The Taita Taveta University Management Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anne Kelly Kambura as the Dean, School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Dr. Kambura, a distinguished scholar and seasoned academic leader with over 15 years of experience in agricultural sciences, biotechnology, and environmental management. She brings a wealth of experience in microbial research, diagnostics, biotechnology, environmental science, industry, and agriculture and project management.
Her leadership track record demonstrates strength in curriculum development, postgraduate mentorship, multidisciplinary research, grant acquisition, and strategic partnerships that have advanced both the university and the wider community.
Her research interests lie in soil and environmental microbiology, with a focus on the diversity, structure, and ecological dynamics of microbial communities in agricultural and forest ecosystems. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing over 30 publications, including studies on soil microbiomes in forest ecosystems, biogeographical surveys of soils across sub-Saharan Africa, and microbial responses to organic and conventional farming systems. Her work continues to illuminate the role of microorganisms in driving sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
Beyond research, Dr. Kambura has spearheaded initiatives to establish cutting-edge facilities at TTU, including the Banana Tissue Culture and the Molecular Biology Laboratory. She has also successfully mobilized resources through competitive collaborative grants from organizations such as the National Research Fund (Kenya), USAID, the Swiss Development Cooperation, Franklinia Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health, among others.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Kambura has supervised multiple MSc and PhD students to completion and continues to guide the next generation of scientists. Her collaborative projects span local, regional, and international networks, advancing innovations in climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, seed systems, and green enterprises as she continues to explore the intricate relationships between microorganisms and their environments.
As Dean, Dr. Kambura envisions positioning SAEES as a flagship school for climate-resilient innovations, agrobiodiversity conservation, and sustainable green enterprises. She is committed to strengthening the school’s role in spearheading national and regional priorities in food security, environmental stewardship, and community transformation.
We warmly welcome Dr. Kambura to her new role and look forward to the continued growth, excellence, and impact of the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences.