Dr. Stephen Omondi

Resume photo

Dr. Stephen Omondi

Research Scientist
E-mail : somondi@kefri.org
Researcher ID : 0000-0003-1931-2672
Designation : Research Scientist (Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement)
Expertise : -

Journal papers

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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)
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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