Aspiring researchers in animal-based research drawn from KEMRI, KIPRE, JKUAT and PAUSTI have undergone specialised coaching on the moral dealing with and use of laboratory animals, aimed toward selling accountable and compliant analysis practices.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), via its Small Animal Facility for Research and Innovation (SAFARI), performed the two-day coaching on April 16–17, 2026, equipping individuals with important expertise in animal care, regulatory compliance, and analysis ethics.
The coaching was led by JKUAT professional Dr. Amos Mbugua, who serves as Chairperson of the University’s Medical Laboratory Science and Ethics Review Committee.
He urged researchers to obviously outline the scope of their research to optimize animal use by choosing solely the required quantity required to attain dependable outcomes.
Dr. Mbugua highlighted the important function of rodents in scientific analysis, noting that mice share roughly 99 per cent of their genetic composition with people, making them extremely appropriate for experimental research in human genetics.
He revealed that whereas non-human primates provide nearer organic similarities, their use is usually restricted by excessive prices and logistical challenges.
He suggested researchers to conduct preliminary research utilizing rodents earlier than progressing to primates the place needed.
Participants had been additionally skilled on the regulatory frameworks governing the use of laboratory animals, together with compliance necessities overseen by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI).
Dr. Mbugua emphasised that correct dealing with of laboratory animals is important for guaranteeing the validity of analysis findings, urging individuals to strictly adhere to biosecurity and biosafety protocols to guard each researchers and surrounding communities.
Cleopatra Wangeci, a JKUAT Master’s pupil in Human Anatomy, famous that the coaching had enhanced her understanding of analysis planning.
“I have learnt the importance of clearly defining the nature of my research before selecting the appropriate laboratory animal and method,” she stated.
Dr. John Kagira, Dean of the School of Natural Resources and Animal Sciences (SONRAS), performed sensible periods on laboratory animal dealing with.
He underscored the significance of sustaining clear and applicable enclosures, advising researchers to copy pure habitats to help animal welfare and pure habits.
He additional inspired the use of non-invasive strategies wherever attainable and emphasised that any invasive procedures should be absolutely justified.
He cautioned in opposition to the re-use of animals in analysis and famous that these experiencing misery needs to be humanely euthanized.
Prof. Mutinda Kyama, one of the trainers, guided individuals on moral and humane strategies of euthanasia, noting that adherence to moral requirements is more and more a important consideration within the publication of scientific analysis.
The coaching additionally featured a tour of the SAFARI facility, the place individuals noticed animal housing methods and acquired sensible demonstrations on secure dealing with methods, identification and tagging, blood assortment procedures, anesthesia restoration, and preoperative care.
