A renowned scholar and recipient of many awards both locally and internationally for his archetypal services, Prof Ratemo Michieka is the current chair of Africa Union’s African Scientific, Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC). He is also staff member at the University of Nairobi and has specialized in Agriculture (Weed Science) and Environmental Sciences.  He has done extensive research in Weed Science, with special emphasis on appropriate management systems, water conservation and food security. His previous studies in testing of herbicides assisted in the recommendations of various weed control methods to farmers in East Africa and beyond. Similarly, he is a strong proponent of using safe pest control management systems to avoid environmental pollution. 

Michieka, who is a member of several national and international organizations, holds vast knowledge of African countries and was involved in the renaissance of the Inter University Council of East Africa, the establishment of the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) and has worked as an external examiner in the region. He was the Founding Vice Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) where he served for 13 years. He was thereafter 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 the Environment. A strong advocate of Kenya’s environmental conservation and food security ideals, Michieka has, as a scholar, made considerable impression to young scientists in the promotion of science and technology in East Africa. He has published extensively in local and international journals, written books; one touching on the taxonomy of East African Weeds which is translated in Swahili, his autobiography, a monograph and edited the annual proceedings of the East African Weed Society in the 80’s and the 90’s.

Prof Ratemo Michieka holds a PhD in Weed Science and Environment from Rutgers University, USA, where he also obtained his MA and BSc.