Dr. Elijah Heka Kamau is a Lecturer in the Department of Foods, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences and serves as the Coordinator of the Outreach and International Students' Centre at the University of Eldoret. He is an accomplished Food Scientist and Nutrition Specialist with extensive experience in teaching, research, innovation, community engagement, and university leadership. His work focuses on translating scientific research into practical solutions that improve food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural development.
Dr. Kamau holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Food Science and Nutrition from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Science in Community Nutrition from the University of Eldoret, and a First Class Honours Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition from Moi University. His doctoral research investigated the nutritional composition, phytochemical properties, and antimicrobial potential of African nightshade berries, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on indigenous African foods.
His research interests include food science and technology, community nutrition, functional foods, indigenous food systems, food security, value addition, post-harvest technologies, food quality and safety, research commercialization, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable agri-food systems. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at national and international scientific conferences.
As Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Kamau provides strategic leadership in university-community engagement by coordinating stakeholder partnerships, technology transfer, farmer and youth capacity-building programmes, business incubation, research commercialization, and outreach projects that enhance the University's societal impact. He has successfully led collaborations with county governments, development partners, industry, and community organizations to promote innovation and sustainable development.
Dr. Kamau teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Food Science and Nutrition, supervises graduate research, mentors young scientists, and actively contributes to curriculum development and academic quality assurance. He has also served in several university leadership roles, including Curriculum Coordinator, ODeL Coordinator, Examinations and Timetable Coordinator, and member of various institutional committees on innovation, partnerships, curriculum development, and strategic marketing.
Committed to excellence in scholarship, innovation, and public service, Dr. Kamau continues to advance interdisciplinary research, strengthen university-industry-community partnerships, and mentor the next generation of professionals dedicated to improving food systems and nutrition in Kenya and beyond.