Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

Dr. Benard Ouna
Ag. Chairperson of Department

Message from the Chairperson

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, housed within the School of Science and Applied Technology at Laikipia University. The department offers two primary programs: Chemistry and Biochemistry, backed by two well-equipped, spacious laboratory facilities.

Our core training spans Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Driven by dedicated and highly qualified staff across diverse scientific specializations, we actively implement the University's mission through impactful research, international conference dissemination, and practical internal production initiatives like our soap and detergent income-generating projects.

Academic Programmes Hosted

  • Bachelor of Science 
    Combinations include: Physics, Botany/Zoology, Chemistry, and Mathematics
  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
  • Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology

Inter-Departmental Service Lines

The department services critical professional chemistry units to foundational science frameworks across the university:

  • Bachelor of Education (B.Ed. Science)
  • Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Technology (BMED)
  • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (AGEC)
  • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension (AGED)

B.Sc. Curricular Combinations

We feature highly customizable subject pathways designed for specific scientific focus:

• Chemistry / Botany
• Chemistry / Zoology
• Chemistry / Mathematics
• Chemistry / Physics
• Botany / Zoology
• Double Math / Biology
• Double Math / Chemistry
• Mathematics / Physics

Our location creates a major academic catchment zone serving students from the upper Rift Valley, North Eastern, and Eastern regions of Kenya.

Opportunities for Graduates

Our Bachelor of Science curriculum is tailored to develop professionals with robust theoretical knowledge and practical experimental competencies. We prioritize innovation and creativity, enabling graduates to redefine roles in traditional chemical fields or establish self-reliant enterprises.

Equipped with numerical, quantitative, and advanced analytical skills, our versatile graduates are highly sought after by manufacturing industries, analytical laboratories, research institutes, academia, financial auditing firms, and banking sectors. Common professional pathways include:

• Industrial Chemist / Analyst
• Molecular Biochemist
• Academic & Scientific Researcher
• Lab Technologist / Technician
• Research Assistant
• Data & Numerical Analyst

Academic Faculty

  • Prof. Charles Nguta
  • Dr. Benard Ouna
  • Dr. Emily Cheshari
  • Dr. Esther Kinuthia

Department Contact

Email: chemistry@laikipia.ac.ke