Mr. AGGREY OSOGO, KIBABII UNIVERSITY, Kenya.
Aggrey Keya Osogo is a Kenyan plant virologist and Principal Technologist with a robust academic and professional background in plant pathology and crop protection. Beginning his academic journey in Vihiga County, he progressively advanced through diploma, higher diploma, and bachelor’s programs before earning a Master of Science in Crop Protection from MMUST. He is currently finalizing his Ph.D. research focused on the molecular characterization of common bean viruses using advanced ‘omics’ technologies.
Profile
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Aggrey Keya Osogo began his academic journey with a strong foundational education in Vihiga County, Kenya. He completed his primary education at Kaptik Primary School (1978–1985) before proceeding to Mbale High School, where he obtained a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 1989 with a commendable C+ grade. Driven by a passion for biology and plants, he pursued further studies in applied sciences, completing a Diploma in Applied Biology at Kenya Polytechnic in 1993 and later enhancing his credentials with a Higher Diploma in Applied Biology at Eldoret Polytechnic in 2002. His early academic journey laid a firm groundwork for his future specialization in plant pathology and virology.
🧪 Professional Endeavors
Mr. Osogo’s professional path is marked by consistent growth and commitment to laboratory sciences and academic instruction. Starting his career as a Laboratory Technologist in the Botany Department of Moi University in 1997, he gained vital hands-on experience in biological sciences. Over the years, he advanced to roles of increased responsibility, serving as a Senior Laboratory Technologist at Egerton University and later at MMUST. Since 2015, he has held the position of Chief Technologist at Kibabii University, where he also serves as a part-time lecturer. His teaching portfolio spans a range of botany-focused courses including plant taxonomy, microbiology, plant pathology, and botanical techniques, showcasing his expertise and devotion to nurturing future scientists.
🧬 Contributions and Research Focus
A dedicated researcher in plant pathology, Mr. Osogo’s scientific focus lies in virology, with significant work on crop protection and virus identification in staple crops. He holds a Master of Science in Crop Protection from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), where he researched the occurrence, distribution, and virulence of cassava brown streak viruses. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at MMUST, his thesis emphasizes the molecular characterization of common bean viruses using cutting-edge ‘omics’ and high-throughput technologies. His research is crucial for developing disease-resistant crop varieties and ensuring food security for smallholder farmers in Western Kenya.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Although modest in public acclaim, Mr. Osogo’s career reflects quiet excellence and dedication to academic and research excellence. His steady rise from a laboratory technologist to a chief technologist and respected lecturer in Kenyan universities is a testament to his competence, perseverance, and deep-rooted passion for plant virology. His teaching engagements at both MMUST and Kibabii University have earned him respect among colleagues and students alike, establishing him as a role model in laboratory and field-based scientific instruction.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Through his extensive work in teaching, mentoring, and virological research, Mr. Osogo has had a lasting impact on Kenya’s academic and agricultural landscape. By identifying and understanding viral threats in major crops such as cassava and beans, he contributes directly to sustainable agriculture and improved yields for smallholder farmers. His influence extends beyond the classroom, as his research plays a crucial role in guiding disease management policies and enhancing diagnostic capacities in the region.
🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Mr. Osogo aspires to become a lead scientist in plant virology, a goal well within reach given his ongoing contributions and academic progression. His legacy will be one of mentorship, scientific rigor, and a tireless quest to protect crops from viral diseases. As he nears completion of his Ph.D., he is positioned to take on greater roles in regional and international research collaborations, policy formulation, and capacity building in crop protection science.
🔬 Passion for Plant Science
Outside his formal roles, Mr. Osogo maintains a personal passion for botanizing, reflecting a deep, intrinsic love for plant life and exploration. This hobby not only complements his profession but also fuels his innovative thinking and observational skills in research. His ability to blend curiosity with scientific methodology makes him a standout figure in Kenya’s plant pathology field.
Publication
Title: Biodegradation of carbofuran in soils within Nzoia River Basin, Kenya
Authors: DO Onunga, IO Kowino, AN Ngigi, A Osogo, F Orata, ZM Getenga, …
Year: 2015
Title: Antimicrobial Coumarins from the Oyster Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes), from Kenya
Authors: et al. Lilechi
Year: 2016
Title: Occurrence and distribution of begomoviruses infecting cassava in Western Kenya
Authors: MN Were, B Mukoye, AK Osogo, BC Mangeni, PAA Nyamwamu, …
Year: 2016
Title: Occurrence and distribution of cassava brown streak viruses in Western Kenya
Authors: AK Osogo, J Muoma, P Nyamwamu, CN Omuse, HK Were
Year: 2014
Title: Mapping of angular leaf spot disease hotspot areas in western Kenya towards its management
Authors: RK Leitich, W Arinaitwe, B Mukoye, DO Omayio, AK Osogo, HK Were, …
Year: 2016
Title: Distribution and biological characterization of potato virus y in Kenya
Authors: N Paul, M Benard, A Osogo
Year: 2014
Title: Occurrence, distribution, incidence, and severity of common bean viral diseases in resource-limited smallholder farms of western Kenya
Authors: AK Osogo, F Muyekho, P Okoth, H Were, G Ayaaga
Year: 2025
Title: Deciphering common bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) microbiome assemblages reveal mechanistic insights into host-pathogen-microbiome interactions
Authors: AK Osogo, F Muyekho, H Were, P Okoth
Year: 2025
Title: Comprehensive metabolomic profiling of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) reveals biomarkers involved in viral disease detection and monitoring
Authors: AK Osogo, C Wekesa, FN Muyekho, HK Were, P Okoth
Year: 2025
Title: Genome-Wide Metatranscriptomics Crosswalk of Diseased Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) Unravels Critical Metabolic Pathways Involved in Plant Defense Mechanisms
Authors: AK Osogo, BS Sarkar, FN Muyekho, HK Were, P Okoth
Year: 2025
🏁 Conclusion
Aggrey Keya Osogo’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to plant virology and academic excellence. His progression from technologist to researcher and educator reflects both deep scientific commitment and impactful service to the agricultural sector. With a strong foundation, impactful research, and ongoing doctoral work, he is well-poised to become a leading voice in plant pathology not only in Kenya but across the region. His contributions are pivotal in strengthening food security and inspiring the next generation of plant scientists.