Director
Dr. Mercy Wambui Phd
Dr. Mercy Wambui is a director at [Pymminovate Connect Limited], providing strategic leadership at the intersection of scientific research, innovation development, and impact-driven commercialization. She brings extensive experience in Plant Biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, and applied research across academic institutions, international research centers, and regulated laboratory environments.
Her professional work has focused on translating research outputs into practical, scalable solutions that address agricultural productivity, plant health, and food system resilience. Dr. Wambui has led and supported the development, validation, and deployment of diagnostic technologies, tissue culture systems, and crop improvement innovations, working closely with researchers and innovators to advance technologies from proof-of-concept to field and market readiness. As a director, she plays a key role in guiding research-to-impact pathways, supporting innovators in technology validation and adoption, and ensuring that donor-funded research and innovation initiatives deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes. She is deeply committed to strengthening partnerships between researchers, innovators, and funders to unlock the full societal and commercial value of scientific innovation.
CEO
Perez Makoude - CEO
Perez is an accomplished professional with a diverse background encompassing academia, scientific research, medical regulatory affairs, and business analytics. She holds advanced degrees in Biology and Business Studies and, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, equipping her with a robust interdisciplinary approach to her work.
She has over a decade of experience in higher education, as a Biology Lecturer. She has previously served as a lecturer at the Presbyterian University of East Africa for seven years. Currently, she is at Maasai Mara University. Her research expertise lies in Molecular Biology and Seed science, with significant contributions made during her tenure at the Leiden Institute of Biology in the Netherlands. There, she developed rapid screening methods for gene function in tomatoes.
In addition to her academic achievements, Perez has experience in medical regulatory affairs. She worked at Evka Consultz limited managing product registrations for vaccines, medical devices, and food supplements both in Kenya and East Africa. Her international business expertise was further honed during her time as a Business Analyst and outreach intern for a start-up company in the Netherlands, where she developed insights into global market intelligence.
Scientist
Dr. Margaret A. Odeph
Dr. Margaret A. Odeph is a Kenyan scientist and educator specializing in microbiology, biotechnology, and plant pathology, with a focus on food safety and crop disease management. Her research spans molecular characterization of fungi, biocontrol strategies, and socio-economic impacts of plant pathogens, particularly finger millet blast disease in Kenya. Selected Publications Odeph, M., Kavoo, A., Mweu, C., Mbinda, W. (2021). Identification and characterization of fungal species associated with Pyricularia oryzae in Kenyan finger millet. Journal of Plant Pathology. Mbinda, W., Kavoo, A., Maina, F., Odeph, M. (2021). Farmers’ knowledge and perception of finger millet blast disease and its control practices in Western Kenya. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience.’ Odeph, M. et al. (2020). Occurrence, distribution, and severity of finger millet blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae in Kenya. African Journal of Plant Science. Odeph, M., Qian, Y., Phiri, J. (2012). Preliminary assessment of Chaetomium cupreum antifungal potential in plant disease control. Proceedings of International Conference on Agricultural Engineering. Odeph, M., Qian, Y., Phiri, J. (2011). Molecular cloning of ERG2 gene to effect knockdown in Chaetomium cupreum. IB2COM Conference Proceedings. Fan, J. X., Odeph, M. et al. (2011). Heterologous expression of transaldolase gene Tal from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Fusarium oxysporum for enhanced bioethanol production. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Odeph, M. et al. (2013). Protective effect of Eplt4 proteinaceous elicitor against soybean leaf infections. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Research Theme: Plant disease epidemiology and socio-economic impact. Molecular characterization of fungi and biocontrol gene expression. Antimicrobial activity of soil actinomycetes. Biotechnology innovations for sustainable agriculture.
Advisor
Yvonne Moraa
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya