sharing scientific findings, including webinars and conferences. When our members conduct research on topical issues, they have opportunities to present their work through webinars on platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. Additionally, we organize physical workshops and conferences where members can network, collaborate, and write joint grant proposals to secure funding from specific donors.
Furthermore, we actively promote research and training programs in biochemistry and related fields through collaborations with national and international scientific bodies. We prioritize maintaining research links with professionals in biochemistry and related disciplines across Africa and beyond.
For our members seeking employment opportunities, we offer support such as recommendation letters and participation in our mentorship program. Through this program, students are paired with professional mentors who provide guidance and support in various aspects of career development.
HCMEA: In time where adoption of technology is rampant in all and every sector, how can technology promote innovation in your profession?
OKANYA: Technology supports curriculum development and provides access to emerging scientific trends. We leverage online platforms to disseminate information about new technologies and organize educational events for our members.
HCMEA: Shifting to another area that has garnered global attention, what sustainability concerns does the association address?
OKANYA: In Kenya, financial sustainability is crucial, given challenges like rising taxes. For instance, a member could have a very brilliant idea that would help us but when it comes to implementing, finances become a challenge. To make sure we don’t lose our members, we’ve come up with easy solutions. We implement cost-effective measures to maintain membership and offer subsidized rates for workshops and conferences.
HCMEA: What key challenges has the association faced, and how have you overcome them?
OKANYA: One challenge we faced was a leadership gap after losing our founding chair in 2022. Additionally, our association is fully registered within the Attorney General’s (AG) chambers but has not yet been passed and enacted by an act of Parliament of Kenya.
The delay in parliamentary approval poses several challenges. It impedes individuals who have studied biochemistry or biotechnology from enrolling as members, and it may become a requirement for practitioners to obtain a license from us before commencing their practice.
Passing the act of Parliament is crucial for our association to receive government backing and support. It would provide the necessary regulatory framework for us to champion initiatives related to our field, such as research funding or establishing new facilities. Having governmental support ensures that we have the resources and authority needed to carry out our activities effectively.
HCMEA: So, you mean you may need a regulatory body established by the government to oversee this profession?
OKANYA: Yes, that is the direction we aim to take over time. It’s not an easy path; the founders of BSK attempted it, but it didn’t work out. However, that doesn’t mean we should give up. It’s crucial, especially now, to unite all professionals within our society under one umbrella to speak with one voice and gain strength in numbers.
When the government supports an association, it can effectively regulate it. This support would enable us to implement initiatives that benefit our country. It would also provide funding and licenses to establish pharmaceutical industries, start drug or vaccine production, and develop other products based on our profession. Achieving this would significantly contribute to the growth of our association.
HCMEA: In what other ways can the government support your industry?
OKANYA: The government can support small entrepreneurs and innovators with incentives, capital, and licensing to scale up production. We also encourage government support for biotechnology startup industries, particularly in drug or vaccine manufacturing, where biochemists and biotechnologists can actively contribute to innovation and development.
HCMEA: Apart from government support, have you explored other types of partnerships?
OKANYA: Absolutely. We are actively seeking partners and collaborators to sponsor our workshops and facilitate our planned activities through exhibits. While having good ideas is important, implementation often requires financial support. To overcome this challenge and sustain our activities, we recognize the need to form multiple partnerships.
Furthermore, we aim to expand our reach regionally through peer-to-peer collaborations. For instance, we supervise students working on research topics aligned with our interests in neighboring countries like Tanzania and Uganda.
HCMEA: You mentioned expanding regionally; are there similar associations in neighboring countries?
OKANYA: BBPSK is currently the only active society of biochemists in East Africa. However, we are actively engaging with professionals from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi to establish similar associations. Although many African societies in the past have become inactive, we aim to revive and strengthen regional collaboration.
This year, we are organizing a congress in Nairobi, thanks to the Federation of African Societies of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (FASBNB), to engage professionals from these countries and emphasize the importance of active professional societies in biomedical sciences.
Additionally, we have partnered with the Pan-African University of Science and Technology Innovation (PAUSTI) based at JKUAT. Their students from across Africa are registering with our association, and we aim for them to champion similar associations in their home countries.
HCMEA: What are the association’s plans for the next five years?
OKANYA: Over the next five years, BBPSK plans to introduce certificates and tokens of appreciation for professors who volunteer as mentors and participants in our workshops and conferences. We are also exploring ways to recognize and reward our most active members contributing significantly to our association’s growth.
Moreover, we are advocating for improvements in university curricula to meet current needs. Additionally, we plan to launch more webinars on topical and emerging technologies and host an annual conference to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration within the biochemistry and biotechnology community.
This feature appeared in the APRIL-JUNE 2024 edition of Healthcare Middle East & Africa magazine. You can access the full digital magazine HERE.
