: Research Scientist (Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement)
Expertise
: -
Journal papers
Gatama SM and Omondi SF (2020) Factors Influencing Good Governance in Forest Management and
Protection: A Case Study of Mt. Elgon Forest Reserve, Kenya. Journal of Economics and Sustainable
Development, 11(12):34-41. DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-12-06
Omondi SF and Khasa DP (2019) Estimating realized gene flow patterns in the Kenyan population of
Acacia senegal (syn. Senegalia senegal): an empirical comparison of SNP and microsatellite variations.
Brazilian Journal of forestry Special issue. http://dx.doi.org/10.4336/2019.pfb.39e201902043
Karani JK, Githae EW and Omondi SF (2019). Morphological Characterization of Fungal Infestations on
Road-side Tree Nursery Seedlings and the Influence of Environmental Factors on their Spread. Journal
of Scientific and Engineering Research 6(7):11-21.
Omondi SF, Machua J, Muturi GM, Gicheru JM and Hanaoka S (2019). Evidence of high genetic diversity
and significant population structuring in Vachellia tortilis (Forsk.) Galasso & Bonfi population in
Kenya. Annals of Forest Science (DOI: 10.1007/s13595-019-0834-y)
Andiego KP, Dangasuk OG, Odee DW, Omondi SF, Otieno, DF and Balozi BK (2019) Genetic diversity of
endangered sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) populations in Kenya using ISSR molecular markers. East
African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2019.1605964
Suwarni E, Omondi SF, Dancik BP and Khasa DP (2018) Estimation of pollen contamination and mating
system in Pinus merkusii seedling seed orchard using allozyme markers. Journal of Tropical Forest
Science 30(1): 95–105.
Omondi SF, Odee DW, Ongamo GO, Kanya JI, and Khasa DP (2018). Mating patterns of the gum arabic
tree (Acacia senegal synonym Senegalia senegal) in two different habitats. New Forests 49(1), 53-65.
Bala P, Gitehi G, Oeba V, Omondi SF, Luvanda A and Okeyo M (2017). Effect of seasonality, graft
type and scion characteristics on propagation of Vitex payos in the drylands of Kenya. Journal of
Horticulture and Forestry, 9(6) 49-58.
Otieno JO, Odee DW, Omondi SF, Oduor C and Kiplagat O (2017). Isolation and characterization of
nitrogen fixing bacteria that nodulate alien invasive plant species Prosopis juliflora (Swart) DC. in
Marigat, Kenya. Tropical Plant Research 4(1): 183–191.
Omondi SF, Ongamo GO, Kanya JI, Odee DW and Khasa DP (2017). Effects of Anthropogenic Disturbances
on Natural Regeneration and Population Structure of Gum Arabic Tree (Acacia senegal) in the Woodland
of Lake Baringo Ecosystem, Kenya. Journal of Forestry Research 28: 775-785.
Otieno JO, Omondi SF, Perry A, Odee DW, Makatiani ET, Kiplagat O and Cavers S (2016). Development
and characterization of microsatellite markers for Osyris lanceolate Hochst. and Steud., an endangered
African sandalwood species. Tropical Plant Research, 3 (3): 701-703.
Omondi SF, Ongamo GO, Kanya JI, Odee DW and Khasa DP (2016). Genetic consequences of anthropogenic
disturbances and population fragmentation in Acacia senegal. Conservation Genetics 17(6), 1235-1244.
Omondi SF, Ongamo GO, Kanya JI, Odee DW and Khasa DP (2016). Synchrony in leafing, flowering and
fruiting phenology of Senegalia senegal within Lake Baringo woodland, Kenya: Implication for
conservation and tree improvement. International Journal of Forestry Research, Volume 2016, Article ID
6904834.
Cheche WW, Githae EW, Omondi SF and Magana AM (2015). An inventory and assessment of exotic and
native plant species diversity in the Kenyan rangelands: Case study of Narok North Sub-County. Journal
of Ecology and the Natural Environment, 7(8):238-246.
Omondi SF, Machua J, Gicheru JM, Hanaoka S (2015).Isolation and characterization of microsatellite
markers for Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne. Conservation Genet Resour. 7 (2): 529-531.
Odee DW, Wilson J, Omondi SF, Perry A, Cavers S (2015). Rangewide ploidy variation and evolution in
Acacia senegal: a north– south divide? Annals of Botanical Pants 7: plv011; doi:10.1093/aobpla/plv011
Hanaoka S, Nakawa N, Okubo N, Omondi SF and Kariuki J (2014): Seed pretreatment and methods for
improving germination of Acacia tortilis seeds. African Journal of Biotechnology, 13 (50):4557-4561
Omondi SF, Githae EW and Ochieng JO (2014).Quantitative Variation in Seeds, Seedlings Growth and
Biomass among Acacia senegal (L) Willd. Provenances in Kenya. African Journal of Ecology 53: 295-303.
Githae EW, Gachene CKK, Njoka JT and Omondi SF (2013). Nitrogen fixation by natural populations of
Acacia senegal in the drylands of Kenya using 15N natural abundance. Arid Land Research and
Management, 27:327-336.
Machua J, Muturi G, Omondi SF and Gicheru J (2011). Genetic diversity of Jatropha curcas L.
populations in Kenya using RAPD molecular markers: Implication to plantation establishment. African
Journal of Biotechnology, 10 (16):3062-3069.
Omondi SF, Dangasuk, GO, Odee DW, Cavers S and Khasa DP (2010). Cross-amplification and
characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers from Acacia (Senegalia) mellifera and Acacia
brevispica to Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. Silvae genetica, 59 (6): 285-288.
Omondi SF, Kireger E, Dangasuk GO, Chikamai B, Odee DW, Cavers S and Khasa DP (2010). Genetic
diversity and population structure of Acacia Senegal (L) Willd. in Kenya. Journal of Tropical plant
biology, 3: 59-70.
Technical Notes /Protocols/Guidelines
Hanaoka S, Omondi SF and M. Matsushita (2017). Guidelines for Conservation of Genetic Resources of
Melia volkensii and Acacia tortilis in the drylands of Kenya. Sankeisha Co LTD, Nagoya Aichi, Japan.
ISBN 978-4-86487-733-6 C3045.
Hanaoka S, Omondi SF and Machua J (2013). Basic Molecular Techniques for Tree breeding:
Experimental Protocol. Sankeisha Co LTD, Nagoya Aichi, Japan. ISBN 978-4-86487-110-5 C3045.
Experience
Sept 2018 –Date :
Research Scientist I, Tree breeding and Improvement, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O
Box 20412 -00200 Nairobi, Kenya.
Jan 2014-Sept 2018 :
Research Scientist II, Tree breeding and Improvement, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O
Box 20412 -00200 Nairobi, Kenya.
June 2010 -Jan 2014 :
Assistant Research Officer, Tree breeding and Improvement, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI),
P.O Box 20412 -00200 Nairobi, Kenya.
Administrative Responsibility
May 2019-Date :
Deputy Regional Director, Central Highlands Eco-region Research Programme, Kenya Forestry Research
Institute (KEFRI), P.O Box 20412 -00200 Nairobi, Kenya
Qualification
2013-2016 :
PhD in Plant Ecology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
2005-2010::
Masters of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Forestry, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
1999-2004:
Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Forestry, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
Other Courses
2nd-3rd November 2017 :
Demand-Led Breeding held at ILRI campus, Nairobi, Kenya.
31st March - 2nd April 2015 :
ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System) Internal Audit training course, Kitui Regional Center -
KEFRI.
May – June 2014 :
Training on molecular data analysis and interpretation at Forest Tree Breeding Centre (FTBC),Takahagi, Japan.
25th-27th November 2013 :
Training on analysis of molecular data in African timber species, Libreville, Gabon.
11th-13th September 2013 :
ISO 14001 (Environment Management System) Internal Audit training, KEFRI headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya.
10th June -12th July 2013 :
Training on Genotyping of Melia volkensii using microsatellite markers and SNP discovery in Acacia
tortilis at Forest Tree Breeding Centre (FTBC), Takahagi, Japan.
11-17th March 2013 :
Training on the application of molecular genetic markers for timber tracking in Africa, KEFRI,
Nairobi, Kenya.
4thJuly -25th August 2012 :
Training on DNA analysis (Development and use of microsatellite markers of Acacia tortilis) at Forest
and Tree Breeding Centre (FTBC), Takahagi, Japan.
22nd - 24th June 2012 :
IUFRO-FORNESSA Pre-Congress training; Preparing and writing research proposals.
23rd-27th January 2012 :
Science writing course at Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya