Dean's Office – SAEES
School of Agricultural, Earth & Environmental Sciences
Office of the Dean
Dr. Anne (Ann) Kelly Kambura
Dean, School of Agricultural, Earth & Environmental Sciences
PhD, MSc, BSc - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Profile Summary
Dr. Anne Kelly Kambura is a Kenyan academic, researcher, and environmental scientist specializing in agricultural sciences, biotechnology, and environmental microbiology. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Dr. Kambura currently serves as the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences at Taita Taveta University. Before her appointment as Dean in 2025, she served as a Senior Lecturer and researcher at the university and has been involved in teaching and academic mentorship since joining the institution in 2015.
With over 15 years of experience in agricultural sciences, biotechnology, and environmental management, Dr. Kambura has built a strong academic and research career focusing on the role of microorganisms in agriculture and ecosystems. Her research interests include soil microbiology, environmental microbiology, microbial diversity, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Kambura has published more than 30 research papers in international peer-reviewed journals, contributing significantly to studies on soil microbiomes, microbial ecology, and the interaction between microorganisms and agricultural ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa. Her work explores how microbial communities influence soil health, agricultural productivity, and climate-resilient farming systems.
Research Interests
Research Publications
Published more than 30 research papers in international peer-reviewed journals on soil microbiomes, microbial ecology, and agricultural ecosystems.
Laboratory Development
Played a major role in establishing molecular biology laboratories and banana tissue culture laboratories to enhance scientific research and agricultural biotechnology.
International Collaborations
Actively involved in international collaborative research projects and scientific networks addressing climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems.
Research Funding
Successfully mobilized research funding through competitive grants from organizations including the National Research Fund (Kenya), USAID, the Swiss Development Cooperation, the Franklinia Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.
Academic Mentorship
A dedicated academic mentor, Dr. Kambura has supervised several Master's and PhD students, guiding research in microbial ecology, agriculture, and environmental science. Through her teaching, research, and leadership roles, she continues to contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and scientific innovation in Kenya and beyond.
Ongoing Research Projects
TAITARICE
Assessment of Select Rice Varieties for Smallholder Farming Systems in the Wetlands and Highlands of Taita-Taveta County
TAITABANANAS
An integrated Agri-energy system for sustainable banana farming for improved livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya
Climate Smart Technologies
Climate Smart Technologies for Restoration of Degraded ASALs and Enhancement of Communities Resilience in South Eastern Kenya
Soil Fertility Management
Validating Integrated Soil Fertility Management Technologies for Improved Food, Nutrition Security and Livelihoods
Beef Cattle Finishing
Towards a Sustainable Beef Cattle Finishing System for Kenya: use of Molasses-urea mineral block as feed supplement
Taita Smartland Project
Integrated land management for sustainable agricultural development
AgroPV Project
Integrating solar energy with agricultural production
African Soil Microbiome
Understanding soil microbial communities for improved crop production
Alternative Energy – Biogas
Biogas production from agricultural waste for sustainable energy