Dr. Oscar Omondi Donde (Ph.D.) is an enthusiastic environmental research scientist and academician, serving as a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science at Egerton University, Kenya. With a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, research, and education, Dr. Donde has significantly contributed to the field through various leadership roles, research projects, and scholarly activities.
Dr. Donde was born and raised in Kenya, where he developed a profound interest in environmental issues from a young age. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Egerton University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Aquatic Science. Driven by a passion for research and environmental conservation, he furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Limnology from Egerton University, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Chinese prestigious institution, The University of Chinese academy of Sciences. Upon completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Donde joined Kenyan Marine and Fisheires research Institute as a research scientist and served for two years. He later on moved to Egerton University as a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Science. He has served as a lecturer, imparting knowledge in various environmental science courses, and mentoring both undergraduate and postgraduate students. In December 2021, he was appointed as the Head of the Department of Environmental Science, where he has been instrumental in shaping the department's academic and research directions.
Dr. Donde’s leadership extends beyond the university. In 2023, he served as the African Ambassador to Crossref, an organization that provides metadata for scholarly content, enhancing the visibility and discoverability of research outputs. In the same year, he joined the board of Crossref, contributing to the governance and strategic planning of the organization. He is the founder and the current Editor-in-Chief of the Pan Africa Science Journal, a platform dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge across the African continent. Dr. Donde is also an active member of the East Africa Water Association and the Environmental Institute of Kenya, organizations that play crucial roles in addressing environmental and water resource management issues in the region. As an Associate National Environment Management Authority (NEMA-Kenya) expert, Dr. Donde provides critical insights and guidance on environmental policies and regulations, contributing to sustainable environmental management in Kenya.
Dr. Donde has participated in and led numerous research projects aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges. Some of his notable research projects include: 2024 Seed Grant for Alliance for Africa Partnership. This project focuses on building partnerships to tackle environmental and agricultural issues across Africa; Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme (NDICI-2023-MOBAF). This initiative promotes academic and research collaboration among African institutions, enhancing capacity building and knowledge exchange; 2023 FICAP AI and Citizen Science (Air Quality) for Climate Resilience in Nakuru Project: Aimed at improving air quality and climate resilience through artificial intelligence and citizen science; Global Engagement Research Experience and Extension in Kenya funded by NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and NIFA-USDA Research Experience and Extension for Undergraduates (REEU); Lake Restoration Research Project: Focuses on the restoration and sustainable management of lakes in Kenya; Lake Turkana Research Project by KMFRI: Conducted in collaboration with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, this project addresses ecological and socio-economic issues affecting Lake Turkana; Lake Naivasha Ecosystem Health Research Project: A collaborative effort between Egerton University and Western University, Canada, aimed at assessing and improving the health of the Lake Naivasha ecosystem. Dr. Donde has co-authored over 50 research papers published in reputable journals, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in environmental science. His research covers a wide range of topics, including water resource management, ecosystem health, and climate resilience. He has also supervised five postgraduate students to completion, mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists.
Despite his demanding career, Dr. Donde is known for his dedication to his family and community. He is passionate about education and often engages in activities that promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Dr. Oscar Omondi Donde’s career at Egerton University is marked by a steadfast commitment to environmental science, research excellence, and leadership. His work continues to have a profound impact on environmental policies, academic scholarship, and community development in Kenya and beyond. Through his various roles and projects, Dr. Donde exemplifies the integration of academic rigor with practical solutions for environmental sustainability.