: Analytical, Natural Products and Environmental Chemistry
Policy Briefs
2024: National Strategy and Action Plan for Sustainable Commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and Services in Kenya
Journal Papers
Chiteva, R., Onyari, J.M., Njenga, L.W., Madadi, V.O. (2023). Physical and nutritional properties of Syzygium cuminii (L.) skeels fruits grown in varied microclimates in Kenya. African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 17(1): 1 – 9.
Chiteva, R., Onyari, J.M., Njenga, L.W., Madadi, V.O. (2023). Effect of Soil Properties on the Physical and Nutritional Content of Syzygium Fruits. Africa Journal of Physical Sciences, 7: 1-30.
Chiteva, R., and Mayunzu, O. (2022). Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) for Manufacture of aloe bitter gum. Guideline, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Nairobi, Kenya
Chiteva, R. Mayunzu, O., Lukibisi, M., and Wachira, N. (2016). Enhancing Community Livelihoods through Nature Based Enterprises: the Case of Matinyani women group, Kitui, Kenya. Environment and Ecology Research 4(1): 30 – 35.
Chiteva, R., Yenesew, A., Chikamai, B., and Wanjohi, J. (2013). Phytochemical Investigation of Resins from Commiphora holtziana. International Jounal of Current Research, 5(7): 1791 - 1793
Chiteva, R., and Wairagu, N. (2013). Chemical and Nutritional Content of Opuntia ficus – indica (L.). Africa Journal of Biotechnology, 12(21): 3309 – 3312.
K. W. Mukonyi*., V. O. Oeba., R. Chiteva., J. Lelon and M. W. Gathara. (2011). Germination and growth performance of Aloe turkanensis and Aloe secundflora under different substrates. Afric. J. Agric. Res. 6(10) : 2132-2138.
Books
Chiteva, R., and L. Kituyi (2011). Chemical and Nutritive Content of Tamarind Fruits from Ukambani, Kenya. Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany. 49p. ISBN 978-3-8473-2164-4
Mukonyi, K. W., R. Chiteva., Oeba, V. O., Lelon, J. K., and Gathara, M. W. (2008). Germination and growth performance of Aloe turkanensis and Aloe secundiflora under different substrates. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Guidelines for growing Aloes. Print Maxim, Nairobi, Kenya.
Conferences/Seminars/Workshops
Chiteva, R., and Lukibisi, M. (2017). Determination of ascorbic acid in Syzigium cordatum fruits using HPLC with UV detection. A paper presented under the theme “Development in Analytical Chemistry” during the Lab Africa Conference at the Ticketpro Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg, South Africa. 16 – 17th august, 2017.
Chiteva, R., and Maitha N. (2017). Eucle divinorum dye: A potential media for Non – Timber Forest Products for a greener future. A paper presented during the International Union of Forestry Research Organizations (IUFRO) Conference in Vancouver, Canada. 12 – 16th June, 2017.
Chiteva, R., Wachira, N., Oduor, N., and Mauta, W. (2013). Reviewing Croton Megalocarpus Seed oil as a Potential Source of Biofuel in Kenya. A paper presented during the Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN) Congress on Sustainability in Africa: Energy, Water and waste. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 3 – 5th December, 2013.
Chiteva, R., Lelon, J., Chankwony, M., and Oyier, J. Rehabilitation of a Degraded Rangeland using Aloes in Mukogodo Laikipia County, Kenya. A paper presented during the National Conference on Sustainable land Management: Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management in Agro – pastoral production systems of Kenya at The Great Rift valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Naivasha, Kenya. 25th – 29th November, 2013.
Chiteva, R., Mayunzu, O., Lukibisi, M., Wairagu, N., and Balla, P. Vitex payos: Improving Community Livelihoods through Value Addition and Enterprise Development. A paper presented during the International symposium on Tree Product value chains in Africa. Yaoundé, Cameroon.23 – 28th November, 2012
Chiteva, R. (2011). Climate Change in Kenya. A Paper presented during the Food Security Fellowship at the University of Colorado, Denver, U. S. A.
Chiteva, R. (2010). The Nutritional Value of some Indigenous Fruits in the Dry lands of Kenya. A paper presented during the International Conference on Pure and Applied Chemistry (ICPAC), La Plantation Hotel and Spa, Mauritius Island.
Chiteva, R. (2010). Linking Aloe Producers to the Industry; KEFRI’s Role. A paper Presented at the KEFRI – NALEP Workshop on Linking Aloe Producers to the Industry, held at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) - Marigat.
Chiteva, R., Shanda, R., and Lukibisi, M. (2009). Processing of Indigenous Fruits found in the Dry lands of Kenya. A Paper Presented at the KEFRI – NALEP TOT at KEFRI Kitui.
Chiteva, R. (2009). Phytochemical investigation of Resins from Commiphora holtziana in Kenya. A paper presented during the 13th NAPRECA Symposium, 10 – 14th August, 2009, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Chiteva, R. (2007). Chemical and nutritional content of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp from Ukambani districts in Kenya. A paper presented during the CHEMRAWN XII Conference, 2 – 5th December 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Chiteva, R. (2004). Determination of the Chemical Composition and Nutritive content of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp from Ukambani districts in Kenya. In: Muchiri, M.N. Kamondo, B., Tuwei, P. and Wanjiku, J. (eds.) 2005. Recent advances in forestry research and technology development for sustainable forest management: Proceedings of the 2nd KEFRI Scientific Conference, Muguga, Kenya, 1st to 4th November 2004
Administrative Responsibility
1st September 2022 – Date:
Acting Deputy Program Director, National Forest Products Research Program, Karura. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 64636, 00620, Nairobi, Kenya>
Experience
July 2021 – Date:
Senior Research Scientist, National Forest Products Research Program, Karura. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 64636, 00620, Nairobi, Kenya
July 2016 – June 2021:
Research Scientist I, National Forest Products Research Program, Karura. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 64636, 00620, Nairobi, Kenya
Aug. 2011 – June 2016
Research Scientist II, Forest Products Research Center, Karura. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 64636, 00620, Nairobi, Kenya
Aug. 2006 – July 2011
Assistant Research Scientist, Muguga Regional Research Center, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 20412, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Sept 1996 – July 2006
Laboratory technologist II, Muguga Regional Research Center, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 20412, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Nov 1994 – Sept 1996
Laboratory Technician III, Muguga Regional Research Center, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 20412, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Aug. 1990 – Nov 1994
Laboratory Casual worker, Forest Products Division, Karura, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O Box 30513, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Academic Qualification
2019 – 2023: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
2006 – 2010: Masters of Science in Environmental Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Kenya
2000 - 2004: Bachelor of Science (Analytical Chemistry), Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
1990 – 1994: Diploma in Applied Chemistry, The Kenya Polytechnic, Nairobi, Kenya
Key Competences
Team work
Applies relationship building values and principles of team dynamics to perform effectively in different roles
Exchanges relevant information within the teams and value their input
Leadership
Maintains the organizational awareness and stewardship
Decision making
Defines a problem, challenge or opportunity and comes up with solutions considering all relevant stakeholders
Technical skills
Analysis skills,
Computer skills
Initiative
have the ability to see something that needs to be done and step up to the task
Communication
have the ability to understand and use fluent English & Kiswahili (oral and written) to communicate in both professional and social environments.
also able to communicate in a bit of French (Oral and written)
Other Courses
2019: Short course on Climate Change Adaptation held at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa & Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
2019: Soft Skills Course Facilitated by HORBACH Financial Services, Germany and Chemistry Department, University of Nairobi, Kenya
2018: GC – MS training A Hands on approach. Organized by the Royal Society of Chemistry and GSK. Held at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.
2018: Integrated Management Systems Transition Internal auditor’s course based on ISO 9001: 2015 and 14001:2015 Standards organized by Bureau Veritas at KEFRI, Kitui.
2014: Commonwealth Scholarships Fellowship on Bio-energy and climate Change held at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
2011: Professional Fellowship Program in Food Security and Urban Development, organized by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, United States Department of State, Washington, DC, USA.
2011: Short course on Spectroscopy and Bioassay Techniques, Organized by the Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA) Nairobi, Kenya.
2009: 13th NAPRECA Pre-symposium course on Modern methods of structural analysis of Natural products; New Trends in Chromatographic Separation Techniques and herbal Products: For Health and Beauty, University of Kinshasa, DR Congo.
2007: Effective scientific Communication and Publishing. A course organized by the Training Center in Communication, University of Nairobi, Kenya.